Free JCSO Concert at Winged Deer Park

As always, the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra will kick off the new season with their annual gift to the community, a free concert at Winged Deer Park. Last year more than a thousand friends picnicked on the lawn while enjoying the festivities. One group held a birthday party at the park and enjoyed the background of live music!

This year, the theme is Hometown Heroes: Saluting First Responders, Veterans, Active Military, and their Families. The “Armed Forces Salute” has become a treasured annual tradition as members of each branch of the military are invited to stand during the playing of their official song and be recognized by the crowd. This year, first responders and military families will be recognized as well. Under the leadership of Major Steven M. Sessis USMC (Ret), cadets from the Daniel Boone High School ROTC program present the colors with precision and respect each year. The JCSO is grateful for their contribution every year, and it will be especially meaningful this year due to our theme.

Guest artists are Alena Carhart, soprano, and Brianna Keller, mezzo-soprano. Ms. Carhart is an instructor of music and musical theatre at Milligan University. Ms. Keller serves as adjunct faculty at East Tennessee State University, Walters State Community College, and works as a staff singer at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

The repertoire includes:
Smith/Key: “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Gould: American Salute
arr. Lowden: “Armed Forces Salute”
Schwartz/Dean: “What Is This Feeling?” from Wicked
Arlen/Sayer: “Wizard of Oz Medley”
Sondheim: “So Many People” from Sondheim On Sondheim (Orch/arr. Dean)
Wildhorn: “Finding Wonderland” (Orch/arr. Dean)
Strauss, Jr.: “Auf der Jagd” (Polka Schnell)
Arr. Custer: “A Salute to the Big Bands”
Williams/Cacavas: “Jaws”
Schwartz/Ricketts: Highlights from Wicked
Sousa: “The Stars and Stripes Forever”

Many in the community know JCSO Board Member Susan Lambert as the director of orchestras for Johnson City Schools. This allows her to invite some of her students to help at Winged Deer Park. Last year, the tent where they made balloon toys and painted the faces of little ones was the most popular pre-concert spot in the park! The students will be back this year, so give yourself time before the concert begins to let your children get their free goodies. The repertoire for this concert will provide plenty of opportunities for the little ones to dance and swing their balloon toys (swords are a frequent request)!

The JCSO Board of Directors has invited an array of food and beverage trucks and of course you are welcome to bring your own picnic baskets and beverages of choice. Remember to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and a sun hat.

The orchestra will be playing selections from the upcoming season, and you will be provided with a list of upcoming concerts. This end-of-summer celebration has become a tradition with many families! We hope you will join us.


Category: Arts | Performing Arts | Music