Published: February 07, 2008 10:15 am            

U.S. Navy Band to present free concert

Local News

They’ve been called “The World’s Finest.” Even U.S. President George W. Bush says his steps are “a little lighter” each time he hears this band perform.

The United States Navy Band, the Navy’s premier musical representative in Washington, D.C., is recognized by many as one of the top bands in the world.

Under the direction of Cmdr. George N. Thompson, the band will be performing for the first time in Somerset on Sunday, Feb. 17, at a free community concert at The Center for Rural Development. The concert, scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., is sponsored by The Center and Clear Channel Lake Cumberland.

Established on March 4, 1925, by an Act of Congress, the Navy band has participated in 20 presidential inaugurals and presents honors at White House ceremonies and memorial services in Arlington National Cemetery.

The band, which is staffed by some of the nation’s best musicians, is based at the historic Washington Navy Yard.

“The United States Navy Band presents public concerts in the Washington metropolitan area and tours the country annually. However, the band is on a five-year rotation schedule and only travels through this area of the state on a limited basis. It is an honor to be chosen as the host for this concert,” said Dianna Winstead, arts manager for The Center for Rural Development.

Ten band students from Pulaski County, Somerset and Southwestern high schools have been selected by their band directors to perform a musical arrangement on stage with the Navy band.

Jeremy Cole, band director at Pulaski County High School, said the high school musicians will be performing “The Washington Post March,” a patriotic march composed by John Philip Sousa.

“It’s an extreme honor for a high school student to be asked to perform with this group because the United States Navy Band is such a high caliber ensemble,” said Cole, who was asked to put together this unique group of high school musicians.

The local ensemble will be made up of representatives from almost every section of the band. Cole is hoping his students will walk away from the performance “energized,” but he cautioned “The Washington Post March” is not an easy piece of music to play and students will have to work hard at rehearsals.

The Navy band performs all styles of music – everything from ceremonial “ruffles and flourishes” to classical, rock, jazz and country favorites. The organization continues a proud tradition of professionalism and service long associated with the U.S. Navy.

The concert, sponsored by The Center and Clear Channel Lake Cumberland, is presented as a free community event. No admission will be charged. Tickets are required and may be picked up at The Center, 2292 South U.S. 27 (at Stoplight No. 15). Ticket holders must be seated 15 minutes prior to the performance. All empty seats will be released to non-ticket holders promptly at 1:45 p.m.

For more information on the concert or to pick up tickets, call The Center’s Box Office at 606-677-6000.

        

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