Soundtrack of Independence
Strike up the Band!
wind band music of the American Revolution
A free event for the whole family marking the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
May 10, 2026
Details
The War of Independence was a inflection point for musical life in America.
Throughout various periods between 1775 and 1783, military musicians serving under the banners of the United States, Britain and their German auxiliaries, and France all marched through the streets of Philadelphia. Their repertoire was surprisingly eclectic, playing everything from ceremonial marches to transcriptions of the latest operas.
Bands typically consisted of two to four clarinets or oboes, two French horns, and one or two bassoons, their main purpose was to entertain!
Dates & Tickets
Performers & Creatives
Music of the Regiment
Dominic Giardino, curation and clarinet, with additional performers of Tempesta di Mare
Program
CPE Bach: Military Quintets No.1 and 2
Yorktown Sequence: The Royal Edinburgh Volunteers | Pompey Ran Away | Der Hohenfriedberger March | British Grenadiers | Dead March from Saul | YankeeDoodle
W. A. Mozart: Serenade in E-flat major
and others
Major funding for Soundtrack of Independence as been provided by a grant from The 2026 Fund provided through the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.
