Piper’s Rhapsody

The eighth piece in the concert is entitled Piper’s Rhapsody. It is subtitled “Songs of Bagpipe and Hornpipe”. It was written by James L. Hosay (see below) in 2007.

From the composer:

“The beautiful sounds of Scotland and the open sea are what you will hear in this folksy collage of tunes that are known for being played on the Bagpipes and Hornpipe. Beloved favorites like “Scotland the Brave”, “Loch Lomond”, “Sailor’s Hornpipe” and “Amazing Grace” are woven together in this magical and fun tribute to Pipers everywhere. The only things missing are the kilts!”

Composer James Hosay (b. 1959) joined the U.S. Army as a trumpet player after high school, and graduated from the Armed Forces School of Music. After a year in the 26th Army Band at Fort Hamilton, New York, he became a music copyist for the Army Band in Washington, D. C. (Pershing’s Own). He eventually became the Staff Arranger/Composer for that prestigious group. During his tenure as Staff Arranger, Hosay wrote arrangements for many well-known recording artists. Quite often, his music was performed for U.S. and foreign dignitaries, foreign heads of states, and the President of the United States. He was also called upon to write for numerous high-level events, such as the re-dedication of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building. Now retired from the Army, Hosay has over 100 pieces published for the concert band.

The music for Piper’s Rhapsody was provided for the band by Mary Bartley.