How to go
What: Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band
When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Dave Finkelman Auditorium, Miami University Middletown, 4200 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free
MIDDLETOWN — For those who cannot quite wait for summertime to begin, an upcoming musical performance will give the community an opportunity to celebrate Memorial Day a little bit early this year.
On Sunday, the Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band will perform a “Red, White and Blue Celebration,” at Miami University Middletown in the Dave Finkelman Auditorium. The concert, which will feature patriotic favorites, begins at 2:30 p.m. and will be conducted by Chris Brandenburg.
The performance will include several patriotic tunes, including “America The Beautiful” by John Higgins and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” arranged by James Neilson.
Brandenburg said both pieces are “definitely well known, patriotic, heart-stirring tunes.”
The community band, which consists of about 90 members, will also play “His Honor, Lassus Trombone” and “Armed forces Salute” (arranged by Bob Lowden) by Henry Fillmore and “National Emblem” by E.E. Bagley. Brandenburg said the band has not played this type of music in three years.
One particular piece from the “upbeat American celebration type music” that Brandenburg said he likes is “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” arranged by Don Gillis, which he describes as “kind of a New Orleans jazz number that’s real fun.”
Dan Nichols, a clarinetist in the band, will serve as a guest conductor. Nichols will be leading the band in selections from the Broadway phenomenon “Wicked.”
While the show pays tribute to our nation, the occasion will not be a solemn one.
“There’s nothing in this particular program that’s kind of a sad memorial thing,” Nichols said.
Instead, the program includes energetic, patriotic music that celebrates the positives, he said.
“Its kind of the big end of the year concert and its actually a very lengthy program,” he said.
Another guest conductor, Kara Barbee, will conduct Variations on “America” by Charles Ives. Barbee is both a band member and the Winton Woods Middle School Band Director.
During one of the final pieces of the program, “The Armed Forces Salute,” the band will honor all five branches of service by asking veterans and families of veterans who have served in the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard to stand.
Nichols said the gesture will be an emotional moment for some people.
“That will really hit home at this particular time,” he said.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Miami University Middletown, 4200 E. University Blvd.
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