Band music occupies a very special place in the music literature of our country. Its vigorous, stirring measures have enlivened many forms of our American way of life. In particular, the close association between the game of football and the band has created a wonderful expression, purely American in feeling. Here, with some energetic ‘Touchdown!’ spirit, the National Symphonic Band, led by (Coach) Roy W. Baker, offers a football team (11) of stirring band selections designed to whet the appetite of sports lovers and music lovers everywhere. The album opens with the formula for football fun that generations have enjoyed – the pre-game march. This one is called March Of The Majorettes. Attired in their attractive uniforms and twirling their batons with an air of complete assurance, these young ladies add a touch of glamour to the gridiron. Carrying its tribute to femininity a step further, the National Symphonic Band has singled out the leader of the majorettes for special attention, as in a versatile display of musicianship, they offer the liltingly beautiful tango, Lita. Pride Of The Illini brings on the Orange and Blue of the University of Illinois at Urbana, in a flashing dedication of musical dexterity composed by Karl L. King. The band overture The Scarlet King, which follows, salutes the many elevens which are identified with the lively color of scarlet. This includes the Rutgers team, called the Scarlet Knights, and the squads of Boston University, Haverford, Ohio State and Texas Tech, all sporting scarlet uniforms. The first half concludes with another cheerful collegiate entry by Karl L. King – South Dakota State College. For between-the-halves entertainment, the National Symphonic Band comes up with three, excitingly impressive band pieces. The first, From Tropic To Tropic allows the tubas of the band to play the melody in unison. Their deep, dominating tones furnish an appropriate foundation to this stalwart march. Custer’s Cavalry, next, is as stirring and vibrant as only a martial selection can be, as it honors one of the nation’s greatest soldiers and never-to-be-forgotten heroism. The third entry is Baker Street, an excerpt from the unusually melodic score of Robert McBride’s ‘Sherlock Holmes Suite.’ Returning to the gridiron, the National Symphonic Band presents their interpretation of The Pitt Panther, a rally song which has always inspired the alumni and undergraduates of the University of Pittsburgh, on or off the playing field. The fighting spirit of the Blue and Gold of Pittsburgh is followed by another spirit – The Spirit Of Panama. The band takes time out to perform this vivid paso doble in a colorful, dynamic and rhythmic rendition. The final whistle blows with an enthusiastic march that mirrors the gridiron feats of the Silver and Gold Vandals of the University Of Idaho.