America: The Story of “U.S.”

The Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will present a pops concert titled “America: The Story of ‘U.S.’” on Sunday, June 12th at 3:00 pm in the Bridgewater-Raritan High School auditorium. The school is located at 600 Garretson Road, Bridgewater, New Jersey. Admission is free and open to the public.

The concert will take the audience on a musical journey through the history of the United States.  The music will begin with “Chester,” William Schuman’s tribute to the Revolutionary War, and follow with “Gettysburg” by Randy Edelman, from the score to the 1993 movie that chronicled the Civil War.  “Shenandoah” by Frank Ticheli will evoke images of the serene and beautiful hills and valleys of Virginia.

A pair of tunes by John Williams, “Cowboys” (from the 1972 film starring John Wayne) and “Liberty Fanfare,” salute the American west and the Statue of Liberty, respectively.  “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite March” by Karl King, will showcase one of the most well-known circus marches (also known as “screamers”) ever composed.

Moving to the twentieth century, the concert will include “New York 1927” by Warren Barker; Leroy Anderson’s 1950 classic “Blue Tango,” the first instrumental to sell one million records; and an arrangement of tunes popularized by “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” Frank Sinatra.  There will be some musical surprises included in the concert as well, including a choral accompaniment and some guest conductors.

The RVSB is under the direction of Larry Markiewicz, who is a Director of Bands at Bridgewater-Raritan High School in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Mr. Markiewicz has been a guest conductor and clinician with many groups, including wind bands, student leadership seminars, and the top competitive drum and bugle corps worldwide.

The RVSB is an adult symphonic band with its membership drawn from central New Jersey and the surrounding areas.  The band has become known for its tradition of bringing quality music to the community, frequently featuring some of New Jersey’s most talented soloists, and providing free and accessible music education outreach to the community.