June 10, 2012

The first concert of the summer season featured patriotic selections to celebrate the Flag Day holiday.  Marches on the evening program included Salute To The Colors by Karl L. King and Bert Anthony, and J.J. Richards' exciting Emblem of Unity.  Also heard was Karl King’s galop, Rough Riders.

This concert featured an overture, Land of Liberty, written 100 years ago by Mr. King’s close friend C.L. Barnhouse and Leroy Anderson’s popular The Phantom Regiment.  A lighter offering was a medley of songs made popular by that great bandleader and performer during World War II, titled A Tribute to Glenn Miller.

Bob Patton, baritone, from Gowrie, was the featured guest artist.  Mr. Patton attended the University of Northern Iowa before joining the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants in Washington, D.C. During his twenty years in the military, Patton soloed with the National Symphony and the Boston and Cincinnati Pops Orchestras.  He also performed with the Washington Civic, Baltimore, Wolf Trap, Northern Virginia and Annapolis opera companies. In 1991 he returned to Gowrie IA and became editor and publisher of The Gowrie News, the fourth generation owner of a 110 year-old family business.  Bob recently retired from the newspaper after a 20-year career, but is still very active and sought-after as a vocalist.  Mr. Patton performed two selections with the Band.  The first was Battle Hymn of The Republic, followed by the stirring Carmen Dragon arrangement of America The Beautiful.

Members from our military were recognised with the playing of the Armed Forces Salute.  A special tribute was given to the American soldier with the performance of Duty … Honor … Country, narrated by Mr. Patton.  The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa closed the concert before the playing of our national anthem, The Star-spangled Banner.
 
 

Persons attending this Sunday’s concert are encouraged to bring small American flags to wave at appropriate times during the hour-long concert.  In addition, George Mack, a Jolley area resident, will be providing flags that he has donated.