2nd Annual Community Band Festival a Hit!
by Vince Patterson, Director, Rockville Concert Band (ACB)

June 27 and 28 saw three top-notch community bands gathered in Washington, DC to perform for the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial. It was the 2nd Annual National Community Concert Band Sousa Festival, produced by Music Celebrations International, a reputed concert tour organizer and corporate member of the Association of Concert Bands. Sunday’s 2 p.m. concert was masterfully led by Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel, Conductor Emeritus, U.S. Air Force Band. He chose an exciting program of Sousa marches, Americana and popular favorites. Many visiting the Lincoln Memorial sat on its graceful rising steps or granite end-stones; some paused, engaged by the Festival Band, at the Reflecting Pool as touring ducks kept time to the music.

Participating bands were:

• Auburn Community Band, Auburn, Indiana, Ms. Kim Randinelli, Director
• Chatham Community Concert Band, Chatham, New Jersey, Brian Conti, Director
• Middlesex Concert Band, Wakefield, Mass., Mark Olson, Director

The previous evening, Col Gabriel really Wowed the three bands, seated in a hotel ballroom, in sections, for a two-hour rehearsal. Before, several people quipped, “where’s his music stand?” This Festival Band was about to witness something many had never seen: an incredible display of consummate musicianship as Col Gabriel conducted the entire rehearsal (and Sunday’s concert!) without scores. He made corrections to misprinted notes in players’ parts, called rehearsal numbers seemingly out of the air, flawlessly fixing, correcting notes and inspiring players’ responses. By 10:15 p.m. everyone KNEW – Col Gabriel’s reputation is well deserved, a testament to his years of score study, guest conductor appearances around the world and succinct, unmistakably CLEAR rehearsal technique. This band was now his and they played their hearts out for him.

The day before, each Festival Band had performed its own concert in Schlesinger Hall, Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Saturday, the Middlesex Band kicked it off at noon with 76 Trombones, Ye Banks and Braes, Old Home Days, On the Mall, Wrong Note Rag and The Rifle Regiment (Sousa), led knowingly by Mark Olson. For the 1 o’clock slot, Ms Kim Randinelli enthusiastically conducted her Auburn Community Band in Mother Hubbard/ Mother Goose March (Sousa), Sousa Palooza, Appalachian Morning, But Not for Me, 80’s Flashback, Caribbean Rondo and The Devil Went Down to Georgia. The Chatham Community Band started promptly at 2 p.m., effectively led by Brian Conti, in Toccata, Under the Double Eagle (Sousa), Someone to Watch Over Me, Richard Rodgers and Chimes of Liberty. Most band members remarked on the fine acoustics and beauty of this jewel of an auditorium just a quick ride from downtown DC.

Typically, bands bus in on Friday, check in to the Festival hotel, enjoy a group “Welcome Dinner!” and (with reservations made earlier) attend the stunningly magnificent “Evening Parade” at Marine Barracks, 8th & I St., SE, Wash., DC. This Marine Corps tradition features – of course – the US Marine Band, Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, Silent Drill Team (spinning ‘bayonets fixed’ M1 rifles), Chesty the bulldog mascot and the button-busting Ceremonial Guard troops stationed at “The Oldest Post of the Corps.” It’s true: seeing stalwart Marines in Dress Blues, Band and Drum Corps in resplendent reds, flags flying and feeling the palpable intense emotions all around you, this event, in itself, is worth a trip to DC!

Col Gabriel’s repertoire at the Lincoln Memorial:

• Washington Post March – Sousa
• Light Cavalry Overture – von Suppe – arr. Fillmore
• Irving Berlin - a Symphonic Portrait - arr. Ades
• Bugler’s Holiday – Anderson. featuring the Festival Band’s trumpets!
• George Washington Bicentennial March – Sousa
• Hollywood – arr. Barker
• Overture 1812 – Tschaikovsky/ arr. Lake (w/ cuts)
• America the Beautiful – arr. Dragon
• The Stars and Stripes Forever! – Sousa. U.S. National March, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, 1987.

