In 2002, anticipating the 205th anniversary year of "The President's Own" Marine Band, the then-Directors of this beloved ensemble invited John Williams to conduct a gala concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The legendary American composer graciously accepted, noting that his own father, a percussionist, had taught his son to love and respect the Marine Band from a young age. Williams first appeared with the band on July 12, 2003, one day after the band's official 205th birthday, thus inaugurating a long collaboration sustained by mutual respect and admiration. Williams would return to the Kennedy Center for another concert, this time in celebration of the band's 210th anniversary, in 2008. Several of his most enduring works were prepared especially for the Marine Band for these concerts, from film soundtrack highlights to original concert works. These full-length gala concerts from 2003 and 2008 are, taken together, a tour de force of some of Williams' most popular and creative scores, and serve as the primary source for this unique new recording collection. "Performing with 'The President's Own, '" writes Williams, "has been one of the highest honors of my working life in music. My great hope is that listeners of this special recording will experience some of the exhilaration and fun that I enjoyed conducting these two memorable performances... this ensemble truly is a national treasure of which all Americans should be justly proud."

Semper Fidelis - The United States Marine Corps at 250

The compositions on this new release by The President’s Own Marine Band were all composed during the last century. They draw, however, on traditional American spirituals, ballads, folk tunes, and rags from the American Revolution to the present. The title of this release, “Be Glad Then, America,” is taken from New England Triptych by William Schuman, which is included on this album. Particularly notable are the three world premiere recordings: “For The President’s Own,” by John Williams, Aaron Copland’s “Third Symphony,” and a set of songs by Charles Ives set for this world class ensemble.

John Williams for Band is performed and recorded by the Bands of the United States Armed Forces. Selections include “Sounds the Bells,” “The Cowboys Overture,” “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Music from The Patriot,” “Yoda’s Theme & Main Theme” from the Star Wars Trilogy, “Adventures on Earth,” from E.T. and many more rousing works.

The newest release from Altissimo! Celebrates the music of Percy Grainger, both familiar and unknown, recorded live in 2011 at a concert given in observation of the 50th anniversary of composer death, performed by the "President's Own" US Marine Band under Colonel Michael J. Colburn in collaboration with the Choral Arts Society of Washington. The title The Music Lover's Grainger was borrowed from one of Grainger's many unfinished publishing projects, reflecting the world premiere recordings featured on the program. These include a version of "The Lost Lady Found", the final number of Lincolnshire Posy, transcribed for band and chorus, based on Grainger's original setting for chorus and orchestra; the original, unpublished band version of "Spoon River", reconstructed from the recently discovered manuscript parts; and a rarely heard, otherworldly harmonization of the "Londonderry Air", the tune of "Danny Boy", scored for band, chorus, and organ. A significant amateur ethnomusicologist, Grainger drew extensively from folksong, collecting several hundred tunes from the English countryside himself. The repertoire recorded here includes English, Irish, Scottish, American, and Danish influences.

AMERICAN CLASSICS FOR VETERANS DAY

Everyone is familiar with, at the very least, a handful of John Philip Sousa's magnificent marches. Melodies from The Washington Post, The Stars and Stripes Forever, and The Liberty Bell can be found in countless films, television programs, commercials, and anywhere patriotic music is to be heard. However, these works barely scratch the surface of Sousa's deep catalogue of amazing compositions. The Sousa: Deep Cuts series from Altissimo! Recordings, seeks to highlight his more obscure works, from less-familiar marches, to waltzes and suites. This collection, all recorded by ''The President's Own'' United States Marine Band, is the only way to hear some of these pieces, and is perfect for hardcore fans of ''The March King.''

Semper Fi!: The Best of the United States Marine Band

The United States Navy Band is the premiere ensemble of the Navy, and is known as “The World’s Finest.” The band supports our troops and government officials through concerts, tours, ceremonies, and recordings, and has been doing so since its creation in 1925. Through its musical mission, the members of this historic group have served to inspire patriotism in its audiences, and to preserve American musical heritage. Designed to emulate a Navy Band concert program, this album contains a balance of patriotic music, marches, and concert band standards, all of which represent the very best recordings of this historic ensemble. Enjoy this exclusive production of the best of the Navy Band.

Founded in 1969, the 18-member United States Navy Band, Commodores, have been performing big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for over 40 years. They're held in high regard nationwide by concert patrons and critics alike, and have compiled an impressive roster of jazz artists who've guested with them (James Moody, Branford Marsalis, Chris Potter, and many more). Includes “I Thought About You”, “Don't Explain” and “Flamingo”, among others songs.

Founded in 1969, the 18-member United States Navy Band, Commodores, have been performing big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for over 40 years. They're held in high regard nationwide by concert patrons and critics alike, and have compiled an impressive roster of jazz artists who've guested with them (James Moody, Branford Marsalis, Chris Potter, and many more). This album includes an array of great jazz tunes, including “Caravan”, “Waltz For Debby” and “Lester Left Town”

The Heritage of the March Collection remains the largest single march music record series in history. Altissimo is continuing the release of this series with Volumes 5 & 6 in a two-CD set. Volume 5 features the marches of Frank Losey & Gian Mantagazzi. Volume 6 features the marches of Charles Barnhouse & Viktor Widqvist.

