Composer

:

Francis Saltus Van Boskirck

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

March

Average_duration

:

2:41

"Semper Paratus" is a famous march composed by Francis Saltus Van Boskirck in 1927. The march was composed for the United States Coast Guard and is the official march of the Coast Guard. The title "Semper Paratus" is Latin for "Always Ready," which is the motto of the Coast Guard. The march premiered on August 4, 1927, at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. The march was performed by the Coast Guard Band, which was founded in 1925 and is the oldest continuous serving band in the United States military. "Semper Paratus" is a march in four movements. The first movement is a fanfare that introduces the main theme of the march. The second movement is a trio that features a lyrical melody played by the woodwinds. The third movement is a reprise of the first movement, with the addition of a counter-melody played by the trumpets. The fourth movement is a coda that brings the march to a rousing conclusion. The characteristics of "Semper Paratus" are typical of a military march. The march is written in a 6/8 time signature and has a tempo of 120 beats per minute. The main theme of the march is played by the brass section and is accompanied by the percussion section, which provides a steady beat. The woodwinds are used to provide a contrasting melody in the trio section of the march. Overall, "Semper Paratus" is a stirring and patriotic march that has become an important part of the Coast Guard's tradition and heritage. The march is often played at Coast Guard ceremonies and events, and it is also a popular piece for other military bands to perform.

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