'To Honor and Inspire': A salute to U.S. military bands

Alfred Reed's 'Russian Christmas Music' has become a majestic mainstay of the concert band repertoire since its debut in 1944. As the work marks its 80th anniversary, it's worth retelling how remarkable its world premiere was. Listen now to this timeless piece.

John Philip Sousa was no stranger to Minnesota. He and his band performed here more than 100 times, including at the State Fair, and he even composed two marches inspired by our state. But there's so much more that connects the March King with Minnesota.

Looking for a patriotic soundtrack for your July Fourth celebration? We've programmed a 4-hour playlist of classical and Americana music to go with whatever you're doing on Independence Day, from cooking out to watching fireworks.

The U.S. Air Force Band and its official choir, the Singing Sergeants, recently enthralled a packed Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis with a patriotic concert that paid tribute not only to the United States but to Minnesota, too. YourClassical MPR was there to record it. Listen now!

The Minnesota State Band honors the state’s 166th anniversary — and new state emblems — in a May 11 concert at the Minnesota History Center.

School is back in session, and maybe your student has joined the band. You might be thinking ‘76 Trombones’ or ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ — but let’s go beyond those warhorses and learn about these 13 great works for concert band.

Concert band is a large part of classical music, yet many composers don't get the recognition they deserve for contributing to the genre. Here are 10 band composers you should know — besides the March King, John Philip Sousa.

From military to minstrel, and big band to jazz, Black band leaders have helped shape the urban soundscapes in America throughout our history. Here are four worth checking out.

Congratulations to band director Michael Serber, who recently retired from the Robbinsdale City Band after more than 50 years with the ensemble, including 31 as its leader. To celebrate, here’s a look at the storied band from our archives, including a 360 video of a performance in St. Paul.

Drum and bugle corps are back this summer for the first time in more than two years because of the pandemic. Anoka-based River City Rhythm’s field show is making its only Minnesota appearance on Thursday in Rochester, along with several other corps. Until then, enjoy these performances from when the corps’ horns visited Minnesota Public Radio in 2019 for a special recording session.