The stirring sounds of America’s military musical heritage will fill the air as the West Point Band goes “On the March” at the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at 7 p.m. on March 11.
The group will present a wide-ranging evening of classic marches and patriotic tunes, showcasing the talents of the U.S. Army’s oldest active band.
“This concert is a journey through the heart of American music,” said Master Sgt. Matthew B. Smith, a horn player and spokesperson for the West Point Band. “Concertgoers can look forward to the power of Sousa’s marches, which still resonate today, and some unexpected gems — like the Raiders March from ‘Indiana Jones’ — that reflect our nation’s history and spirit. It’s a chance to feel the energy of a live military band and connect with a tradition that’s been alive for over two centuries.”
The stop at RPI is among nine on the West Point Band’s Winter Concert Series tour and celebrates the timeless genre of the American march while highlighting the ensemble’s role as musical ambassadors for the United States Military Academy. Featuring the West Point Band’s Concert Band and West Point Brass Quintet, the show will include some of John Philip Sousa’s best-known works such as “The Thunderer” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” (exact pieces may vary) alongside lively selections such as Henry Fillmore’s “Americans We” and Ethel Smyth’s “March of the Women.”
The West Point Brass Quintet will showcase the powerful music of a New Orleans funeral, followed by stirring pieces including Bob Dylan’s “When the Ship Comes In” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The concert wraps up with the movie marches from “Indiana Jones” and “The Music Man.”
Audiences can expect a blend of tradition and popular culture, all delivered by world-class musicians in a state-of-the-art venue known for its acoustic excellence.
“We’re not just playing notes; we’re telling stories of the nation, the Army and West Point,” Smith said.
