If you’ve ever been to a parade or a football game, you’ve probably felt the excitement of a marching band. The booming drums, shining brass, colorful uniforms, and perfectly coordinated movements all come together to make the music come alive. Today, let’s explore the world of marching bands and learn about one of the most beloved composers who wrote music especially for school bands: James Swearingen.
Who is James Swearingen?
James Swearingen was born in 1947 in Ohio. As a child, he fell in love with music and began playing the trumpet. That love never faded. After college, he became a high school band director in Columbus, Ohio, where he taught hundreds of students how to play, listen, and perform together. Later, he joined the music faculty at Capital University, where he continues to teach college students how to become band directors themselves.
Swearingen has written more than 600 pieces of music for school and community bands. What makes his music so special is that it’s fun, exciting, and not too difficult, which means even beginner bands can sound amazing. His pieces are filled with catchy rhythms, beautiful melodies, and triumphant moments that make students proud of what they can accomplish.
Because of this, his works are performed by school bands not just in the United States but all over the world. He even travels to guest conduct bands who are playing his music. Imagine how thrilling it would be to play a song while the composer himself directs you!
A band is a group of musicians who play instruments together, but unlike an orchestra, a band has no string section. Instead, it’s made up of woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
A concert band usually performs indoors on a stage.
A marching band performs while moving, often in parades, at football halftime shows, or in competitions. Along with the musicians, a marching band may also include a color guard with flags, rifles, or sabers to add visual excitement.
Both kinds of bands play many of the same instruments, but marching bands add the extra challenge of memorization, marching, and playing—all at the same time!
If you’ve seen a marching band, you’ve likely noticed the largest instruments—the ones with giant bells. Those are tubas and sousaphones.
The tuba is the lowest-pitched brass instrument. It’s usually played while sitting down, with the bell facing upward, and is common in concert bands and orchestras.
The sousaphone is basically a marching version of the tuba. It was invented in the 1890s at the request of John Philip Sousa, the famous “March King.” Designed to wrap around the player’s body, it rests on the shoulder and has a forward-facing bell that projects sound toward the audience—perfect for parades and football fields.
Here are three of Swearingen’s most popular and widely performed pieces:
In All Its Glory – triumphant and energetic.
Exaltation – joyful and accessible for young bands.
Novena – expressive and lyrical.
Each one shows a different side of his talent and demonstrates why his music is beloved by both students and directors.
Why Marching Bands Matter
Marching bands and concert bands are about more than music. They teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Students learn to blend their unique sounds with others, work together toward a goal, and create performances that bring communities together.
James Swearingen’s music continues to inspire these young musicians, helping them discover the joy of playing in a band and experiencing the magic of music.
See the YouTube Video “Why Are Marching Bands So Much Fun?”
Listen to Podcast Episode 86: Composer Spotlight on James Swearingen and Marching Band Music for Your Homeschool
