Esprit de Corps by Robert Jager

Performed during the FIUsion Inaugural concert on November 10, 2022.
Guest Conductor: Christopher Aitkens
In honor of the 247th birthday of the Marine Corps (est. November 10, 1775) and to celebrate the newfound esprit de corps of this new ensemble, it is a perfectly appropriate piece to premiere the FIUsion interscholastic community band. This piece was originally commissioned by the US Marine Band immediately after the 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Based on The Marines' Hymn, this work evokes all the grandeur and pageantry of the Marine Corps, as well as including the solemn and brooding undertones that come with war, making it both inspiring and intimidating.

[@Vav93]

Go Chris Aitkens!