Brass at the Olympics

The Olympics would not be the same without brass. While the Olympic 'soundtrack' has evolved over the years to incorporate diverse popular music, brass has remained a constant and essential element to the games. Specifically the fanfares of the opening and closing ceremonies, which have made brass a quintessential Olympic experience for athletes and spectators.

Olympic Theme by John Williams at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics

    In 1984, John Williams was commissioned to write a fanfare for the Los Angeles Olympics. Williams deemed this task a demanding because he needed to honor the event's grandeur, while also contending with the established association of Leo Arnaud's "Bugler's Dream" with the Games. Williams' Olympic Theme features powerful brass and soaring melody, which captured the spirit of the Olympics and cemented its place at the games.

Cadets of Bergen Country Drum & Bugle Corps at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

    The Cadets of Bergen County performed at the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympics. They were announced as the oldest and most decorated drum and bugle corps in the world. At this point they had cemented their status as a powerhouse within the drum corps world, and was awarded the honor of performing at the 1996 Olympics. Comedian Bill Irwin, was the comedian who performed with the corps.

Trumpet Fanfare at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

    The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics opening ceremony being headlined by a vibrant, one-time-only "Olympic All-American College Marching Band." 800 talented students that represented all 50 states, uniting under the legendary Dr. Arthur C. Bartner. For two weeks, they rehearsed at Pepperdine, ready to unleash an American Suite and, most famously, debut John Williams' Olympic Fanfare and Theme.

Olympic Fanfare Performed by the U.S Army Herald Trumpets at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
    The U.S Army Herald Trumpets performed an arrangement of John Williams' Olympic Fanfare and Leo Arnaud's Bugler's Dream, for the 2022 Beijing Olympics. These pieces are staples of the games and would not have the same emotional impact without brass. The use of herald trumpets also adds to the impact of the fanfare and its ceremonial significance. 

Fanfare Performed by the LSO Brass Ensemble at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

    The London Symphony Orchestra's Brass Ensemble performed this fanfare at the closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This fanfare celebrated the Olympic hand over from Beijing to London for the 2012 Olympics. The LSO Brass Ensemble performed live in front of St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Comments

  1. Matthew DulasApril 9, 2025 at 4:37 PM

    Nice post about the integral role that brass instruments have in the Olympics. I was thinking about why brass instruments have held such high importance in these kind of events, and I suspect it's a matter of tradition. Brass instruments have been used in ceremonies, courts, militaries, hunting parties, and more, in many cultures even dating back to Old Testament times. It certainly makes for a "proud brass player moment" knowing that we are a part of this legacy.

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