Join area musicians this Memorial Day as they offer a free concert to remember the sacrifices of America’s fallen soldiers. Hosted by the Cumberland Valley School of Music (CVSM), the open-air concert will be held at the Chambersburg Memorial Park band shell on Monday, May 29th at 7:30pm. The concert will include a flag-folding ceremony to honor America’s veterans, and during the musical selection the “Armed Forces Salute,” those who have served, or are currently serving, in the military will be recognized.
Musical selections will reflect the richness of patriotic, American music and include songs that evoke pride in America and in the ideals that bring all Americans together: freedom, equality, hope, and justice. Featuring the CVSM Community Symphonic Band and Community Choir, the concert will open with the National Anthem and include other favorites such as John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and Aaron Copland’s The Promise of Living. CVSM instructor and accomplished flute and saxophone player, Timothy Gotwald will conduct the band. The community choir will join the band to sing three of the day’s selections. Conducted by Rob Gowing, the choir consists of more than 40 community members ranging in age from teens to seniors. The band and chorus are people from the local community who love music and want to share music with their neighbors.
The concert is outdoors. So, bring blankets and lawn chairs. Bring the family and kids, and enjoy a picnic and an evening of music out in the open. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Chambersburg Area Senior High School Auditorium. Please check the CVSM website and Facebook page for weather-related updates on the day of the concert.
Free-will donations to support the non-profit school of music will be taken by CVSM staff and designated volunteers during the event. For more information about Cumberland Valley School of Music, CVSM summer camps, classes, and lessons, please visit www.cvsmusic.org or call (717) 261-1220. Keep up with all the latest happenings through social media at www.facebook.com/cvsmusic and www.twitter.com/cvsmusic.
ABOUT CUMBERLAND VALLEY SCHOOL OF MUSIC
In its 27th year, Cumberland Valley School of Music (CVSM) is committed to creating a musical community where high quality instruction and performance opportunities are available to all. Over 750 students – newborn through senior citizens – are served by CVSM with instruction provided in music, voice and drama through individual and group lessons, camps and classes. Live performance opportunities are provided through events such as recitals, concerts and the annual student Performathon. Additionally, the school sponsors scholarships and financial aid for musicians in the Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Mercersburg and Hagerstown areas. CVSM strongly believes that the benefits of the study of music and the participation in musical activities extend beyond musical proficiency to academic and vocational performance, social skills and enriching one’s life experiences.
