ISMN#979-0-3071-0046-6
ASCAP WORK ID# 925552677
Enrich your repertoire with this intermediate arrangement for woodwind quartet of John Philip Sousa's iconic patriotic march, "Hands Across the Sea"--instantly downloadable for your next performance. This arrangement is perfect for recitals, Americana events, patriotic concerts, background dinner music gigs, Pops concerts, graduations, or weddings. This short, engaging piece can break up a long program and give listeners a brief break from the heavier pieces. This arrangement was written for advanced high school ensembles, college groups, and professional quartets. As always, I have included an alternate bass clarinet part in lieu of a missing bassoon.
One of the challenges 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. Originally scored for a full concert band, I hope you enjoy this unique setting for woodwind quartet.
Updated 21 Sep 2026
ISMN#979-0-3071-0046-6
ASCAP WORK ID# 925552677
Enrich your repertoire with this intermediate arrangement for woodwind quartet of John Philip Sousa's iconic patriotic march, "Hands Across the Sea"--instantly downloadable for your next performance. This arrangement is perfect for recitals, Americana events, patriotic concerts, background dinner music gigs, Pops concerts, graduations, or weddings. This short, engaging piece can break up a long program and give listeners a brief break from the heavier pieces. This arrangement was written for advanced high school ensembles, college groups, and professional quartets. As always, I have included an alternate bass clarinet part in lieu of a missing bassoon.
One of the challenges 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. Originally scored for a full concert band, I hope you enjoy this unique setting for woodwind quartet.
Updated 21 Sep 2026
You-Tube score-following video of Sousa’s “Hands Across the Sea” arranged for woodwind quartet by Mark A. Craig/Craig Music Publishers
This is a woodwind quartet arrangement of John Philip Sousa's iconic patriotic march, "Hands Across the Sea." The digital download includes a PDF with the full score and a complete set of parts.
Instrumentation:
Flute
Oboe
Bb Clarinet
Bassoon (w/alt. Bass Clarinet part)
