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.