Suite Liberty
Sunday, October 19
3 p.m.
West Springfield High School
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This special concert honors 250 years of liberty, resilience, and community through the power of music. From the ringing brass of patriotic fanfares to the heartfelt strains of American hymns, the program traces the nation’s story in sound, a reflection of both its proud traditions and its ever-evolving identity.
The concert opens with John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare, arranged by James Curnow, a dazzling and triumphant celebration originally written for the rededication of the Statue of Liberty. Julie Giroux’s Fort McHenry Suite follows, evoking vivid scenes of frontier life and the pioneering spirit. Omar Thomas’ breathtaking Shenandoah offers a fresh and soulful reimagining of the beloved folk tune, capturing both beauty and longing.
No American celebration would be complete without a march, and Henry Fillmore’s Americans We provides just the right combination of spirit and joy. At the heart of the program stands Dwayne Milburn’s American Hymnsong Suite, which unites several cherished hymn melodies into a moving and powerful tribute that bridges generations of American music.
Together, these selections form a “suite” of liberty — not bound to one piece, but a collection of voices, each contributing to the broader story of America’s journey. As we mark this milestone anniversary, Suite Liberty invites listeners to reflect, rejoice, and look forward to the next chapter of our shared history.
Sounds of the Season
Sunday, December 7
3 p.m.
West Springfield High School
Celebrate the magic of the holidays with the National Concert Band of America as we present Sounds of the Season, a concert filled with music that shines as brightly as the season itself. It's an event the whole family will love!
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The program journeys across cultures and traditions, from the sweeping grandeur of Alfred Reed’s Russian Christmas Music to the vibrant energy of Sean O’Loughlin’s Imani, inspired by Kwanzaa. With music that is reverent, joyful, and hopeful, this concert offers something for everyone. Whether your holiday soundtrack is filled with the warmth of carols, the glow of candles, or the thrill of sleigh bells, Sounds of the Season brings us together in celebration of harmony, tradition, and cheer.
From the Roots,
A New World
Sunday, March 8
3 p.m.
West Springfield High School
“From the Roots, a New World” is a concert theme that explores how American music and identity has been shaped by the deep cultural, spiritual, and artistic roots of African Americans, women, Indigenous peoples, and immigrants. It traces a journey from origin to transformation, honoring the voices and musical traditions that gave rise to new forms, new expressions, and new possibilities.
Built to Last
Sunday, May 17
3 p.m.
West Springfield High School
This program celebrates music and ideas that endure. Some works become timeless because of their craftsmanship, others because of the emotions and stories they carry across generations. "Built to Last" highlights pieces whose strength, beauty, and resilience have secured their place in the repertoire, reminding us that while trends may change, true artistry stands firm.