Late to the game here but... everyone listens to and knows classical music to some extent even if they do not realize it. Beethovens 5th and Also Sprach Zarathustra are prime examples. I have noticed that newbies often find Baroque tunes most easily accessible. Go for Baroque! BTW I find it interesting that you listed 2 Copland's but not Fanfare for the Commom Man.
That was an oversight on my part. It wasn't a comprehensive list by any means (I didn't even start on modern symphonic band pieces, which are what I know best). I'm a little biased against Fanfare because they played it the year before I joined the upper level band at my school, and so I missed it. I did get to play Lincoln Portrait though. Anyone of those three (plus Rodeo) really cement Copeland as one of the top American composers. I'd say Sousa and him are tied for first in my opinion.
I assumed so. Understandable. One of the embarrassing stories my Mother tells about me is about when she walked into the living room and I was lying on the floor with Tchaikovsky blaring when I was about 5. She turned it down and asked me what I was doing. I said I was listening to God. I still believe that. Assume list. I certain did not mean to be critical.