Key Takeaways
- A brand‑new “USA TODAY March” will be premiered on May 15 and again on July 4, 2026.
- The piece revives an old newspaper tradition where publications composed their own marching tunes.
- Veteran reporter Jim Beckerman, a self‑described non‑musician, wrote the march to honor his newsroom colleagues.
- The composition will be performed by the New Jersey Wind Symphony in two distinct locations.
- The project is framed as a civic tribute to journalism’s role in democracy during America’s 250th anniversary.
- Readers are invited to follow Beckerman’s three‑month journey through regular updates and to judge the final performance.
The USA TODAY March Debut
The article announces that “The USA TODAY March” will be performed by the New Jersey Wind Symphony on May 15 at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and again on July 4 at the outdoor stage of Overpeck Park in Bergen County. These dates mark the public debut of a newly commissioned work that is part of the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebrations. The marching piece is designed to echo the historic practice of newspapers publishing their own musical fanfares, and it will be shared with the broader USA TODAY network of roughly 200 partner publications.
Historical Roots of Newspaper Marches
The tradition of newspapers composing and publishing marches dates back to a time when many periodicals created their own musical themes to promote the brand and celebrate the work of journalists. Famous examples include “The Washington Post March” by John Philip Sousa, as well as marches authored by the Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, and Denver Post. These compositions served both as promotional tools and as a toe‑tapping reminder of the diligent effort required to deliver news daily. Over time, the practice faded, leaving only a few well‑known examples, which makes the current USA TODAY effort a revival of a once‑widespread custom.
Jim Beckerman’s Journey as Composer
Jim Beckerman is a 30‑year veteran reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, both part of the USA TODAY Network, and he also considers himself an enthusiastic but untrained musician. He previously played in blues bands, wrote a handful of scores for video projects, and even penned a short‑lived off‑Broadway musical. Inspired by this eclectic background, Beckerman authored “The USA TODAY March” after recording a simple piano version of the melody and then collaborating with arrangers to expand it for a full wind ensemble. His lack of formal training adds a layer of authenticity, emphasizing that the piece emerged from genuine admiration rather than professional prestige.
Collaboration with the New Jersey Wind Symphony The success of the march hinges on the partnership with Maestro Chris Wilhjelm and the New Jersey Wind Symphony. Wilhjelm, who leads a 60‑piece wind orchestra, reviewed Beckerman’s initial piano sketch and helped orchestrate the piece for the larger ensemble. The collaborative process involved refining harmonies, adjusting tempo, and ensuring that the march retained the characteristic rhythmic drive of traditional military‑style compositions while reflecting contemporary sensibilities. This partnership illustrates how modern musicians can bridge the gap between journalistic narratives and musical storytelling.
Performance Venues and Schedule
The inaugural performance will take place on May 15 at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, providing an intimate setting for musicians and local supporters. A second, more public presentation is slated for July 4 at Overpeck Park’s outdoor stage in Bergen County, aligning the debut with Independence Day festivities. Both events will be open to the public, and the organizers hope to attract a diverse audience that includes community members, newsroom staff, and music enthusiasts eager to experience a piece that celebrates both American heritage and the press.
Democracy and Civic Purpose
Beckerman explicitly frames the march as a reminder that the founders regarded newspapers as a vital pillar of democracy. By reviving a musical symbol of the press, he aims to underscore the importance of an informed citizenry and to foster a sense of unity amid a polarized climate. The composition serves not only as entertainment but also as a cultural artifact that reinforces the idea that a free press is essential to the health of the nation, especially when celebrating milestones such as the country’s 250th birthday.
Audience Interaction and Ongoing Coverage
Readers are invited to follow Beckerman’s three‑month chronicle of the march’s creation through regular updates that document each stage of the process—from composition and arrangement to rehearsal and final performance. This transparent storytelling allows the audience to learn about the intricacies of orchestrating a wind piece, to witness the challenges faced by a non‑musician composer, and ultimately to evaluate the finished work. The series embodies a modern “stunt assignment” reminiscent of historic exploits like Nellie Bly’s around‑the‑world trip, but focused on artistic collaboration.
Anticipation and Personal Stakes
The prospect of conducting the July 4 performance adds a personal dimension of uncertainty and excitement for Beckerman. While he acknowledges the possibility of both success and failure, he embraces the challenge as an opportunity to step out of the familiar newsroom environment and into the spotlight. This vulnerability resonates with the article’s broader theme of pioneering determination, suggesting that even in a divided era, individuals can still strive to create something unifying and enduring. The outcome will be judged by the audience, making the entire experience a shared American saga.