Still Celebrating: USU Alumni Band Offers Patriotic Concert
LOGAN, UT – While the glow of the fireworks has dimmed, Utah State University’s Alumni Band isn’t ready to stop the Independence Day celebration.
The band will take the stage Sunday, July 11, on the USU Quad east of Old Main for its annual Independence Day concert and its second outdoor concert of the season. The traditional holiday concert begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
“We chose the Quad because of easy access, great shade, plenty of nearby parking and lots of space to spread out a blanket and have picnic dinner before the concert,” said band director Nicholas Morrison. “And, there will be some amplification so that you don’t have to sit in the first few rows in order to hear the music. Bring the kids, bring a Frisbee, bring some lawn chairs or a blanket and share a special evening with the Utah State University Summer Alumni Band.”
The program will include such favorites as “America the Beautiful,” Morton Gould’s “American Salute” and, of course, Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
A salute to both veterans and currently serving members of the armed forces is also included in the program.
“It is important, especially on this Independence Day concert in these difficult times, to recognize that our freedom was purchased, and is maintained, only through great sacrifices by men and women who paid a great price — the cost of their lives,” Morrison said. “We’ll ask them to stand and sing along with the band as we play their branch’s song in their honor.”
The intermission feature for this week’s performance brings a Cache Valley favorite with an international touring schedule — the Lightwood Duo. With guitarist and USU faculty member Michael Christiansen and clarinetist Eric Nelson, the ensemble performs unique arrangements of jazz, classical and popular music.
Future Alumni Band performances are July 18 and 25 and Aug. 1. All performances are on the Quad and begin at 7 p.m.