After students and staff filled rows of seats in Meyer Hall, the lights slowly dimmed, and chatter among the crowd faded to a halt. The curtain then opened to reveal the student wind ensemble performing the first piece of the event, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
In celebration of Veterans Day, the wind ensemble performed a repertoire of songs during fifth period to honor individuals who have served in the United States military and were victims of war. Despite the concert taking place Nov. 10, the holiday is celebrated nationwide Nov. 11.
On the same day, the Symphonic Band performed in Meyer Hall at 6:30 P.M.
Following the band’s performance of a rendition of the “National Anthem,” Student Government Association (SGA) co-presidents communications senior Gavin Murray and vocal senior Beau McDowell recited the American Pledge of Allegiance before giving their introductory speech, briefly explaining what the concert would entail and thanking the audience for attending.
“We started rehearsing for this beginning of October,” band director Evan Rogovin said in an email. “As for planning, the challenge is to find good, well-written music of patriotic songs. Music that will be entertaining and still challenging.”
Principal Blake Bennett took the stage shortly after the pledge was recited and delivered a speech explaining the history and importance of Veterans Day. Then she paid tribute to the veterans in the crowd, reminding students what the concert is meant to represent.
“Service doesn’t always mean wearing a uniform,” Principal Bennett said in her speech. “It means showing up for others, lending a hand when it’s needed, standing up for what’s right, and using your talents to make a difference in your school, your community, and your world.”
The melodies of wind instruments and percussion permeated the hall as the wind ensemble performed “The Liberty Bell March” by John Philip Sousa, the second piece of the concert. The crowd and stage soon fell quiet as guest speaker Dr. Ron Rising gave a brief speech, recounting his time in Navy service as a veteran and what it means to him.
“During my 20 years of service, there has always been one common denominator that all veterans shared: move forward,” Dr. Rising said.
Following his speech, the band continued to perform renditions of songs, including “American Salute,” “America the Beautiful,” and multiple pieces composed by Benny Goodman, as the crowd clapped along. Near the end of one of Goodman’s pieces, the wind ensemble rose to their feet, ending the piece as the crowd erupted in applause.
“Performing on stage is what we love,” Mr. Rogovin said. “It’s usually a feeling of tremendous joy. Often, you can feel the energy we are sharing on stage.”
Before the concert ended, students with family members who served in the military were asked to rise so they could be honored. Mr. Rogovin then gave the closing speech, followed by the final piece, the “Armed Forces Salute,” arranged by Bob Lowden. As Mr. Rogovin called out the names of different military branches, the standing students were met with applause.
“All veterans attended high school just like you, and they dreamed about their futures just like you do now,” Principal Bennett said. “Yet, at some point, veterans made a choice. They made a choice to serve something bigger than themselves. They raised their right hand and swore an oath to protect and defend the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.”
