2012 Iowa All-State Chorus and Orchestra: The Battle Hymn of the Republic

The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Guest Conductor: Maestro Joseph Guinta
2012 Iowa All-State Chorus and Orchestra
Original Air Date: November 22, 2012
Copyright Iowa Public Television

[@philshuster7463]

I wept as I heard this. Very possibly the best performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic I have ever heard. One thing that adds to the balance and overall delivery of this song is the positioning of the singers, no two boys are standing together and no two girls are standing together. It is Soprano, Tenor, Alto and Bass, standing in that order that makes the delivery par excellence!!

[@jareneteters4741]

Marvelous!

[@Snowboard4466]

YES --- What he said.

[@millerman02311320]

I agree 💯

[@spidersinspace1099]

The Mormon choir made a fabulous recording of this. You need to check it out.

[@philshuster7463]

@@spidersinspace1099 I have heard theirs, MTC.

[@jencypetersen3410]

I have sung this song soooo many times in choir.... that high B flat has almost made me pass out many a time.

[@richardhastings6082]

Do you think that any one of those students ever forgot that experience. Not on your life!! How sad that so many school districts have eliminated music and arts programs from their budgets, especially when there is tons of evidence to prove that learning to sing or play an instrument improves overall academic performance.

[@eyelessgame]

I performed this exact arrangement when in high school in 1981 and I have never forgotten it. It remains one of the greatest performance experiences of my life.

[@eyelessgame]

@@ren-eo3im This song has an important place and meaning in American history that I would not expect other nations, each with their own different histories meaningful to them, to share.

[@webwarren]

Al Petterson me, too, in 1978. Nassau County (NY) All-County Chorus at CW Post College (now part of Long Island University). I don't remember the conductor's name offhand, but he had been one of Wilhousky's students, and dismissed one of our rehearsals so he could attend Wilhousky's funeral. I felt incredibly honored that we performed three Wilhousky attachments at that concert.

[@eyelessgame]

@@ren-eo3im I understand and agree with that. This song was written specifically during the American Civil War, but any performer or listener can find their own meaning.

[@iansmith349]

Ian

[@SMcCaskill]

This is much better than any version I ever heard by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and I've heard their version several times. This beats them all!!!

[@edwarddanielupedebone6387]

Have you noticed that everyone talks about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's version? This is good, but the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is simply superior. Their music is like no other, and I can't help but get lost in their angelic voices every time I listen to them.❤️

[@normcheers6870]

Agree. Close your eyes, listen to both. These kids are just as good!!

[@ScottALaFollette]

Approximately 10 years later…. My spirit rises to its feet applauding with gratitude. August 2022… 🙌👏🙏.

[@davidsalati3257]

1976 New Jersey All-State Choir and Orchestra. Same arrangement. I can still sing it, and I still feel the same rush every time I hear it.

[@mattperis8972]

1988 Maryland All State Chorus. We did this song and just absolutely love hearing it. It’s a very nearly indescribable experience to be part of such a group. Vibrations to your very soul.

[@mattperis8972]

Coincidentally where I met my wife. Been together over 30 years now! Yay chorus!!!

[@chuckowen4738]

Without question, this is the finest performance of this wonderful piece of music I have ever heard !!

[@67370mm]

Absolutely breathtaking!❤️

[@ducatiman1309]

Greetings from Scotland ! - loved this thankyou XXX

[@buriedtreasr389]

2012 was Iowa's best concert hands down... i cried

[@高木三樹-e3z]

Thank you very much. I expect and believe you have understand me.

[@Adam-dv2je]

While HE died to make men Holy, Let us Live to make men Free. While GOD is marching on.

[@rileymccoy1643]

Where are my 2021 Iowa all staters at?

[@normcheers6870]

Enjoying this rendition here on the 4th of July weekend. This is even better then the Mormon Tabernacle Choir verson in my opinion.

[@kerrykeel4686]

The mixing of the choir sections was impressive. More effort to maintain your part and not get mixed up is required. Excellent work by choir members and director. A hearty WELL DONE to all.

[@suicidalcobra4828]

I’d love to be able see this show in the future. Talented people I love this

[@ceejpins9526]

Outstanding!! From Philippines!

