Oak Ridge Community Band to kick off summer season on Memorial Day
The Oak Ridge Community Band will present its free Memorial Day concert at 7 p.m. Monday, May 27, in A.K. Bissell Park. Family and friends can end the three-day holiday weekend with patriotic music and show their appreciation to the men and women who have served in the military to maintain our freedom.
Not only is Memorial Day an opportunity to salute our veterans and military personnel, but it is often considered the "unofficial" beginning of the summer and will be the first concert of the Community Band outdoor series. Three other outdoor performances are planned for July 4, Sept. 1, and Oct. 27.
Among the numbers Community Band director Shaun Salem has selected for Memorial Day are “The Star Spangled Banner, “ Sousa’s “Washington Post March,” “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” and “Armed Forces Salute” featuring the theme songs of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. Veterans in the audience will be asked to stand during the song representing their branch of service.
Other songs on Monday’s program are “Highlights from 'South Pacific,’” “Band of Brothers” featuring tenor vocalist Brian Ensign, and “Benny Goodman: The King of Swing” featuring clarinet soloist Kristi Younkin.
Bring chairs or blankets for outdoor seating around the Performing Arts Pavilion in the park. There is a paved area for wheelchairs. Refreshments will be provided by Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab.
Band members will soon begin rehearsing for the very popular Independence Day concert on July 4 followed by the City Fireworks Show. The Community Band has members of all ages, and any area musician, especially high school and college students home for the summer, can join the band. Call 865-202-2773 for more information. Visit the band’s website at www.orcb.org and www.facebook.com/OakRidgeCommunityBand.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Oak Ridge Community Band to kick off summer on Memorial Day
