Robert Jager was born in Binghamton, New York (1939), and is a graduate of The University of Michigan. Four four years he served in the United State Navy as the Staff Arranger/Composer at the Armed Forces School of Music. Jager is now retired and is professor emeritus at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. Jager’s credits comprise over 120 published works for band, orchestra, chorus, and various chamber combinations. Jager has received many awards for his compositions, including being the only three-time winner of the American Bandmasters Association “Ostwald Award.” He is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the American Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Kappa Phi, and an “Honorary Member” of the Women’s Band Directors Association.

Year of Composition: 1965

Publisher: Volkwein Bros. Inc

Grade: 4

Type of composition: March

Style: March tempo

Programming Suggestions: Winner of the 1964 Ostwald Award, Robert E. Jager’s Stars and Bars is his patriotic salute to America. Based loosely on Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, one will be able hear similiarites and Jager’s interesting twist.

Solo instruments: piccolo

Anecdotal notes: Piccolo solo written much like Sousa’s march. Condensed score causes for difficultly in rehearsing. Instead of parts being written, it has “Hns. on offbeats” instead. Woodwinds are basically in unison (rhythm) for a majority of the piece. Follows the traditional format for a march, ABB. Conductor will need to add dynamics to give the piece a lively feel.

Discography: Robert Jager & Tokyo Kosei Wind Ensemble. Robert Jager, Conductor UIL Reference CD #UB058…..The Washington Winds – Forward March. Item Number 8912893AW