Atlanta Wind Symphony Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday!

The Atlanta Wind Symphony invites the community to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States with Happy 250th Birthday America!, a special concert on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Milton High School Auditorium in Milton, Georgia, 13025 Birmingham Hwy, Milton GA 30004.

Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors age 65 or older, students 12 and under, and active or former members of the military. Children age 12 and under are admitted for free. A ticket package for a family of 4 or more is available for one low price of $40. Tickets can be purchased online at www.AtlantaWindSymphony.com or at the door on the day of the concert.

Featuring a program of stirring patriotic favorites, classic American compositions, and music celebrating the nation’s history and spirit, the concert offers an opportunity for audiences to honor America’s musical heritage as the country continues to celebrate its semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The program, conducted by Dr. David Kehler, will showcase the works of some of America’s most celebrated composers, including Henry Fillmore’s Americans We, William Schuman’s Chester, and Charles Ives’s Variations on America. Audiences will also enjoy Duane S. Milburn’s American Hymnsong Suite, a four-movement work featuring familiar hymn melodies: “Wondrous Love,” “Balm in Gilead,” “Nettleton,” and “Wilson.”

The afternoon’s program continues with Alfred Reed’s Rushmore and Thomas Knox’s American Pageant, culminating in the unmistakable patriotic spirit of John Philip Sousa’s beloved march, The Stars and Stripes Forever.

From the nation’s musical roots to the grand traditions of the American concert band, the program celebrates the diverse musical voices and enduring ideals that have shaped the United States.

The concert is generously sponsored by Fulton County Arts & Culture.

About the Atlanta Wind Symphony

The Atlanta Wind Symphony (“AWS”) is an adult community wind ensemble of approximately 75 players who share a common goal of delivering inspiring performances of quality wind band literature.

The Atlanta Wind Symphony was founded in 1979 as the North Fulton Community Band and has evolved into one of the finest community wind ensembles in the Southeast. The group has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, at five Georgia Music Educators Association conventions, and at the 2021 Midwest Clinic, America’s largest instrumental music conference. The John Philip Sousa Foundation awarded the AWS the Sudler Silver Scroll, North America's most prestigious award for community concert bands. Well-known composers of wind band literature have served as guest conductors, including Alfred Reed, James Curnow, Elliot del Borgo, and Eric Osterling.

Dr. David Kehler, Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Kennesaw State University, is the Atlanta Wind Symphony’s current Music Director and Conductor. Under his leadership, the AWS is building on its rich history to make even greater contributions to the Atlanta music scene by performing in venues throughout the metro area, collaborating with other area musical organizations, and expanding its educational outreach programs.