Many of America’s best marching ensembles have joined together in a project that will benefit The Salvation Army. Emphatic Music, an independent record label based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has created a recording of marching band music, with 100% of the net proceeds to be donated to The Salvation Army. The recording, entitled "Marching for Freedom", includes the New York Staff Band (Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris) performing Manhattan (Erik Leidzén). The recording will be issued in two volumes, with the first volume available on May 1, 2002. The second volume will follow on September 1, 2002.

Created as a response to the attacks on America on September 11, 2001, the recording features classic marching band melodies played by a number of the best marching ensembles in the United States, including the Razorback Marching Band (University of Arkansas), the Longhorn Band (University of Texas), the Husky Marching Band (University of Washington) and the Minuteman Marching Band (University of Massachusetts Amherst), among many others.

More information about the Marching for Freedom project, including a full list of the participating groups, can be found at the official site, www.marchingforfreedom.com [link no longer active - ed.].

Sources:
Marching for Freedom web site
New York Staff Band web site