Celebrate our great country with this timeless collection of popular American patriotic songs. America the Beautiful features fantastic songs that represent America and its citizens’ love of country. Songs like “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “God Bless the USA” bring back memories of Fourth of July celebrations. Each piece is performed with a powerful and glorious musical expression from the men and women who serve our nation in uniform throughout the world and who are committed, more than ever, to freedom.

Under the Big Top: Circus Marches

The Heritage of the March Collection remains the largest single march music record series in history. Altissimo is continuing the release of this series with Volumes 3 & 4 in a 2-CD set. Volume 3 features the marches of Fred Jewell & Hermann Blankenburg. Volume 4 features the marches of William P. Chambers & Arthur W. Hughes.

2013 collection that celebrates and honors the women of World War II. We Can Do It features music from the WWII era, including hits like 'In the Mood,' 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,' and 'Sing, Sing, Sing,' performed by the great musicians of the United States military, including the Airmen of Note, formed to carry on the tradition of Glenn Miller's Army Air Corps dance band.

Altissimo presents this great collection of traditional folk songs we all grew up singing. This album contains songs spanning two centuries from early 1800's to today. Important times and themes in American history are represented through the music. Sing along and enjoy these songs that shaped America! (Altissimo)

West Point Band's Music Under the Stars is full of sweeping beautiful orchestration from the US Military Academy Concert Band. West Point has created a reputation for presenting serious concert music to their audience which is shown here with their exemplary mix of classical patriotic Broadway and concert style songs all accounted for.

The United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants, conducted by Major Albert A. Bader, present to you this arrangement of Christmas carols created by USAF Chief Arr. Floyd E. Werle. This composition is truly a masterpiece, and regarded by some as "one of the finest creations in his career." It was composed as a carol celebration for soloists, mixed chorus, symphonic band, and audience featuring traditional Christmas carols from around the world. This album has been re-mastered from the 1974 LP - the world premiere recording, and only recording of this piece available.

Altissimo is proud to honor all veterans with this special compilation performed by the U.S. Military bands and choruses. The pieces featured on the album were selected for the message behind the music. Included are: Eric Ewazen's "A Hymn for the Lost and Living," which he composed as his musical response following September 11th; "That Others May Live" written by SSgt Jeremy Martin and dedicated to all of the medical workers in all branches of the U.S. Military; Gene Sheer's "American Anthem" composed to serve as a reminder of the selfless sacrifices of the men and women who fight for our nation; Robert Jager’s “Epilogue: Lest We Forget,” commissioned by Colonel Jack Grogran for the 50th Anniversary of WWII; "Gardens of Stone" by James A. Beckel, Jr. written for all fallen heroes buried at Arlington Cemetery; and "The Last Full Measure of Devotion" by Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan composed for the 1991 CBS Special "CBS All-Star Salute to Our Troops," among many other great pieces.

This recording offers music representative of the festival traditions of five different cultures: Russia (or more precisely, the former Soviet Union), Mexico, Poland (by way of France), Greece, and Rome. While the music certainly reveals the differences one would expect from such diverse cultures, the similarities are even more striking. The universal elements of a festival-the exuberance, the gratitude, and the reverence-are present in this music, and serve to remind US of the commonalities of human existence.

Let's Dance

This album is the second in a series of recordings honoring the lives and music of individuals who have made significant contributions to big band jazz and to music education. The Legacy of Hank Levy honors a man who made his life's work the composition and teaching of a specifically American musical genre, jazz. Levy's arrangements consistently employed unusual time signatures and harmonies. He served as an arranger for Stan Kenton and the Don Ellis Orchestra, as well as founder and long-time director of Towson University's Jazz Program. Honoring the memory and innumerable musical contributions of Hank Levy, this album is both inspiring and captivating.

Recorded by the Air Force Band of the Golden Gate, Alla Marcia contains a series of marches for band. No other musical genre packs as much punch into a small package as does the march. The basic composition of the march is fairly simple: movement, dynamically portrayed, using the basic elements of rhythm, melody, and logical form. On Alla Marcia, Captain Chevallard and the Air Force Band of the Golden Gate illustrate these components with the power and subtlety characteristic of the march style. The tracks on this album represent eight nationalities, providing diverse music with universal appeal.

Tracks:
1 Rocky Top (Boudleaux/Bryant)  2:53
2 City of New Orleans (Williamson)  4:55
3 Down in the Boondocks (South)  3:13
4 Sweet Baby James (Taylor)  3:52
5 Hey Good Lookin' (Williams)  3:37
6 High on a Mountaintop (Reed)  3:49
7 I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (Williams)  3:15
8 Little Whitewashed Chimney (Clifton)  2:30
9 Big Spike Hammer (Osborne/Goble)  2:43
10 Good Woman's Love (Coben)  3:13
11 I've Waited as Long as I Can (Brown, Jr.)  2:59
12 Heart of Caroline (Taylor)  2:38
13 King of Broken Hearts (Lauderdale)  3:10
14 Oh Lonesome Me (Gibson)  2:41
15 Sugarland Run (Arneson)  2:08
16 Every Time it Snows (Taylor)  3:24
17 Prisoner's Song (Guy Massey)  3:46
18 I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) (Reid/Ried)  2:49