Guest Blog: A List of "JPE" Orchestral Works for a Year-Long Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday in 2026
A List of "Just Patriotic Enough" Orchestral Works for a Year-Long Celebration
By Retired Major Brian Dix, United States Marine Corps, independent Conductor & Composer based in San Diego
(originally published May 7, 2024)
In anticipation of America's momentous 250th birthday in 2026, the world of classical music stands poised to create a year-long celebration extending beyond the traditional festivities of Independence Day. Amidst the grandeur, there exists a delightful consideration of ‘diamonds in the rough’—musical works that skillfully strike the delicate balance in concert repertoire of patriotism without veering into the realm of going full-blown “Pops.”
Welcome to the world of "Just Patriotic Enough" compositions—affectionately dubbed JPEs —a list of compositions poised to infuse the nation's musical landscape with a nuanced tapestry of pride and creativity throughout this historic birthday year.
In the 18th century, public spaces resonated with fiddlers and fifers performing iconic pieces like "The White Cockade," shaping America's musical landscape. As the nation embraced independence, this tradition nurtured diverse forms, styles, rhythms, and homegrown composers, propelling American symphonic arts onto the global stage.
These JPEs, ideal for the first half of concert programs, introduce a patriotic flavor while allowing for continued local orchestral artistic vision. This strategic blend of tradition and innovation promises a dynamic musical experience. Presenting a captivating assortment of JPEs throughout 2026 elevates concert repertoire while celebrating 250 years of American musical heritage. And above all, it’s simply good music.
JPE’s for your consideration:
American Suite in A Major (Op. 98b.), Antonín Dvořák | An Outdoor Overture (1938), Aaron Copland |
Bal Masque, Op. 22 (1893), Amy Beach | Grand Cakewalk (Movement XII) - From "Cakewalk", Louis Moreau Gottschalk - Hershy Kay |
Commando March, Samuel Barber | Charles Ives Suite, Charles Ives |
Dances in the Canebrakes, Florence Price | Escapades for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra (Catch me if you can), John Williams |
Escaramunza, Gabriela Lena Frank | Espirit de Corps, Robert Jager |
Go Big or Go Home, Jessica Meyer | Grand Tarantella Op. 67 (for piano and orchestra), Louis Moreau Gottschalk |
Kentucky Spring, Roy Harris | Latin-American Symphonette (Symphonette No. 4), Morton Gould |
Mississippi Suite, Ferde Grofe | Montgomery Variations, Margaret Bonds |
New England Triptych, William Schuman | Percy Grainger Suite, Percy Grainger |
Prairie Journal, Aaron Copland | Short Ride in a Fast Machine, John Adams |
Swing Symphony (3. Sinfonie) Movement II - "All American Pep", Wynton Marsalis | Symphonic Sketches, George Whitefield Chadwick |
Symphony No. 3 "The Sunday Symphony" Movement I - The Awakening, William Grant Still | Overture & Circus Galop from "The Irish Dragoon", John Philip Sousa |
The Chairman Dances (Foxtrot for Orchestra), John Adams | Three Quotations, Suite for Orchestra, John Philip Sousa |
Treemonisha (No. 1 Overture - 1911), Scott Joplin | Victory at Sea (Symphonic Scenario), Richard Rodgers arr. by Robert Russell Bennet |
And three biggie JPE's to conclude in a concert's second half:
An American Te Deum for Chorus and Orchestra (1978), Karl Husa |
Credo, Margaret Bonds |
Symphony No. 1 in A flat major "Afro-American", William Grant Still |
About the Author: Major Brian Dix, ret., United States Marine Corps, distinguished himself with over 30 years of service as a conductor and composer. As Director Laureate of the esteemed U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, “The Commandant’s Own,” he expanded its repertoire with over 175 original compositions honoring American heroes. His musical journey, witnessed by millions globally, included performances at iconic venues such as Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Nippon Budokan, Edinburgh Castle, Drum Corps International and national television broadcasts. Major Dix’s compositions, including the recent "Madam (Vice) President," received critical acclaim and were performed worldwide, earning him accolades such as the American Prize for orchestra composition. His collaboration with symphony orchestras has brought his musical experience full circle to include conducting joint concerts featuring his compositions. Beyond his professional career, Brian promotes the musical arts in public schools as an adjudicator for bands, orchestras and marching programs and as well promotes unlimited support for Veterans Service Organizations. Major Brian Dix currently resides in the historic South Park neighborhood of San Diego with his husband, Mr. Paul Andrews.
Want to Read More from Brian? Check out our Guest Blog Archive.
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US Space Force Song Finds Its Place in Independence Day Concerts (June 29, 2023)
ACSO’s Guest Blog Series highlights diverse voices from across California and the western U.S. who share insights, experiences, and thought-provoking ideas to inspire growth and advocacy in the orchestra field. Contributors come from various backgrounds and roles in music organizations. Interested in writing? Email us at office@acso.org.