Sousa: Hands Across the Sea - for Clarinet Quartet

ISMN#979-0-3071-0052-7

ASCAP WORK ID# 934131906

This intermediate clarinet quartet digital download arrangement by Mark A. Craig / Craig Music Publishers of John Philip Sousa's patriotic march "Hands Across the Sea" is perfect for recitals, contests, competitions, patriotic or Americana events, educational outreach events, or background dinner music gigs. It is a short, engaging piece that can break up a long program and give the ears a brief hiatus from some of the heavier pieces on the program.

One of the problems players often face in this march is the dotted-quarter-eighth-note rhythm in the Trio section. It is very easy to fall into the trap of playing these like triplets; they are not triplets. The rhythm needs to be crisp and accurate. Also, as you so often find in Sousa marches, in the last four bars before the "dogfight" at rehearsal numbers 13 and 17, particularly at 13, make sure to bring that decrescendo down to niente. That way, the fortissimo pickup notes to the dogfight will have better dynamic contrast and overall impact. 

My clarinet quartet arrangements have equally balanced parts, so all Bb's will play melody, countermelody, and obbligato/technical passages equally. This arrangement was written for advanced high school ensembles, college groups, and professional quartets. Originally scored for a concert band, I hope you enjoy this unique setting for clarinet quartet.

Updated 21 Jul 2026