[@jamesfriday5773]

I was there in ‘73 and ‘74 and we sang it and remember it all our life.

[@larryrymal632]

Gives me chills.....

[@Richard-q8g]

Just wonderful

[@infonut]

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword His truth is marching on Glory, Glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps His day is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! His day is marching on I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel "As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal" Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel Since God is marching on Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Since God is marching on He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! Be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Our God is marching on In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free While God is marching on Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! While God is marching on

[@jimkollias1308]

Great job! Outstanding! Very moving!

[@digitricks]

Ahh!! Those glorious first soprano voices made me cry!🥲🎶

[@janwalczak5725]

just listened to this and gave me chills and it is 90 degrees outside wonderful job thank you all

[@allanmoore4353]

Oh my, how beautiful, wonderful rendition of the BHOTR, thank you.

[@LT-ne1hr]

it's July 4th 2021...awesome guys! Loved it!

[@miker3875]

Respect to Iowa.

[@millerman02311320]

Bravo!! Wow! Wow, what a wonderful performance!

[@pgn33]

Excellent.

[@carlyoung412]

Absolutely amazing. Incredible young talent !!

[@bryanlequi1826]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ducatiman1309]

WOW !!! Amazing !!!

[@GEGE-bx3fj]

RESPECT No words will suffice. Hats off 2 all

[@cherylhobson7424]

just amazing...thank you ..thank you !!

[@gregorydeane2713]

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!

[@dalerozendaal4902]

My heart says WONDERFUL & GRACE!

[@antm64]

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY ALL!! I have chills at the sheer beauty of this fantastic rendition of this iconic composition! I think this is my all time favorite variation, even better than the Tabernacle Choir! WELL DONE!

[@josephmilliken500]

Real students. Great kids

[@truthunfolded1300]

Wow excellent!!!

[@mariadelourdesgomesmoreira7420]

Amazing

[@bigburd875]

Got me some goosebumps

[@georgepoirier9014]

LUVVV IT!

[@demylab3250]

AMAZINGLY GREAT

[@esthershih5575]

got chills.

[@N8Men]

Oh that conductor is doing what he loves

[@oneputtsteven]

Bravo Bravo! Way to go Iowa!

[@minseokshin4514]

Brilliant work! This is so American. Keep up USA!

[@jeanneplymette411]

Very impressive!

[@Queen-gh1wb]

lol I recognize some of the people in this choir, they used to go to my highschool

[@grahamedwards9920]

What a pity that this side of the pond such a spectacular show of patriotism could never take place and the BBC would certainly veto it if it ever did. God Bless America 🇺🇸🇬🇧.

[@donjuwann5868]

Beautiful thats all I can say TYTYTY

[@starbolt99]

Where can I download this

[@iansmith349]

Ian

[@theultimatecheezlord]

That one kid, right in the middle who is wobbling the entire time is making me angry, he's drawing all the attention. IF YOU NEED TO WOBBLE WOBBLE FORWARD AND BACK!!! Choir nerd rage.....

[@ruthmiller254]

Many ppl do that and don’t even realize it. My husband does it while singing and I’m just happy to see him joyously sing.

[@EvrydayImShuffleing]

I didn't know it was a race omg

[@rennietaylor2011]

SPECTACULAR!!! These young people are the cream of the crop. I was as excited as their director. To think that they are our future, makes me even more excited about America in these troubled times. Great Grandmother Rennie

[@pioamalraj9791]

congratulations Madam. as a director you should be proud of this choir. to know these details is one of the beautiful things in life. thank Rennie - mother and grandmother. you are a blessing.

[@millerman02311320]

The conductor was so excited, because he knew these kids nailed it.

[@TomHoster]

I LOVE how animated the conductor becomes at about the 4-minute mark.

[@rickfranklin5116]

He clearly loves conducting these kids in this song. I call him The Leaping Conductor.

[@oriolesfan7807]

Not animated, conducting fun instead.

[@walterbalinski4625]

👍😉

[@roncrooker3010]

To all you young ladies and young men - in the chorus and the orchestra, and those who supported the performance - I am proud of you all - you did good - no, better than good!

