Hey! There!

James Reese Europe composed Hey! There! in 1915.

Title: Hey! There!

Composer: James Reese Europe. Arranged by Tim Berens

Description: James Reese Europe was an African American composer and bandleader in the early 20th century. His music bridged the gap between ragtime and early jazz. In the 1910’s he was one of the most popular bandleaders in New York City.

When the US entered WW I, a regiment of African Americans named the Harlem Hellfighters was formed. James Reese Europe joined that regiment. He was tasked with leading both the regiment’s machine gun unit, and was the first African American to lead troops in battle in WW I.

Europe was also tasked with leading the regiment’s band. It’s a good bet that no musicians in the band talked back to the leader of the machine gun squad during rehearsal.

After the war, he led his band on a tour of France and introduced jazz to the French.

Hey! There! was one of his most popular compositions. First published in 1915, it is a one step march filled with upbeat rhythms, rich harmonies and a fun bouncy melody.

Audiences love Hey! There!

Instrumentation: 2222/2221/Timp+2/Strings

Length: 2:30

Rental Fee: $275.00 first performance. $90.00 per subsequent performance.

Delivery Formats: Available in printed parts and scores, or PDF parts and scores, or both. An additional $100.00 fee applies for delivery in both printed and PDF formats.

Hey! There! was commissioned by by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, who recorded it for their CD American Originals. Enjoy their their performance on YouTube below.