Sheet Music: The Dashing White Sergeant

TitleThe Dashing White Sergeant
Alternate titlesThe Highland Reel
ComposerHenry Bishop (1786–1855)
InstrumentationFlute solo
KeyD major
RangeD4–A5
Time signature2/4
Tempo120 BPM
Performance time0:35
Difficulty levelintermediate
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (49 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (274 kB)
Date added2011-03-29
Last updated2011-03-29
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 0.4 (below average)
Categories
Celtic Music, Dance tunes, Reels, Traditional/Folk

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Tuesday 29 March 2011

Tune of the Day: The Dashing White Sergeant

Scottish folk dance tune

“The Dashing White Sergeant” is the name of a Scottish social (céilidh) dance. The tune is derived from a song of the same name, written by English composer, conductor and arranger Sir Henry Rowley Bishop, and was published in the mid-1820s. Apparently the song was to be part of one of Bishop's operas, although there is no evidence it ever actually made it into one.

Perhaps because of its title, the tune was quick to enter British military repertoire as a march; the melody was soon adapted for dancing, however, becoming nearly as popular in America as it was in England. It also became a favorite at West Point Military Academy, where it is still played during commencement week.