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An American Spectacular is a medley of American songs written by Chris Sharp (see below) in 2011.

From the arranger, Chris Sharp:

“Capture the spirit of our forefathers with An American Spectacular. This medley of patriotic favorites takes listeners on a musical journey through American history as told through the heritage of its musical legacy. God Save the Queen is now known to Americans as My Country, ‘Tis of Thee, although the melody was borrowed from the well-known English hymn. It reflects the protection the British Empire provided to our young colonies during the French and Indian War.

The Girl I Left Behind Me and Chester commemorate the American Revolution, when brave patriots fought and won their independence from England. Hail Columbia was the United States’ first national anthem, and was played for the inauguration of George Washington. America's emergence as a naval power during the War of 1812 is symbolized by the stirring Columbia, The Gem of the Ocean.

The beautiful Shenandoah marks the westward expansion of pioneers during the early 19th century. When Johnny Comes Marching Home was the hopeful song of wives and families as the country was torn apart by the devastation of the Civil War. The Battle Cry of Freedom was a rallying point for the reunification and reconstruction of post-war Civil War America.

Foreign conflicts dominated the first half of the 20th century. A nostalgic rendition of George M. Cohan’s Over There gives way to The Caisson Song of the U.S. Army. Nods to the other armed forces lead into the grand finale, the beloved anthem, America, the Beautiful.”

Arranger Chris Sharp is a professional musician, composer/arranger and educator. With advanced degrees from both the University of Florida and the University of Miami, he holds a Ph.D. in Composition with a concentration in conducting and wind band literature.

Dr. Sharp began his career as a full-time musician, bandleader and music arranger/orchestrator for the Walt Disney World Company. While at Disney, Dr. Sharp led and performed in atmosphere entertainment groups and also worked in show development and administration. He has written over 400 musical arrangements for Walt Disney Creative Services for groups ranging from small combos to full symphony orchestras. He has written for countless recording sessions producing music for convention shows, character shows, parade tracks, target-market concerts, fireworks shows and national television broadcasts. His music is heard in the Disney parks worldwide.

As a commercial arranger/orchestrator, Dr. Sharp has also written for several other high-profile clients including SeaWorld, Universal Studios, the Boston Pops, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Symphony Pops Music, Inc., the Dallas Brass and several service bands including the famed USAF Airmen of Note.

For the past several years, Dr. Sharp has worked as a music educator. He has taught music at every level of education from 4th grade up through college level. He has served as Director of Bands at several colleges and is in high demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator. Currently, he is serving as Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia.

Since 2002, Dr. Sharp has been writing concert band, jazz band, marching band, string orchestra and chamber music for the scholastic market. He currently has over 200 published works available through The FJH Music Company, Inc, Alfred Publications, Jalen/Matrix Publishing and several others. He has over 100 pieces listed in the catalog of J.W. Pepper, the world’s largest distributor of printed music. His music has been widely performed, including annual appearances at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago every year since 2002.

The music for An American Spectacular was provided for the band

by Barbara and David Cotton.

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