Bands around the country are already revving up for next year’s Community Band Festival in Wash., DC, set for June 19 and the 2 p.m., massed band concert – with Col Gabriel - on the Mall, Sunday, June 20, 2010.

This was the best tour we have taken! This was our third visit to D.C. and by far the most effective. The guides and the concert venues were excellent. I could not have asked for a better tour. Everytime my students perform well and are given praise I am happy, but I am even more proud when they learn, share and grow from their tour experiences. It was wonderful!

A highlight was working with Col. Arnald Gabriel. I have worked with “Gabe” since the mid seventies. I have so much respect for his musicianship, his wisdom, his history and his life story. With all that said, I have never seen him work better with young people. My students were like “sponges” as he gave them lesson after lesson in our 90 minute session. He is a national/world treasure with whom we were honored so share the music.

A concert highlight was our performance at the World War II Memorial on June 6 (65th anniversary of D-Day). It was EXCELLENT! The site cannot be replicated with great visual effects, wonderful audience exposure and a very pleasant acoustic environment for instrumental performances.

It’s always a pleasure working with the Music Celebrations staff and I will certainly be telling my colleagues about our wonderful experiences on this tour.

Dr. Marion Roberts, Director
Blue Valley North High School Bands

The performance experience was great! The kids are still talking about it. When we stepped on to Constitution Avenue; the crowd was cheering, the cameras were rolling, and a huge American Flag was waving. We all had goose bumps and felt like we were a part of something great, a part of history.

It was a great experience overall and I will gladly serve as a reference for this event and for Music Celebrations.

George Tepshich, Band Director
Shaler Area High School

The parade was awesome!! They even provided emergency water for our kids. I really appreciated that. The crowd was surreal and it was really professional. The parade was the best part of the trip.

I think Music Celebrations is very organized and professional!! Every question and concern that I had was answered and in a promptly manner. I thought the quality of the facility was great and the tour guide was also really well prepared.

Juan Mendoza, Band Director
Perth Amboy High School

I was very pleased with everything - transportation, hotel, meals & tour escorts. The parade was great! Just the right length. And the audience was awesome! We loved their response to our “Jive” section in our cadence where we did fancy foot and bodywork. The organization in the assembly area was very much appreciated!

My personal highlight was the parade. I got teary eyed as we marched past the Washington Monument. The kids also enjoyed the parade and the audience response. They enjoyed all the sights and the Smithsonian Museums. They really enjoyed watching the precision of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the unknown Soldier in Arlington.

It was a wonderful band trip and I will gladly serve as a reference for Music Celebrations if any bands are considering this experience.

Cindy Scheid, Director
Youngsville High School Band

DC was great! I so appreciate how well organized all of the events were. Mariann, our tour guide, was awesome! The bus service and drivers were also great. Our accommodations were perfect. Everyone had a great time. I will definitely recommend the National Memorial Day Parade and Music Celebrations to other bands for future travel. Thanks so much for making it all so easy!

Janice Wiles
Booster President

I want to express my thanks and appreciation for a wonderful festival experience. Your company has been the best I have ever worked with! The photo slide show is terrific. This is a festival I would recommend be on our schedule on a 4-year rotation. I am trying to develop some “traditions” and this is one of them!

Diane Stallings
Savannah Arts Academy

The Belchertown Twirlers have been selected to represent the State of Massachusetts in the 2009 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on July 4th. The twirlers will be joining government officials, national military units, sponsored floats, helium balloons and other specialty units in this major national event.

Ms. Barbara Kupras and Ms. Kristi Kupras Ochs, the directors, were informed of this honor based on the decision of the National Selection Committee, which considered and reviewed the twirling group’s application materials and determined the twirling group will be an excellent representative of Massachusetts. The Belchertown Twirlers received a Governor’s Proclamation from Governor Patrick Deval commending the Twirlers on their selection to represent Massachusetts in this prestigious National Parade.

