The Lowcountry Wind Symphony presents its 7th annual tribute.
Lowcountry Wind Symphony rehearsing
The Lowcountry wind Symphony (LWS), under the direction of Donald F. Jemella, begins its 2022-2023 Concert Season by proudly honoring the men and women who are now serving and have served in the United States Military. This year will mark the seventh such tribute for LWS. The three free concerts in the greater Beaufort County area are:
Sunday, November 6th, 4 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 157 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort
Open to the Public
Wednesday, November 9th, 7 pm
Carolina Ballroom, Dataw Island, Beaufort
DIC Members and Guests Only
Friday November 11th, 7 pm
Magnolia Hall, Sun City
Residents and Guests Only
Of special note, the Dataw program is part of the annual Veterans Week “Tee It Up For The Troops” celebration which raises funds for a varied number of organizations which support men and women in the service. At Sun City, the program is being sponsored and hosted by the Sun City Veterans Association. We are honored to be part of these outstanding programs.
James Colwell, in the tuba section, and a founding member of LWS, is the Commander of Local Chapter 12, Disabled American Veterans. A number of LWS players have served in the military, and several Parris Island Marine Band members are participating in this concert.
According to Director Jemella, this program of patriotic music includes music from the time of the American Revolution through the present day.
God of Our Fathers was written in 1876 for the Centennial observance of
The LWS rehearsing
the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The hymn gained wide popularity when organist George W. Warren wrote his own music in 1892, but retained the original lyrics penned by Episcopal priest, Daniel C. Roberts who served churches in Brandon, VT. It remains one of our best loved hymns today.
National Airs (From Early America): Bands of the Civil War era often included familiar tunes in their performances. This piece contains a patriotic medley of Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, Washington’s March, an early treatment of The Star Spangled Banner as it would have been rendered during the Civil War, (prior to its selection as the official national anthem in 1931), and Yankee Doodle.
Field Ayers is an arrangement celebrating the heritage of rudimental drumming through three traditional drum solos that were written over the course of America’s growth as a nation (‘Three Camps,’ ‘Downfall of Paris,’ and ‘Hell on the Wabash’). The manual specifies drum signals for American soldiers during the Revolutionary War. As the style continued to develop, it was the basis for contests organized by the American Legion for drum and bugle crops. LWS features our percussion section with Mike Burroughs on field drum.
Echoes from the Battlefield commemorates World War I with four songs that were popular and widely performed during that historic era. These are ‘Over There’ by George M. Cohan, ‘It’s a Long Way To Tipperary,’ ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’ and ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag.’ These songs, sung by the troops and those waiting at home helped to keep up morale during wartime.
America the Brave: Contemporary composer Stephen Melillo is known for his patriotic and heartfelt writing. Here he presents a fresh take on two of America’s favorite patriotic songs – ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ and ‘America the Beautiful.’
Armed Forces – Pride of America – Our country has a long history of honoring those who have served our country in the Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and the Air Force. We regard them as heroes, yet they are often reluctant to be placed in the limelight or accept that mantle we rightfully place on them. They served out of a deep sense of duty to their comrades and their country. It is with great respect that we proudly salute these five branches of the United States military and offer this musical tribute.
The Stars and Stripes Forever, composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896, was chosen as the United States National March by congress in 8971. Known as The March King, Sousa served as the 17th Director of the Marine Band from 1880 -1892. Based in Washington, D.C. this musical group is designated as ‘The President’s Own’. Sousa also composed Semper Fidelis, the official march of the United States Marine Corp.
LWS is a concert band made up of amateur and professional brass, woodwind, and percussion players from greater Beaufort area. New members are welcome and auditions are not required. For more information, to become involved in band operations support, or to make a contribution, please visit LWS’ website at www.lowcountrywindsymphony.com.
