Anthem of the Free (Dean Goffin)

Anthem of the Free is a fine march and was originally known as ‘Bel Hamid’. It was composed when the composer was serving in the Middle East as a regimental Bandmaster.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 2.5 | Duration: 3:45

Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1 & 2
Oboe
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Alto Saxophone 1 & 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
Horn in F 1 & 2
Horn in F 3 & 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba
String Bass

Timpani
Drum Set
Cymbals

Program Notes
New Zealand born, Sir Dean Goffin, was son of composer Henry Goffin who has previously been featured in this series as he composed the march – The Red Shield. Dean was a Salvation Army Bandmaster before enlisting into the New Zealand armed forces during the 2nd World War. He became Bandmaster of the newly formed band of the 20th Infantry Battalion and later on the 4th Infantry Battalion. Whilst he was serving in the Middle East he composed this march initially under another name ‘Bel Hamid’ The march was later adapted and renamed ‘Anthem of the Free’.

Dean went on to have much music published and won several composition prizes which led him to compose a test piece for the British Open Brass Band Championships, notably, ‘Rhapsody in Brass’. He completed his BA in music in 1950 just prior to him entering the Salvation Army Officer Training College in Wellington. He was later appointed to head up the Salvation Army’s music in the UK which he did with distinction before moving back to New Zealand to ultimately become the Salvation Army’s leader in that land. Dean was honoured by the Queen with a knighthood on the occasion of the Centenary of the Salvation Army’s work in New Zealand.

Anthem of the Free is a fine march and was originally known as ‘Bel Hamid’. It was composed when the composer was serving in the Middle East as a regimental Bandmaster.