Flathead Valley Community Band plans Celebrating America’s 250th — Thru the Ages concert

Flathead Valley Community Band plans Celebrating America’s 250th — Thru the Ages concert 

The Flathead Valley Community Band commemorates America’s 250th anniversary with a free tribute concert March 18. 

Celebrating America’s 250th — Thru the Ages will feature music selections through different periods in American history. 

“We are All Americans,” written by local composer Craig Thoms Naylor, is the second in a series of compositions that commemorates “Unknown Heroes of the Civil War," written for the 150th anniversary of this great conflict.  This work celebrates the life of Ely S. Parker. 

Parker, a multilingual Seneca chief, served as a negotiator for his tribe and the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. He was also trained in law, however, he was barred from taking the New York State bar exam at a time when Native Americans were not considered U.S. citizens, according to the National Army Museum and turned to civil engineering. He numerous attempts to enlist in Army at the start of the Civil War were also refused because he was Native American, until Ulysses S. Grant interceded, according to the nmusa.org. He became chief engineer of the 7th Division, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and served in Grant’s core staff through to the end of the war. 

“Perhaps Parker’s most well-known military moment was drafting the terms of surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. When he was done reviewing the document, General Robert E. Lee extended his hand to Parker and stated, ‘I am glad to see one real American here.’ Parker shook the defeated general’s hand and responded, ‘We are all American,'” the National Army Museum states, and was promoted to brevet brigadier general. 

Most of the melodies in "We are All Americans,” are fragments from Seneca traditional songs.  Embedded in the opening and ending are fragments of the “Star Spangled Banner.” The hymn “Lead Kindly Light” which was sung at his funeral, is the foundation for bringing all these traditions together, Seneca, Western Indian, Protestant and his service to the United States. 

The “Theme from Schindler’s List” comes from the 1993 film “Schindler's List,” directed by Steven Spielberg. The film tells the powerful true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved more than 1,000 Jewish lives during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The unforgettable score was composed by John Williams and features a hauntingly beautiful violin solo. The theme is simple and deeply expressive, built on a lyrical melody that conveys sorrow, reflection, and quiet hope. Its flowing lines and intimate orchestration create a sense of mourning while also honoring the resilience of the human spirit. It stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and a reminder of the profound impact that courage and compassion can have in the face of unimaginable darkness. 

Wai Mizutani will be the featured violin soloist at the concert.  Mizutani is a professional, world-renowned violinist, composer and teacher. He has performed with the Juilliard Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and New York Philharmonic Orchestra. 

He has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl. He’s shared the stage with Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney and Elton John, and performed in front of Queen Elizabeth and several sitting presidents. 

“Parade of the Tall Ships,” composed by Jay Chattaway, was written to commemorate Operation Sail which was the largest gathering ever of tall sailing ships from all over the world.  This event took place in the New York Harbor on July 4, 1776, as a part of America's bicentennial celebration.  “Parade of the Tall Ships” captures the majesty, pride and pageantry of the tall sailing vessels as is fitting in the importance of sailing and America’s history. 

The piece “Satchmo!" arranged by Ted Ricketts, contains some of Louis Armstrong’s greatest hits, including “Hello Dolly,” “When the Saints Go Marching In" and “It’s a Wonderful World.” 

Armstrong was born and raised in New Orleans. Coming to prominence in the 1920s as an inventive trumpet and cornet player, he was a foundational influence in jazz, shifting the focus of the music from collective improvisation to solo performance. He was one of the first popular Black entertainers to crossover to wide popularity with white and international audiences. By the 1950s, Armstrong was a widely beloved American icon and cultural ambassador who commanded an international fanbase.  

The concert will also feature traditional music and marches of America, closing with the “Stars and Stripes Forever,” by John Philip Sousa.  

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Flathead High School auditorium, 644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell.  A reception will be held after the concert in the commons area. Although the concert is free, donations will be accepted to help defray costs.  

The band is under the direction of Allen Slater.