July 2006 Newsletter

"On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

- Francis Scott Key

That is one of the lesser known verses of the "Star-Spangled Banner," and one of four total - can you imagine having to sit through some pop star's four verse rendition before every ball game? Oi vey! Most national anthems seem a bit trite and full of manufactured patriotism. And, if you listened to seven different country's anthems in a row, without lyrics, you'd be hard pressed to guess the origin of each. One hymn pretty much sounds like another. Let's face it, if not for America's "only superpower" status, our beloved "Banner" would be equally unmemorable. Why, then, are Americans so moved by our anthem? Consider the subject matter: our flag. Most national anthems praise the land of the country they are from ("God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation strong."), and some praise the rulers ("God Save the Queen!", et al). Ours has nary a mention of the country's name or ruler, except maybe in "land of the free," and that's more a praise of the people than the land. Surprising for a supposedly "arrogant" country. No, our anthem is about a symbol: our flag. Actually, it's a story about our flag, and the brave men who fought for our independence. That's why it moves us.

Enough of the patriotic stuff, and on to what's new with Seaside Brass.

- The Irate Pirates had a great time performing at Legoland two weeks ago. The Patriots will make an appearance there on July 4th.

- "Sensation Showband" will also appear on the 4th of July, at Lake Murray, from 7-9pm, just before the fireworks.

- This month we're performing at the wedding of a longtime fan of the band, way back from the days of "The Beach Band" - congratulations Evie!

- New pictures in the Gallery. These were promised last time and not delivered - sorry!

That's it for now.