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MI: LIBRARY: MUSIC: STAR SPANGLED BANNER

  In 1814, during the War of 1812, a lawyer watched the British attack Fort McHenry. It was the Battle of Baltimore which would last from September 12-14. The lawyer, Francis Scott Key, had been sent by President Madison to obtain release of an elderly doctor who had been arrested for rude behavior towards the British.

  Key did obtain the doctor’s release, however, as the British were preparing to attack Baltimore, they wouldn’t allow the two to travel ashore. On September 12, 1814, the British began their attack on Baltimore. The attack was unsucessful and thus prompted the British to began a naval attack on Fort McHenry, the central defense of the city.

  For more than 24 hours, the British fired bombs and rockets at the fort. All of which was withstoodand no surrender availed. Eventually, the British realized no capture would result without heavy casualties, the British departed on September 14, two days after their inital attack. 

  Having been a small ways down river, Key observed the attacks and upon returning to Baltimore, he finished a poem he had written during the battle. This poem would later become the lyrics to a British melody. The melody was “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a British drinking song composed by John Stafford Smith. First being published as “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” the name would be changed later that year, eventually being known as “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a name for the large flag that was flown the morning after the battle. 

  The song would be sung in the Civil War, by both sides, as well as during World War I. Following more than a hundred years of use, Congress would adopt the song as the United States’ national anthem in an act of 1931. It has been arranged by music teachers and composers across America. An official arrangement was completed by John Philip Sousa for the United States’ Army and Navy. 


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Name: Ben
EMail: mrben003@aol.com

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The Star-Spangled Banner has been subject to much argument. There is debate as to whether a British drinking song should represent our country. What do you think?


Name: Rashel
EMail: Rach7891@hotmail.com

Comments

I think they should keep the anthem the same! Can you please E~Mail me some of the results of this poll thing-like what some people had to say? I need it for a project and it would help a lot! Thanks!


Name: Rashel
EMail: Rach7891@hotmail.com

Comments

I think they should keep the anthem the same! Can you please E~Mail me some of the results of this poll thing-like what some people had to say? I need it for a project and it would help a lot! Thanks!


Name: Tam
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I think that u soould have the notes to "the Star-spangled Banner"


Name: Crystal
EMail: Crystalabales@yahoo.com

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you should have the notes to the star spangled banner for flutes!!!!!!!!!


Name: Crystal
EMail: Crystalabales@yahoo.com

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you should have the notes to the star spangled banner for flutes.


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Name: Elizabeth
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YOu really need the note for star spangled banner for trombones!!!! Trombones RULE!!!


Name: Elizabeth
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YOu really need the note for star spangled banner for trombones!!!! Trombones RULE!!!


Name: Elizabeth
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YOu really need the note for star spangled banner for trombones!!!! Trombones RULE!!!


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I think it should stay the same


Name: mary
EMail: star90725@msn.com

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I think it should stay the same


Name: Dash
EMail: dxromeo01@aol.com

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You really should get the notes to The Star Spangled Banner for Saxophones. It sounds really good when played by a Sax.


Name: Dash
EMail: dxromeo01@aol.com

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You really should get the notes to The Star Spangled Banner for Saxophones. It sounds really good when played by a Sax.


Name: Dash
EMail: dxromeo01@aol.com

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You really should get the notes to The Star Spangled Banner for Saxophones. It sounds really good when played by a Sax.


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They should have the notes for the Star-Spangled Banner for the trumpet if they dont already so they could play it in armys and stuff


Name: Laura
EMail: blinkchick@mindspring.com

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can you guys please send me the Star Spangled Banner tab?..if you kno it?

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