"Ruffles and Flourishes"

Title:

"Ruffles and Flourishes"

Description:

It is a type of fanfare music usually performed on drums and bugles or other similar instruments. It is a short piece that is played before a ceremonial song (ex. Hail to the Chief) in honor of the Commander in Chief (U.S. President) or other high-ranking government and military official.

Significance (4 "Ruffles and Flourishes"):

The number of times "Ruffles and Flourishes" is played depends on the official rank of the person being honored. The highest ranked officials are honored with 4 "Ruffles and Flourishes," these include

• Former Presidents of the United States
• The President-elect
• The Vice President of the United States
• Four Star Generals
• Speaker of the House of Representatives
• Other senior civilian government officials (Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, Senators, etc.)

3 and 2 "Ruffles and Flourishes":

Those for whom "Ruffles and Flourishes" is played three times include:

• Three Star Generals

Those for whom "Ruffles and Flourishes" is played twice include:

• Two Star Generals
• American Envoys/American Ambassadors
• American Ministers

Ceremonial Songs and Marches Played After:

Songs played after "Ruffles and Flourishes" include:

• "Star Spangled Banner" (for former Presidents and the President-elect)
• "Hail to the Chief" (for the President of the United States)
• "Hail Columbia" (for the Vice-President of the United States)
• "General's March" (for four, three, two and one star Generals)
• "Flag Officers March" (for four, three, two and one flag star officers)
• Last 32 measures (grandioso) of "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (for senior civilian government officials)

Foreign Significance:

When the U.S. President or other American officials visit a foreign country, "Ruffles and Flourishes" is played before that country's national anthem to honor their leaders, Chiefs of State or those belonging to the Royal family.

Music Tidbit:

This short piece was added before "Hail to the Chief" during William McKinley's presidency.

Music Sample:

Listen to "Ruffles and Flourishes"