Ashland Symphony Orchestra presents 'Pops in the Park' on July 3 at Myers Bandshell

Staff Report
·2 min read
The Ashland Symphony Orchestra presents its annual “Pops in the Park” concert
The Ashland Symphony Orchestra presents its annual “Pops in the Park” concert

Ashland Symphony Orchestra will present its annual “Pops in the Park” on Sunday, July 3, at 8 p.m. at the Guy C. Myers Memorial Bandshell with new Music Director and Conductor Michael Repper will be on the podium, according to a news release from ASO.

Patriotic favorites will include the “Star Spangled Banner," “Armed Forces Salute," “America the Beautiful," “God Bless America” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,"

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Repper has programmed pieces that acknowledge America’s musical history: “American Frontier” a medley of tunes arranged by Calvin Custer, “Shenandoah” arranged by Jack Bullock, a trio of marches by John Philip Sousa, and a nod to Broadway with a medley of songs from “Guys and Dolls”.

"I couldn't be happier to be making my debut as music director of the incredible Ashland Symphony Orchestra at this year's 'Pops in the Park' concert," Repper said in the release. "One of my passions is American music, and so I am thrilled to join this great community in celebrating our country's independence with all of you. We're going to have great fun and play wonderful music. I hope you'll join us."

Michael Repper is the new music director and conductor of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra.
Michael Repper is the new music director and conductor of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra.

Civil War Battery D from the 1st Ohio Light Artillery will provide cannon fire accompaniment to “1812 Overture." Audience members are invited to pop paper bag cannons and light sparklers during the performance.

“Pops in the Park is the perfect concert for introducing Michael Repper to our audience," Martha Buckner, ASO executive director, said in the release. "I know the large and enthusiastic crowd will show Michael why Ashland is known as the 'World Headquarters of Nice People.' ”

Donations will benefit Ashland Symphony Orchestra and Ashland City Parks and Recreation

Donations will be collected during the performance that will benefit both the Ashland Symphony Orchestra and Ashland City Parks and Recreation.

“It is because of the generosity of the Ashland community that we are celebrating 52 years of the ASO and 73 years of the Brookside Summer Concert Series,” said Buckner in the release.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to Ashland High School’s Archer Auditorium. Call 419-281-3018, ext 3, for rain location updates.

For more about the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, call 419-289-5115 or visit www.ashlandsymphony.org.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Myers Memorial Band Shell hosts 'Pops in the Park'