Patriotic Vocal and Band arrangements to be showcased at a Free Concert by CVSM at the Chambersburg Memorial Park Band Shell
CHAMBERSBURG–Everyone is invited to a free Memorial Day Concert at the Chambersburg Memorial Park Band Shell being offered by the Cumberland Valley School of Music. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the concert will highlight tunes that reflect our country’s founding and patriotic fervor.
Also on the program is a salute to those serve our country in the military.
Persons attending the event are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. 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.
Director Timothy Gotwald selected several instrumental pieces for the concert. He also included other pieces that require a rousing vocal chorus.
Band arrangements Gotwald chose include several standard marches, such as: “Stars and Stripes Forever,” by John Philip Sousa; “National Emblem,” by E.E. Bagley; and “Semper Fidelis,” by John Philip Sousa. During the” Armed Forces Salute,” arranged by Bob Lowden, those who have served, or are currently serving in branches of the military service will be recognized.
A contemporary feel is generated by the inclusion of “Selections from The Music Man,” by Meredith Wilson and arranged by Philip Lang, Wilson, who passed away in 1984, is considered by many to be one of the “most American” composers.
Another modern selection, entitled “American Panorama,” was written by popular composer Sammy Nestico, a native Pennsylvanian. Born in Pittsburgh in 1924, Nestico’s name is now synonymous with big band music.
In addition to the band, a Community Chorus formed by CVSM for the event will contribute its vocal stylings to the following well-loved tunes: “God Bless America,” by Irving Berlin and arranged by Roy Ringwald; “America, the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward and arranged by Jay Althouse; and “The Star Spangled Banner,” arranged by Henry Fillmore.
A CVSM instructor and accomplished flute and saxophone player, Gotwald said that the symphonic band joins together twice each year. In addition the Memorial Day festivities, the band can be heard at its annual winter 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, and other 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.
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