Dr. Moely, Director of the St. Joseph Municipal Band announced the band’s 2003 summer season continues with concerts on Friday, July 4 at the normal 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the John E. N. Howard Band Shell in downtown St. Joseph overlooking Lake Michigan.

    Director Moely indicated that this year’s patriotic concerts will follow the tradition of paying special tribute to our veterans who have served our country to secure our freedom.  Dr. Moely indicated “The band really enjoys this concert filled with great meaning for the musicians, many who have served our armed forces, and our audiences.”

    The concert begins with “American Salute” an energetic and difficult piece based on the tune “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”   Then followed by a patriotic march of Henry Fillmore “Americans We,” which Fillmore dedicated to all Americans.   This is followed by the music of George M. Cohan, in a setting by John Cacavas of “Star Spangled Spectacular.”  Common at many July 4th concerts across our nation is an old fashioned sing along, which the band leads the audience in “Patriotic Sing–A–Long” arranged by James Ployhar.  The audience will have some help following the songs with words printed in the program and lead by vocalist from the band, Gary Cooper of the trombone section.  The band follows with a performance of the John Philip Sousa march entitled “The Liberty Bell.” 

    The concert features an special arrangement of “America” arranged by Carmon Dragon..  The band brings forward again its trombone section leader, Gary Cooper, who will sing “God Bless the U.S. A”.  This is followed by the special tribute to veterans of all services who are asked to stand when they hear their service song performed by the band in “Armed Forces Salute.”