All-American Concert
Glen Miller Park * Richmond, IN
Monday, June 8 * 7:00 p.m.
Rain date: Monday, June 15
Our annual summer concert will feature selections of American music
from various eras and genres
Fanfare 250 – Noah D. Taylor
This was written in 2024 for the US Army’s 250th anniversary (June 14, 2025). Taylor is an Army veteran who is now staff arranger/composer for West Point Military Academy. He has also written music for Walt Disney World events and the Macy’s July 4th fireworks.
Fanfare for the Common Man – Aaron Copland (1900-90)
Written in 1942 for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, this piece celebrates the “common man’s” contribution to society and especially their contributions to the war effort. It is for brass and percussion.
Letters from Home – Aaron Copland (1900-90)
Written in 1944 and commissioned for bandleader Paul Whiteman, this composition reflects the emotions of a typical soldier on reading a letter from home. While many parts are sentimental and sweet, other sections mirror the anguish a soldier might feel being separated from loved ones and not able to share in their joys and sorrows.
6th U.S. Infantry March – George H. Buchholz
First formed in 1812, the 6th Infantry is one of the oldest units in the U.S. military still active. George Buchholz was born in Germany, and while working on a transatlantic ship, he jumped ship in New York. Later he became a chief musician and leader of the regimental band for the 6th. He left the military in 1908 and worked as a musician in the Cincinnati area. Our percussionist Michael Buchholz is George’s grandson. He gave a few parts for this march (1st cornet, tenor sax, bass sax) to Jay Conard. Jay “realized” the rest of the score, and we perform it for you today.
A Stephen Foster Celebration – Jay Conard (1958- )
Stephen Foster (1826-64) wrote over 200 pieces during his relatively short life. He is considered the “father of American music” (whereas Aaron Copland is called the “dean of American music”). Many times Foster’s music is included in collections and listed as an “American Folk Song” rather than credited to him as the composer. This medley contains “Oh, Susannah!,” “Camptown Races,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” “Ring, Ring the Banjo,” “Old Folks at Home,” “Some Folks,” “Old Dog Tray,” “Gentle Annie,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” and “I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair.”
Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael (1899-1981)
This classic was written in 1927 and recorded more than 1,500 times by every major artist of the 20th century. Hoagy was a native Hoosier who wrote hundreds of songs, 50 of which are considered standards. The well-known “In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening” won an Oscar for Best Song in 1951. Carmichael also appeared in 14 movies during his career.
Duke Ellington! – Arranged by Calvin Custer (1939-98)
This medley contains several of Duke’s most famous songs: “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “Do Nothin’ ‘Till You Hear from Me,” “Sophisticated Lady” and ending with “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”
Semper Fidelis – John Philip Sousa (1854-1932)
This march was written in 1888 while Sousa was leading the U.S. Marine Band, known as The President’s Own. Sousa felt this was his finest march. Unfortunately for Sousa, he sold the rights to the march to a publisher for $35.
American Frontier – Arranged by Calvin Custer (1939-98)
This medley of American tunes includes “The Girl I Left Behind,” an old Irish tune used by the British and U.S. military, still played at West Point during final formations at graduation; “Chester,” a New England hymn tune by William Billings written around the time of the Revolutionary War; “Oh, Susanna!” by Stephen Foster; “Shenandoah,” a tune used on sailing ships; and ends with a stirring version of “America, the Beautiful.”
Our full season
MUSIC EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
Sponsored by RCO, the Strings Initiative Program has begun offering free violin lessons for children.
Read more here.
For a taste of the RCO, the link below takes you to a recent June concert in Glen Miller Park.