The parade route is on historical Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets. A street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators is anticipated. The National Park Service and the National Independence Day Parade TM are the co-sponsors of this event.

The traditional parade will be a reflection of many American patriotic themes, historical and present, but the major emphasis in 2009 will be Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial.

The twirling group will be in Washington, D.C. from July 2-5, 2009 during which time a complete program of sightseeing and other cultural activities will be part of the experience. The Belchertown Twirlers will also perform in front of the Jefferson Memorial on Friday, July 3rd.

“We also just got notified that we have been selected to stop at the Reviewing Stand for a 2 minute performance. Only 4 groups in the entire parade were selected so we are very proud of the twirlers,” said Kupras.

Following the parade on July 4th, they will join several hundred thousand tourists who enjoy the televised performance of the National Symphony in front of the U.S. Capitol Building and the spectacular fireworks display.

It’s going to be very hard to express the full appreciation our band and parents have for the opportunity we have had through Music Celebrations International. This experience has been truly exceptional. From the very beginning of the planning stages, we commend you for your impeccable assistance, your willingness to make every part of our trip the absolute very best it could possibly be. Our hats are off to you and our horns are raised to you!!;);)

Your enthusiasm and professionalism were more than I could have asked for. Thank you for working with me one on one and making the necessary changes needed throughout the months we worked so closely on this trip together. I could always depend on you responding by email and phone calls almost instantly to my request. That kind of service is unheard of. I have planned several class trips over the years working with travel agents and program coordinators, and I have never experienced anything close to what was provided by you and the MCI staff.

While in the parade staging area we were greeted by more than one member of MCI and somehow, your company has hired so many people who truly love their jobs. Everyone was very accommodating and ready to do anything to assist us. What a great organization of people!

The Memorial Day Parade itself was an honor in so many ways. While at the staging area, we were approached by parade spectators, who wanted to know our story. We visited with Veterans from WWII and the Korean war who were located near our staging area. We were photographed by a freelance photographer from Maryland who found our small town story very interesting. He asked if our students realized what an honor it is to be a part of the National Memorial Day Parade. He said, this parade is second only to the Inauguration Parade for the President of the United States. The whole parade experience was absolutely incredible and all of us will have a lifetime of memories made possible by MCI, our United States Senator Byron Dorgan, who nominated us, and our students’ hard work as a marching band.

If you ever need a reference for another school who is considering a trip planned by MCI please forward them to me. I will be more than happy to share our satisfaction with our association to you.

Once again, THANK YOU from “The Small but MIGHTY Eskimo Marching Band” of Bowbells High School, Bowbells, North Dakota.

Sue Christiansen
Bowbells Music Booster President

Click here to view a slideshow of this year’s National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. We’re adding more photos often, so check back!

Here’s some fantastic insight into the life of U.S. military musicians that was broadcast in December on the Pentagon Channel’s half-hour monthly documentary show, “Recon.”

Thursday, May 28, 2009
By Rita Michel

Shaler Area High School Titan Marching Band joined nearly 200 other units from across the country in marching past the White House in the 2009 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., Monday.

Representing Western Pennsylvania were 160 Shaler Area musicians, majorettes, color guard and dance team members. They joined national military bands, active military and specialty units, floats, other marching bands and veterans of conflicts from World War II through Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The parade marked the first time in more than 10 years a district marching band had participated in a national event. “This was a huge honor for us and our school district,” said George Tepshich, director of the band for the past three years.

Full Article Here

Amazing, amazing trip. Everything was so well organized. The kids adored Dr. Stroope. Sarah and George were the best tour guide and bus driver we’ve ever had.

Thank you for everything you did in making our trip a success. I can’t wait to share the trip with my friends.

Heather Copley
Apex High School Choral Department

Chorale group of 80 students will sing backdrop for Lee Greenwood during parade telecast on PBS
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Eighty Royal High School students are in Washington, D.C., this weekend after their chorale group was chosen one of the premier in the country.

