Long Time Summer Tradition of ‘Concerts in the Park’ Continues

 The Utah State University Alumni Band kicked off its summer concert series with the first performance July 8 at 7 p.m. on the Quad, located behind Old Main on USU’s Logan campus.
           
“We invite all residents and visitors of Cache Valley to USU for five summer evening concerts presenting popular favorites,” said Nicholas Morrison, director of the USU Alumni Band and senior associate dean of the Caine College of the Arts. “These performances, held on lovely summer evenings on the Quad, are our gift to the community and we hope you will join us.”
           
The band will also perform July 15, 22, 29 and Aug. 5. Each performance, excluding the July 29 concert, will be on the Quad. In the case of inclement weather, the concerts will be moved to the Kent Concert Hall located in the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus.
           
The July 29 performance will be held in the Kent Concert Hall and features both a choir and the Alumni Band.
           
Each performance is themed and a variety of music will be presented throughout the summer.
           
The performance schedule, with theme, includes: July 8, “American Salute – Honoring Those who Serve,” July 15, “The Park Band Tradition,” July 22, “Pioneers of the West,” July 29, “Band Meets Choir” and Aug. 5, “An Evening of Jazz.”
           
The band began in 1963 when USU Music Department faculty member Max Dalby founded the group. University administrators had approached Dalby about providing summer students with an on campus activity Sunday evenings. The idea for the band was born, and Dalby created a popular and ongoing tradition as a service to the USU campus.
           
There have been two directors in the band’s history. Dalby led the band for 30 years before Morrison began conducting in 1993.
           
Information can be found online at the Caine College of the Arts website (arts.usu.edu) or call the CCA Box Office at 435-797-8022.
           
The concerts are free and open to all.