[@bgibson51632]

I was involved in the Iowa all State Choir in 1980. It was by far the highlight of my music life. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it and America the Beautiful.

[@iconaclastor]

One of the best performances of this battle Hymn, no doubt!

[@ryank1273]

I love how they keep on saying "His truth is marching on".

[@ruthmiller254]

I love the enthusiasm of this conductor! This is one of the best renditions and performances EVER!

[@JohnSmith-xw2dw]

This is one dang good high school choir.

[@Itshollymoon]

Dennis Smalley it was a collection of the best kids in all Iowa high schools. We auditioned every year. It was a big deal

[@pjs9265]

This performance leaves me breathless, having sung in choirs from elementary school through college this is an amazing performance with glorious voices and orchestra and they're kids 17 to 22 !!!!

[@rickfranklin5116]

Yes, a beautiful performance. These are high school students; age range is more like 16-18.

[@Chris-op4ue]

I remember singing this in high school (79-83). Every year, all the high school choruses in our county would get together and do a concert. This was always the finale. A beautiful, unforgetable arrangement.

[@TxTrouble]

Two bucket list items for this non choir parent from Texas.. 1. Be present in the hotel atrium for the Star-Spangled Banner as performed by the Kentucky All State Choir 2. Attend the Iowa All State Chorus and Orchestra performance of the Battle Hymn

[@vinpepp]

As a Brit, superb, you are a credit to your state. Thank you. I remember this being sung at St Pauls on the event of 9/11, we are one nation divided yes, but one nation never the less.

[@williamdavidnew4719]

March 8, 2022 this video and performance pops up on my youtube recommendations. It brought tears to my 73 year old eyes, and a sense of calm to my soul. There is nothing this world can throw at GOD to stop HIS truth from marching onward even if we are blind to it. Well done band and choir, I just pray they all paid attention to the words they sang.

[@genedryer-bivins8314]

For such a large festival chorus performing such a bigloudsplashy piece, the ensemble is quite remarkable, and the conductor paces it nicely. Congratulations to all concerned. First-rate.

[@lindabrooks66]

As a member of the Iowa All State Band in 1984, I can tell you this is an experience these students NEVER forget.

[@happycamper6890]

from 86-y-o in hoosierland, this gets me excited. i have recently gone backto my spiritual roots in the Presbyterian church, where i wear a choir robe an sing my little old heart out. Indiana state choral dept did this in 1954-55, at the fairgrounds colisium, minus instruments, but the original version,as i call it. i approve of the postioning of voices had not seen tht done til, today, Feb. 26, 2024,..let's hear it for live music..

[@phillipschwartz4142]

One of the best performances of this (my favorite) version of "The Battle Hymn" I have ever heard. Beautiful enunciation of the lyrics and perfectly balanced among the various sections throughout (especially for such a large ensemble where one section could easily dominate). As well, wonderful performance by the orchestra, especially the interlude before the men's "quartet."

[@davidkrugs6466]

6 years later and 1st time I saw this. What wonderful young people , just beautiful brought tears to my eyes. Gives you great faith in our young people.

[@unionlanding]

WHY IS IT< THAT THEY ALWAYS CHANGE IT TO lets us live to set men free? IT IS LET US DIE TO SET MEN FREE!!! Other then that, it was great.

[@Lydmack]

Steven Hunt this year we sung let us die!

[@bergthe89th12]

Late reply For politically correct reasons they changed it

[@eskay4551]

Nearly every military chorus I've heard sings "die to make men free." Not just words to them !

[@TampaZeke]

I wish more people lived to make men free so fewer would have to die.

[@r5739]

I appreciate your comment. "Let us LIVE to make men free." This phrase adaptation applies to most who will not be asked to give the ultimate sacrifice. I am in awe of all who would die for freedom and grateful for their sacrifice. If we would all use that gratitude to live so freedom endures, this freedom given to us would never die.

[@yankeemike-so6jm]

One of the foremost outstanding American traditions: Band and chorus, chorus and orchestra. Niiiiiiice!

[@AReneeDesign23]

The chant of "Truth is marching, truth is marching, tuth is marching" is fabulous!

[@countingstrides4068]

This is perfect, and exactly what I've been searching for. All other versions were lacking in something, though I cannot say what. This version has it, whatever it is. Love this and have it on repeat.

