Lakota West - GOD OF OUR FATHERS by George Warren - 2011 Midwest Clinic Preview Concert

http://lakotawestbands.org Lakota West High School Symphonic Winds in West Chester, Ohio, performs the United States National Hymn "God of Our Fathers" by George Warren, arr. Thomas Knox (Grade 4), Midwest Clinic Preview Concert, December 12, 2011. Greg Snyder, Director.

Daniel C. Roberts, the rector of a small rural church in Brandon, Vermont, wanted a new hymn for his congregation to sing for the American Centennial in 1876. The church organist, George Warren, wrote the words and set them to a tune called Russian Hymn. Roberts sent the hymn into the Church's commission in a rewrite of their hymnal. However, he submitted the hymn anonymously, promising to send the name if the hymn was accepted. Before the hymnal was printed, the Reverend Dr. Tucker, editor of the musical hymnal and Mr. George William Warren, organist of St. 'Thomas' Church, New York, were appointed to write a new tune for the hymnal, and the National Hymn was born. The hymn has become known as God of Our Fathers. This arrangement was written for the inaugural ceremony of Ronald Reagan and was premiered by the "President's Own" United States Marine Band at that occasion on January 20, 1981.

God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band.
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.