The group auditioned a year ago and learned in June 2008 they would represent California in the National Memorial Day Chorale Festival at the JFK Center of Performing Arts.

Only eight groups in the United States were chosen.

“At first, when we were talking about a tour for this year, we didn’t know where we were going,” said senior Akayla Kohlieber. “When our director, (Bonnie) Graeve told us we were going to D.C., everyone just gasped. We were so excited.”

The students have performed at many prestigious venues, including Disney Hall, Carnegie Hall two years ago and Orchestra Hall in Chicago four years ago. They’ve auditioned before, but this is the first year Royal was chosen for the national event.

The group is made up of students from five chorale groups at Royal: the jazz ensemble, women’s ensemble, vocal ensemble, chamber singers and concert choir.

Senior Megan Switzler and sophomore Erica Ruiz have been singing for most of their lives.

“I’m not overwhelmed, but I’m really excited,” Ruiz said. “It’s so great that we get to share our talents with the rest of the country. Some of us have worked all our lives to get to this level, and being invited makes us feel that we worked hard and we are appreciated for it.”

The Royal students left Thursday and will return late Monday.

They will give their main concert Sunday afternoon, and they’ll also perform at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the church on the Catholic University of America campus.

All eight chorale groups invited were also asked by country music singer Lee Greenwood to sing backup for him when he performs “God Bless the USA” in the National Memorial Day Parade Monday. The parade will be broadcast on PBS.

While in the nation’s capital, the students will tour the White House and the Capitol building, and they’ll visit other sights, like Arlington Cemetery and Georgetown University.

“I’m always extremely proud of my students,” said director Graeve. “They work very hard, and they sound great. They are just the best. It’s an A-plus program and an A-plus class.”

Debbie Bartholomew, a parent assistant to the chorale program, said the year of preparation has been remarkable.

“Mrs. Graeve has really gone above and beyond on this,” Bartholomew said. “And the students have been amazing. They have 12 pieces of music to learn and they’ve done it. It sounds wonderful.”

Americans Asked to Pause at 3:00 P.M. on May 25 To Observe National Moment of Remembrance

WASHINGTON, May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The White House Commission on Remembrance today announced highlights of activities that will unfold across the country at 3:00 p.m. local time on May 25 as Americans pause to remember the nation’s fallen heroes. The President, in his Memorial Day Proclamation, will call on Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance. Observances include: Major League Baseball games will stop, the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. will halt, Amtrak trains will blow their whistles, Buglers Across America will play “Taps,” and the National Grocers Association and Food Marketing Institute will ask shoppers to pause in stores nationwide to remember our fallen. Join them and millions of others in observing the Moment at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

Citizens are asked to pause, wherever they may be for the Moment, and reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedoms, and commit to Live Honoring America’s Fallen.

“We want our citizens to contemplate the ties that bind us and take a moment to put ‘Memorial’ back into Memorial Day!” said Carmella LaSpada, the Commission’s Director.

The Moment is a new American tradition–a time to renew the values upon which America was founded, to commit to serving our country, and reflect on the history of sacrifices made for freedom.

The Moment was created by the Commission after its Director asked a group of children visiting our Nation’s Capitol, “What is the meaning of Memorial Day?” Their reply was, “It’s the day the pools open.” Their innocent response, combined with a Gallup Poll that revealed that only 28% of Americans know the true meaning of this holiday, launched the National Moment of Remembrance.

About The White House Commission on Remembrance

The White House Commission on Remembrance was established by Congress on December 28, 2000 in the Remembrance Act, Public Law 101-579, to honor America’s fallen and their families and to unite the country in the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day.

For Additional Information contact:
Carmella LaSpada
202 783-4665
commission@remember.gov

We had a great trip. All comments I’ve heard from parents and students have been positive. The Wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery was the highlight for me. I think the dinner cruise was a ton of fun. I think the lasting memory, though will be the performance at the Lincoln Memorial. The tour managers were exceptional and the staff at MCI were excellent to work with. I would be happy to be a reference for Music Celebrations.

