Sixty Person Band to Perform at Fort Hunt Park

Sunday night’s concert at Fort Hunt National Park will feature a 60 person band playing up-tempo songs for the whole family. 

The National Concert Band of America was formed originally by former bandsmen from the D.C. service bands who wanted to continue to play at a high level.  The National Concert Band of America was formed in 1974 and is still going strong today.

“We have some young people and we have some retired people,” said Director Mel Kessler.  “There’s retired and former military, school teachers and other people who just play well and enjoy playing music.”

The National Concert Band of America recently started looking for new venues and Sunday night’s performance at Fort Hunt National Park will be a first for the band.  Kessler says some of the tunes on the program Sunday will be very recognizable, like their medley from the musical Jersey Boys which features songs by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The band will also tackle American Barndance by Richard Saucedo and Armed Forces on Parade by Hayman.

 “There isn’t anything on the program that isn’t a toe-tapper, Kessler said.  “When you’re doing a park concert, you’ve got to be aware of your audience.  A lot of people will have kids there.”

The National Concert Band of America has been tapped to perform as the featured guest band for the Maryland Directors of the National Band Association this coming February.

“It’s an honor to be asked to perform for that,” Kessler said.

Kessler says while symphonic music is sometimes perceived as the premiere form of concert entertainment, band music is just as versatile.

“The wind band actually pre-dates the orchestra,” Kessler said.  “Town criers would play to announce various events. I think bands can do everything that an orchestra can do as far as being musical and entertaining.”

The National Concert Band of America rehearses every Monday night in Old Town.  Sunday night’s concert is free and starts at 7 p.m.