2026 is going to be a HUGE year for patriotic performances, and now is the perfect time to start planning your concert band repertoire! With the 250th anniversary of the United States being celebrated all year long—plus major patriotic holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day—band directors will need music that is meaningful, educational, and exciting.
Today at J.W. Pepper, we’re highlighting some of our top patriotic concert band selections—pieces that are challenging yet approachable, engaging for students, and rousing for audiences. These works are ideal for school bands, community bands, and special patriotic events throughout 2026. All titles featured are linked below so you can get started right away, and many are available via ePrint for immediate rehearsal access. And remember—this list is just a small sampling of the wide selection of patriotic concert band music available at J.W. Pepper.
Let’s get ready to make America’s 250th an unforgettable musical celebration—starting with some awesome patriotic music for your band!
Fanfare Americana
Randall Standridge
The sweeping landscapes and sounds of American classical music serve as the inspiration for this bold fanfare. Paying homage to Aaron Copland, this work balances careful scoring with quartal harmony and motivic development to provide a musical experience that is simultaneously exciting and accessible. The composer has paid special attention to range to make sure that your ensemble will sound its best at your next concert, festival, or patriotic performance!
Starts at 1:17
America, the Beautiful
arr. Carmen Dragon & Douglas E. Wagner
The rich musical legacy of Carmen Dragon includes his iconic arrangement of America, the Beautiful. This musical feast of color and nuance is now available in an edition for younger players and their audiences to enjoy. All the majestic beauty and awesome grandeur of the original is preserved in this fresh scoring, with appropriate accommodations made for less experienced musicians. A stunning addition to the young band repertoire!
Starts at 2:23
Liberty Square March
arr. Chris Ferguson
This well-scored and accessible medley of American patriotic songs – Over There; The Stars and Stripes Forever; Hail to the Chief; America and Yankee Doodle – has all the trimmings of a traditional concert march while remaining playable by young musicians.
Starts at 3:27
Armed Forces on Parade
arr. Michael Sweeney
Here’s a stirring medley of marches from the United States armed forces, arranged for any size band. Includes: The Marines’ Hymn, The Caissons Go Rolling Along and Anchors Aweigh.
Starts at 4:27
A Patriotic Festival
arr. Mark Williams
This stirring collage of patriotic themes is just the concert closer you’ve been searching for! Songs include: Yankee Doodle Dandy; America; America The Beautiful and Battle Hymn Of The Republic (Glory, Glory Hallelujah!). This exciting medley works equally well with or without the optional choral arrangements, which are available separately.
Starts at 5:30
Battle Hymn of the Republic
set. Peter J. Wilhousky/arr. Justin P. Tokke
A beloved staple in the American patriotic vernacular. This famous and longtime favorite arrangement is the setting that has become the standard for this enduring song. This critical edition of the piece includes for the first time a full score as well as detailed notes on the history and performance practice of this monumental work. A must-have for all music libraries.
Starts at 6:27
With Honor
Pinkzebra
Evoking reverence and gratitude, this piece resonates with an uplifting spirit of profound respect. Suitable for tributes, patriotic holidays, honors ceremonies, graduations, memorials, and general concerts, it’s available here in a flexible format.
Starts at 7:16
