Vermont native Edwin Eugene Bagley (1857-1922) was a composer, cornetist, and trombonist who spent most of his career (when not on tour) in and around Boston playing in a wide variety of ensembles. He wrote dozens of marches, and is best known for National Emblem. A consummate performer in every sense, he also dabbled in caricature and comedy in his youth. See more at Wikipedia and the Band Music PDF Library.

National Emblem originated in 1902, when Bagley was on tour with his family band. According to one story, he was unhappy with how the march ended, so he attempted to dispose of the entire march while on the train. The other band members, though, found it, rehearsed it, and informed Bagley of their intent to perform it minutes before the show. It became his most famous march, a favorite of John Philip Sousa, and a staple in the repertoire of American military bands. In its first strain, Bagley borrows the first two phrases of the Star Spangled Banner. Over the years since its composition, the second strain has acquired the lyrics “and the monkey wrapped his tail around the flagpole.” The trio is also unique in that it features neither a break strain (sometimes also referred to as a dogfight) nor a stinger.

Take a listen:

See more at J. W. Pepper (one of many contemporary editions of the march), Wikipedia, and a homeschool blog. The original 1906 publication of this march is now in the public domain, and as such is available for free from the Band Music PDF Library.