Sept. 11 Day of Remembrance Concert Held at County Library

On Sunday, Sept. 11 a 2-hour Day of Remembrance Concert took place at the . The concert was hosted to the Elysion Winds, a five piece wind ensemble.

Honoring those who lost their lives and loved ones, the remembrance performance featured patriotic songs such as "America the Beautiful", "Yankee Doodle", "You’re a Grand Old Flag" and even the national march of the United States, "Stars and Stripes" as the closing number.

The audience sang along as the band played these songs, giving national spirit to this year’s Patriot’s Day. Other songs included in the set were classical or from Broadway plays such as "Fiddler on the Roof" and "The Sound of Music".

Created by Marianne Franklin, who plays oboe, this group was founded four years ago as a way for music enthusiasts to enjoy playing chamber music in a group environment, with music arrangements specific to the instruments allowed within the group.

After receiving positive feedback, the Elysion Winds took their talents into the public eye. Now, the group can be found playing in churches, libraries, assisted living facilities, private parties, weddings and more.

Currently, all members are local residents and also involved with the Manalapan Symphony. “The idea was to have local musicians who like to share in music,” Franklin said.

With Marjorie Koharski on flute, Marvin Cooperman on clarinet, Christie Stratos on French horn, Linda Balavram on bassoon and Franklin on both oboe and directing, the group’s sound filled the room and captivated the nearly 100 people in attendance.

Opening remarks were also made by Renee Swartz, chairperson of the Monmouth County Library Commission, with "God Bless America" initially performed by Eliana Swartz. The library additionally displayed the original New York Times printing plates, which listed the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.