The Oak Ridge Community Band is pictured above during the July 4, 2014, concert. (Photo by Larry Perry)
The Oak Ridge Community Band will have its annual Independence Day concert at A.K. Bissell Park on Monday evening, July 4. The 7:30 p.m. concert will be followed by the city’s annual fireworks show, which starts at 10 p.m.
“Oak Ridgers and area residents who are looking for a great way to celebrate the July 4 holiday on a ‘high note’ should be making plans to attend,” a press release said. “This year’s July 4 concert marks the 72nd anniversary of the Community Band’s first concert, which was held on July 4, 1944, in the historic Jackson Square area of town. Large crowds are expected on Monday evening, so come early, bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating, and enjoy the music and fireworks!”
There is no admission fee for the concert. However, donations are welcomed to help offset band expenses, the press release said. Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab will be in the park to help people stay “cool” with refreshments.
Featured guest performers on Monday evening’s program are the Community Band Singers and vocal soloist Melissa Brooks-Greene. The Community Band Singers will be performing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Swanee,” “The Ultimate Patriotic Sing-Along,” and “A Cohan Salute.” Brooks-Greene will be singing “America, the Beautiful” and “Over the Rainbow.”
The Band’s trumpet section will be featured in Leroy Anderson’s “Bugler’s Holiday,” the trombone section in Abe Losch’s “Sliding Sid,” and the Dixieland Band with soloists Ron Battle, Thom Dorris, Dave Greenwood, Bruce Keck, Tim Michaels, and Cindy Redd in “Original Dixieland Concerto” as they play “Jazz me Blues,” Ballin’ the Jack,” and “Original One-Step.”
Other great tunes on Monday’s program include “Captain America March,” “An American in Paris,” “American Folk Rhapsody No. 3,” and “El Capitan” march. The concert will conclude with a rousing rendition of John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” getting everyone ready for the fireworks display.
The Oak Ridge Community Band is directed by Dale Pendley and assistant conductor Lisa Michaels. Rehearsals for the band’s next concert on August 7 will begin on July 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Any interested area musicians including high school and college students are welcome to join the band and can find more information at www.orcb.org or by calling (865) 483-3044.
Copyright 2016 Oak Ridge Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Leave a Reply