John Selzer, Director

Albany Falcons Marching Band
Bryan Cady, Director
Albany, NY

Altoona Area High School Marching Band
Larry Detwiler, Director
Altoona, PA

Bishop McDewitt High School
Andrew Spotts, Director
Harrisburg, PA

Bowbells Marching Band
Leif Halvorson, Director
Bowbells, ND

Cousino High School “Patriot” Marching Band
Jeffrey Cutter, Director
Warren, MI

Deer Park High School Band
Gary Hebert, Director
Deer Park, TX

Del Norte High School Phantom Knight Band
David Olander, Director
Albuquerque, NM

East Henderson High School Marching Eagles
Sean Smith, Director
East Flat Rock, NC

Great Bridge High School Marching Wildcats
Rob Carroll, Director
Chesapeake, VA

Highland High School “Marching Highlanders”
Doug Fletcher, Director
Anderson, IN

John F. Kennedy Marching Band
Andrea Bonner, Director
Dearborn, MI

Lahser High School Marching Knights
Donald Chisholm, Director
Bloomfield Hills, MI

McNicholas Rocket Band
Keith Nance, Director
Cincinnatti, OH

North County High School Raider Regiment
Dan Schunks, Director
Bonne Terre, MO

Orange High Panther Regiment
Andy Carter, Director
Hillsborough, NC

Pace High School “The Pride of the Red, White & Blue” Patriot Marching Band
Jarod Leddy, Director
Pace, FL

Perth Amboy High School Marching Panthers
Juan Carlos Mendoza, Director
Perth Amboy, NJ

Shaler Area “Titan” Marching Band
George Tepshich, Director
Pittsburgh, PA

South Jones High School Band
Artie Adams, Director
Ellisville, MS

“That” Liberal Band - Liberty High School
Lance Burnett, Director
Liberal, KS

“The Pride of Winfield” – Winfield High School Marching Generals
Geary L. Jack II, Director
Winfield, WV

The Spirit of Great Oak - Great Oak High School
Jerry E. Burdick-Rutz, Director
Temecula, CA

Trenton High School Golden Bulldog Marching Band
Tim Gilham, Director
Trenton, MO

Truman High School Marching Band
Todd Reinhardt, Director
Independence, MO

Wayne County High School Yellow Jacket Marching Band
Elizabeth E. Taylor, Director
Jesup, GA

Wylie E. Groves Marching Band
James M. Zarzycki, Director
Beverly Hills, MI

Youngsville High School Marching Eagles
Cynthia Scheid, Director
Youngsville, PA

Zeeland High School Marching Band
Keith W. Walker, Director
Zeeland, MI

Thank you very much for a tremendous trip and experience for my students. The tour directors, particularly Janice, were top notch. The hotel was very nice, meals were great and of course the experinece at Kennedy Center was wonderful!

Everything about this experinece was easy and “user friendly” from start to finish!

Sincerely,

Sally Ross
Hickory High School

It was an absolutely wonderful trip—perhaps the best I’ve taken my choirs on, and we have traveled all over Europe and sung at Carnegie Hall.

The sightseeing was wonderful. We saw so many things in a very short amount of time. Things were scheduled tightly, yet if we wanted to diverge a bit, there was no problem with that.

The highlight for me was watching my folks who had served in the military lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and seeing how moved they were by it. I almost didn’t choose to include that in our trip, and I am so glad I did. I will hold dear always the look on their faces—the pride and the tears.

The MCI “team” was excellent to work with. I have nothing but the highest praise for the staff at Music Celebrations.

Thank you for such a wonderful trip. I would be happy to serve as a reference source.

Dr. Linda Bolding, Director

Excellent tour, all the way around. I am so impressed with Music Celebrations and the way that you really take care of your clients. I love the fact that everything is arranged for me , as it is hard enough getting the band ready to go on the trip. I don’t want to have to worry about all the logistics. By the time I get to the tour, I am exhausted from just getting to that point, so the actual tour is kind of relaxing because I know that I don’t have to make any more decisions!

