America at 250 series continues in Highland Park, July 22
The Kokomo Park Band continues its “America at 250” summer concert series at the Highland Park bandstand, presenting a sweeping musical celebration titled “America’s Composers.” Under the direction of Maestro Jay S. Gephart, the symphonic program highlights the rich tapestry of American music, spanning legendary Hollywood film scores, Broadway gems, folk-inspired orchestral classics, and patriotic marches. The concert is sponsored by Stout and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory.
The free concert will feature violinist Mei Mei Rossi and the Retired Rum-Runners Traditional Jazz Band. Popcorn and drinks will be provided by the Serving in Love Team from Morning Star Church.
The concert opens with “Hollywood Blockbusters,” arranged by John Moss, highlighting the dramatic film career of James Horner through main themes from Apollo 13, An American Tail (“Somewhere Out There”), Braveheart, and Titanic (“My Heart Will Go On”).
Guest violinist Mei Mei Rossi takes center stage for John Williams’ heartbreaking “Theme from Schindler’s List,” bringing evocative warmth to Williams’ Oscar-winning score. Originally from Zionsville, IN, Mei Mei Rossi is a Doctor of Pharmacy student at Purdue University pursuing a BA in music and a minor in chemistry. Mei Mei began playing the violin at age five and later learned the flute and piano.
Throughout her musical training, she performed with the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Side-by-Side Program, and the Zionsville H.S. show choirs. Mei Mei was the winner of the Purdue Band and Orchestra Concerto Competition and the Lafayette Symphony’s 2025 Keller Competition. Alongside her academics at Purdue, Mei Mei is a violinist with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and concert master of the Purdue Philharmonic Orchestra.
The program honors titan of American classical music Aaron Copland with Robert Longfield’s arrangement of “Excerpts from Appalachian Spring,” capturing the hopeful, open-air melodies of early American pioneer life anchored by “Simple Gifts.”
The band also highlights the theatrical genius of Leonard Bernstein with the triumphant “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide and Richard Rodgers’ whimsical hit “Shall We Dance.” Patriotic spirit shines through John Philip Sousa’s immortal Marine Corps march “Semper Fidelis.”
Film legend John Williams is featured prominently throughout the performance, showcasing his dramatic versatility—from the high-flying heroism of “Raiders March” and the comedic swagger of “March from 1941” to the playful jazz of the “Cantina Band from Star Wars.”
The performance reaches a powerful climax with Jerry Brubaker’s medley “Star Wars Heroes,” a symphonic journey through Williams’ most famous galactic themes, including Star Wars (Main Title), Luke and Leia, Battle of the Heroes, Han Solo and the Princess, and The Throne Room.
As always, this concert is free and open to the public, offering a wonderful opportunity for residents to enjoy live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Bench seating is provided, but audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. In the event of rain, the performance will move to the Kokomo High School Auditorium. Relocation decisions are finalized and announced after 5:00 p.m. on the day of the concert.
This concert concludes the eight-week summer Wednesday night series, but the band will return for a Labor Day Celebration on Sunday, September 6, at 7 p.m.
Kokomo Park Band concerts are produced in cooperation with The Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, Center Township Trustee, Community Foundation of Howard County, the Arts Federation, and the Indiana Arts Commission. Because the majority of the band’s funding depends entirely on local generosity, donations from individuals are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be mailed to Kokomo Park Band, P.O. Box 6039, Kokomo, IN 46904-6039.
More information and severe weather updates can be found on the organization’s official Facebook page, its website at www.kokomoparkband.org, or by calling 765-319-8554.