The Oak Ridge Community Band has been rehearsing for the annual Independence Day concert, which will be held Friday, July 4, at 7:30 p.m. at A.K. Bissell Park behind the Civic Center.
“This is an especially big event for the Community Band because it is the 70th anniversary of the band’s very first concert performed on July 4, 1944,” a press release said.
There is no admission fee for this concert or for the city’s fireworks display held at the end of the concert program. However, donations to the Community Band will be accepted to help offset band expenses, the press release said.
The July 4 concert traditionally attracts large crowds, so come early for good seating and bring lawn chairs or blankets, the release said. Refreshments will be available for sale.
In honor of the band’s 70th anniversary, the program has several special guests including Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan, Knoxville soprano singer Lettie Andrade De La Torre, the Dixieland Band, a chorus to sing “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and the clarinet section performing “Clarinet Candy.” Other musical selections will be patriotic songs, jazz, swing, the “1812 Overture,” and Hollywood movie tunes. The concert will ending with a stirring rendition of “Stars and Stripes,” the release said.
For more information, call (865) 482-3568 or visit www.orcb.org.
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