Including the Virginia leg this year was really great. I think the students benefited immensely from the two days we spent there. Also, the 2 hour bus ride down there provided some rest for us which helped us make it through the rest of the day after the redeye flight.

The clinic with Anthony Maiello was a highlight for the group. He transformed the group’s sound in a short time. He was able to give some great advice, pertinent analogies, and even gave me suggestions on my own conducting which I found very valuable. Also, the hall was really nice to play in, so overall it was a great experience. Some of the students said this was there favorite part of the tour.

Leslie Schroerlucke, Director

I had several personal highlights from this tour to Washington, DC – the Basilica, of course, the night viewing memorials and enjoying our chorus sing EVERYWHERE. The Arlington National Cemetery where we had our own memorial service for grandparents of one of our members. The children, I think enjoyed the performance at the Lincoln anthough it was probably a tie with Basilica. Some of the parents really enjoyed the White House lawn tour. All in all there was something for everyone.

The concert experiences were first rate. We were blown away by the Recital in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine - what a wonderful place to sing. We also were able to sing on the altar of the upper church and could not believe the difference in the sound. We also enjoyed performing for the crowds that visited the Lincoln Memorial. What a beautiful site! Again, exactly as we expected, a wonderful musical experience for the children.

Your company does an excellent job and I would use you all again. We’ll have to wait a few years but hopefully we’ll plan another trip with you in the not too distant future.

Judie Henniger, Director

I loved the level of singers and ensembles chosen for the Festival. Univ. of Wisconsin was a fantastic representative, talent and hosts. The singers made the high schoolers feel welcome and pushed them to perform to their best. The Kennedy Center, the conductor and the Youth Orchestra — all breath taking. The highlight was the students’ reaction to the historically significant events: Arlington Cemetery; Lincoln Memorial; Concert at the Kennedy Center, etc. Their patriotism and personal experience was stretched and expanded day after day. The students loved the concert and the memorials. One of the highlights of my personal teaching experiences!

Scott Bradford
Beech Grove High School

I just wanted to let you know how wonderful the trip was! The entire experience was such a great opportunity for the students. I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity–however, I wish that you would have been able to hear the orchestra at full strength (instead of the “watered down” version! They really are pretty good! Thanks again for all of your work to provide us with such an awesome experience.

Yours truly,
Julia Yano
Parent

Contributed by Kelly Hardman Parker,
Director of Bands, Barron Collier High School

Originally published 1:44 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2009

NAPLES — The Barron Collier Band performed in the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade for estimated 500,000 in attendance and more than 1 million television viewers on Saturday, April 4. The invite was extended to the BCHS Band in the spring of 2008 and only one band from each state is chosen to participate and all fifty states are not always represented. The Cherry Blossom Parade route follows Constitution Avenue on the Washington Mall, passing the National Archives, Washington Monument and the White House. At three hours in length, it is one of the nation’s largest parades and this year there were more than one hundred fifty entries.

Immediately after the Parade, the Barron Collier HS Band was honored to perform at the U. S. Navy Memorial for the annual “Blessing of the Fleets” Ceremony and 100th Anniversary of the SeaBees. Following the prelude music of the U.S. Navy Fleet Band, Barron Collier HS was the only band invited to perform for this annual commemoration for an audience of 3,000. The top admiral of the Corps of Engineers (SeaBees) was the guest speaker, followed by the ceremonial mixing of the waters of the seven seas of the world into the fountains of the Navy Memorial. The BC Band performed 30 minutes of patriotic numbers, including the themed marches of each branch of the Armed Forces, works of John Philip Sousa, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “America the Beautiful”, and “God Bless America”, followed by a spirited performance by the BC Drumline. Unexpectedly, the BC Band’s performance here was filmed extensively by The Travel Channel as part of a special feature documentary and is already in production. More information will follow.

Click here to read more.