By Ande Jacobson

July 4, 2025. This day marks the 249th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America as stated in the Declaration of Independence. That declaration was revolutionary at the time stating that people had the right to self-governance and didn’t have to cater to the whims of a king.

I’ve long had a complicated relationship with this particular holiday, and this year it’s even more so. On the one hand, as a musician I enjoyed the music that was prevalent on this American holiday as I used to play in a variety of community bands. I no longer perform, but I’ve been listening to a wide swath of American music on my favorite classical radio station throughout the day today. Continue reading →