'Debt of gratitude' | Concert will honor military men and women

October 30, 2007 10:10 am

— By TOM LAVIS
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
Nothing is more appropriate on Veterans Day than to honor the men and women in the armed forces with a stirring concert.
River City Brass Band will perform “Songs of Freedom,” a variety of hymns, marches and tunes connected to the various branches of the armed services, including the long-neglected march of the Merchant Marines.
The concert will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Pitt-Johnstown in Richland Township.
Denis Colwell, RCBB music director and conductor, said he was most selective when it came time to choose the program for this concert.
“When the nation is at war, there is a fine line between being political and being patriotic,” Colwell said. “I didn’t want to come off like being a warmonger, but we owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve our nation with pride, dignity and sacrifice.”
The program opens with the “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Colwell said while songs in the program represent the gamut of America’s involvement in warfare dating back to the Civil War, it was unintentional.
“This is an opportunity for us to celebrate all branches of the service and everything American,” Colwell said.
The program includes several show-stopping moments, including the Armed Forces medley to honor the many who serve, and have served, in all branches of our nation’s military as both career and reserve officers.
“When we play a branch’s particular song, we invite anyone who served in that branch to stand and people are quick to come to their feet,” he said.
Colwell said he received a note from someone suggesting that any widow or widower whose spouse served in that particular branch also should stand.
“I think that this a wonderful idea, and we will ask people to do it,” he said.
The Merchant Marine-titled “Heave Ho! My Lads, Heave Ho!” was composed during World War II by Lt. (j.g.) Jack Lawrence, U.S. Maritime Service.
It is in tribute to the 6,000 veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served in the submarine-infested icy waters during World War II to deliver supplies to the Allied effort.
Only in 1988 did these brave sailors receive their proper recognition by being granted official veteran status.
“A torpedo doesn’t know the difference between a warship or a merchant ship,” Colwell said. “The mariners deserve recognition, as well, and we will actually be singing a portion of the salute.”
Several soloists from RCBB will step to center stage to perform, including concertmaster Bernard Black, who will perform “American Eagle Waltz”; Ryan Spacht, one of RCBB’s youngest members, who will perform “Joshua Swings the Battle”; and Black, Spacht and Jordan Winkler, one of the band’s newest players, will team up for the wartime radio hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
Other familiar show tunes are “American Civil War Fantasy,” by famed composer Jerry Bilik, and many more tunes that will spark nostalgia and admiration for those in uniform.
Discounts are available for senior citizens ages 60 and older and groups of 10 or more.
Tickets are available by calling (800) 292-7222 or visit www.rcbb.com.

Attention
What: “Songs of Freedom” by River City Brass Band.
Where: Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Pitt-Johnstown.
When: 3 p.m. Nov. 11.
Tickets: Call (800) 292-7222 or visit www.rcbb.com.
Cost: Tickets range from $19 to $23; senior citizen and group discounts are available.

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