[@SENOR_David]

I agree it’s fulfilling for me

[@chaostes4997]

Valor

[@badguy5554]

"Let us LIVE to make men free" spoils the ENTIRE SONG! Typical for a "woke" generation of American youth who don't understand the sacrifices of war.

[@thatdoppioguy1825]

I'M NOT CRYI YOUR CRYING! *The Imperium Approves*

[@gumballsrelative9197]

The first verse always gets me. I am so proud to be an American.

[@kalevala29]

you can't say that these days. kind of sad really

[@sambaritone]

The great Wilhousky version! I have sung this so many times! Beautifully done!

[@reknas78]

OMG!!!! They will never ever forget this experience. Well Done!!!!

[@davegable6426]

08/23 Listened and listened and listened again Who’s the condunctor

[@marjoriekloster8949]

Makes me proud to be from Iowa

[@FFEMTB08]

The only thing that was missing was a bald eagle screaming down from the rafters. 🇺🇸

[@rnman99]

We had the Wilhousky beat into our brains in Advanced Mixed Chorus. 40 years later I can still sing my part from memory

[@gfrohling1]

Same here but only 20 years later and i can still do my part from memory

[@kangxukhoo7602]

Im not even American but my eyes are wet for them

[@ronwelker3804]

Very athletic conductor jumping all over the place

[@lorisharber9153]

Beautiful! brings tears to my eyes... GOD BLESSED AMERICA & OUR NEW PRESIDENT TRUMP. PRAISE OUR LORD GOD (JESUS CHRIST) WE SHALL GIVE HIM ALL THE GLORY & PRAISE FOREVER AND EVER! BIG AMEN....

[@zipzap8937]

God won't save you.

[@lorisharber9153]

HE ALREADY DID!! PRAYING FOR YOU! NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER! MAY PEACE COME TO YOU...AMEN...

[@johnnynoonan0725]

I hope that everyone who sings this hymn or hears it that they know the origins of it and the powerful meaning behind it! I get emotional as I hear those words being sung.

[@joeycentofanti1987]

Lincoln had tears in his eyes when he first heard been this song

[@AReneeDesign23]

You are making me cry rivers for the beauty of the way you have composed this most amazing old favorite song that I have loved since a child! Oh my, be proud of your hard work and your great gift to the world. God bless you each! What a performance!!!

[@jimmorris1002]

If only ALL high school districts would support Music in our Schools!

[@davus4242]

Awesome performance! The singers and musicians were wonderful! And, whoever did the arrangement* and composition needs some huge accolades, this arrangement* and composition is majestic! Well done!! *Sounds likes Peter J. Wilhousky's arrangement.

[@javiermejia390]

It's true.....this should be the NATIONAL ANTHEM OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA......🇺🇸

[@whdstudios2441]

Make a 1 minute version, Send it to the U.S. Government, And make this a possibility.

[@disneydanny2]

I'd be cool with that, but, then again, I'm related to Julia Ward Howe (she's my 5th generation great-aunt)

[@unionlanding]

Yes, I agree. But lets get it right. It's let us DIE to set men free. Not live.

[@frankjoyce1436]

You are right. Someday it will be the National Anthem. However, there will be people who will object to that because the premise of the Battle Hymn of the Republic is that human rights come God, and not come from the state, and that it must be rejected for that reason. For them the state is the source of rights.

[@retnabalan1842]

This would have been apt for the US!!!

[@gabriellamar2683]

The Battle Hymn of our republic. May we always fight for America, the America envisioned by the brave soldiers and sailors who fought for the preservation of the United States and the freedom of every citizen.

[@millerman02311320]

Those trumpets say it all.

[@kurtmorris454]

Such a devastating time for me to find this video as only a couple of days ago several tornados ravished through Iowa leaving all sorts of havoc and mayhem behind, my thoughts and prayers go to the citizens of Iowa as I listen to this.

[@ThePosichris]

AS HE DIED TO MAKE MEN HOLY....LET US DIE TO MAKE MEN FREE

[@philandeswilliams1975]

A beautiful rendition! May God Bless each and every one of those wo snag and played that day! As well as those present who sang in their hearts!