By Emily Campbell

Hilton Head Choral Society

For many in the Lowcountry, Memorial Day weekend marks the official kickoff to a long awaited summer season of vacations and cookouts. What if this year you chose to connect to the deeper significance of this holiday with reflection and gratitude for the men and women who served our country and died for our freedom? This Memorial Day Sunday, the Hilton Head Choral Society invites the community to pause for something a little bit more meaningful. On Sunday, May 24, at 7 p.m., the Celebrate America concert will take place at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.

The concert will feature a moving and thoughtfully curated selection of patriotic music and readings reflecting on the nation’s 250-year history of independence and also its spirit. The Choral Society will be accompanied by a string quartet as well as Columbia-based Category V Brass, whose dynamic and stirring sound enhances this beloved Memorial Day tradition.

Founded in 2017, Category V Brass is a dynamic brass quintet whose members perform with leading orchestras throughout the Southeast. Their distinctive name was inspired during a rehearsal weekend as Hurricane Irma approached South Carolina, forecasted to reach Category 5 strength. Since then, the quintet has embraced that powerful spirit that is evident in each of their performances.

Celebrate America will commence with a formal presentation of the colors by the Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue. As the colors are carried forward, a reverent stillness will create a shared sense of respect and quiet reflection that underscores the true purpose of the program. It is a powerful opening that sets the tone for the evening along with choral singers dressed in their red, white, and blue rising in song in honor of our country.

Concertgoers can sing along to beloved classics such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” and enjoy beautifully arranged works like “Gentle Annie” and “Ashokan Farewell.” The program also includes stirring tributes of “God Bless America” and the nostalgic “We’ll Meet Again,” as well as the vibrant choral piece “I Hear America Singing.” Together, these selections create a powerful musical journey that honors the past while celebrating the enduring spirit of America.

One of the highlights of the evening this year is a unique partnership with Hilton Head’s Lean Ensemble Theater. These talented actors will read authentic, firsthand letters sent home by American service

Category V Brass

members. The readings will include letters from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War I. These firsthand accounts will offer a powerful and personal window into history, drawing audiences closer to the true realities and sacrifices of war across the centuries.

“When you hear those letters read aloud, the music changes,” says Dr. Dustin Ousley, HHCS Artistic Director. “It takes these huge historical events and brings them down to the human level. Our members have been looking forward to this performance all year because it’s our humble way of saying ‘thank you’ to those brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice.”

Longtime Hilton Head Island resident, James (Jim) F. Berl, will provide a keynote address at this year’s concert. A former Judge Advocate General attorney, Jim served in the Army during the 1980s, including the U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and a posting in Europe. After completing his military service, he returned to the Lowcountry where he has been in private practice on Hilton Head for almost 40 years.

Historically for the HHCS, the annual Memorial Day weekend concert has a rich tradition that dates back to 1999, when it was first introduced as the Festival of Freedom. That inaugural performance featured the Parris Island Brass Quintet along with patriotic songs of remembrance. Current and longtime HHCS member Kathy Burmeister was a part of that performance.

“I’ve been part of this concert since its beginning, and it’s been incredible to watch it grow into such a meaningful community tradition for the Lowcountry,” said Kathy Burmeister. “Each year, it brings together locals and newcomers to reflect and connect, and that’s what makes it so special.”

The event evolved into A Memorial Day Tribute in 2000 and then, from 2001 through 2025, became known as America Sings!. Over the years, thousands of Lowcountry residents and visitors alike have made this special event a traditional part of their Memorial Day weekend.

As Celebrate America carries forward this long-standing tradition, this year’s concert offers an evening of music that is both meaningful and memorable alongside pieces that reflect the heart of our nation’s story. The program is designed to bring the community together in an evening of gratitude and remembrance as well as celebration. As the final notes fade, the Choral Society’s hope is that audiences will leave with more than just the music in their minds, but also a lasting sense of connection in their hearts that defines the very significance of Memorial Day weekend.

Tickets are available now at www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. For more information or assistance with ticket purchases, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.Top of Form

Concert Details

  • What: “Celebrate America” concert
  • When: Sunday, May 24, at 7 m.
  • Where: First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island
  • Tickets: Available at org