'We the People, One Nation' concert July 2 in Highland Park
The Kokomo Park Band (KPB) will celebrate Independence Day with its annual patriotic concert, "We the People, One Nation," on Wednesday, July 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Highland Park. This free program will be conducted by guest conductor Dr. Daniel Tembras.
The event is generously sponsored by Bayliff, Harrigan, Cord, Maugans & Cox, P.C.-Attorneys at Law. Members of the Albert E. Shockey Marine Corps League Detachment will present the colors. Popcorn and drinks will be provided by the "Serving in Love Team" of Morning Star Church, and volunteers from Highland Park Church will assist with program distribution. Curt Alexander will emcee the evening.
"In a time when headlines often highlight division, the KPB has planned this event as a musical journey focused on the enduring ideals and hopes that unite us," stated a KPB representative. "The concert aims to be a thoughtful reflection on our shared values, the pursuit of a more perfect union, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to the ideals that define us as one nation."
Dr. Daniel Tembras was a KPB guest conductor in 2023. He is Director of Instrumental Studies at Purdue University Fort Wayne where he leads the university's Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band and teaches conducting and music education. Dr. Tembras holds advanced degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and Michigan State University and has previously directed public school bands in Michigan.
Known for his commitment to new music, Dr. Tembras has collaborated with and premiered works by distinguished composers and soloists. His ensembles have performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and on European tours. He is also a frequent guest conductor and clinician, both nationally and internationally.
The program will open with Harry Bulow's "Fanfare for Freedom," a work composed in dedication to the men and women serving in the U.S. armed forces, symbolizing the collective call to freedom and democracy. This will be followed by Naohiro Iwai's vibrant arrangement of "76 Trombones," a classic tune from Meredith Willson's musical The Music Man, bringing a sense of American musical tradition and joy. Rossano Galante's "Red Rock Mountain" will offer a majestic musical portrait of a beautiful mountain landscape in Pennsylvania, featuring soaring wind lines and heroic brass.
The concert also includes Frank Ticheli's serene "Simple Gifts," a beautiful setting of the traditional Shaker hymn that celebrates simplicity and humility, offering a moment of quiet reflection. F.W. Meacham's well-known "American Patrol" depicts a military unit approaching, passing, and fading into the distance, a classic example of a "patrol" march popular in the late 19th century, incorporating both original themes and patriotic melodies.
Karl King's "Call to Victory March" will further showcase the tradition of American marches, known for its spirited feel and "Semper Fidelis"-styled drums and trumpets interlude. Further reinforcing the concert's theme of unity and ideals, vocalist Cherresa Lawson will perform on Warren Barker's stirring arrangement of "From Sea To Shining Sea," a rendition of "America the Beautiful." Inspired by Ray Charles’s iconic performance, her interpretation will feature the powerful verse honoring those who have sacrificed for freedom, followed by the widely recognized first verse.
To pay tribute to those who have served or are currently serving in the various branches of our armed forces, the concert will feature "Semper Supra," the new official march of the U.S. Space Force, and Robert Lowden's "Armed Forces Salute." Veterans in the audience will be recognized as their respective service song is played. The concert will conclude with the official march of the United States, John Philip Sousa's timeless "Stars and Stripes Forever," a powerful and unifying anthem.
Although every effort is made to perform outdoors, in the event of rain, the concert will move to the Kokomo High School Auditorium. The decision to move inside is generally not made until after 5:00 p.m., with announcements posted on Facebook. A recorded announcement will also be available at 765-319-8554 if the location changes.
KPB concerts are produced in cooperation with American Legion Post #6, The Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, Community Foundation of Howard County, The Arts Federation, the Indiana Arts Commission with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Kokomo Parks Department. However, the majority of the band's funding depends on donations from individuals. Contributions may be sent to Kokomo Park Band; PO Box 6039; Kokomo, IN 46904-6039. More information can be found on Facebook and on the band's website.