U.S. Army Field Band and Chorus Performs Free Concert at the Redfern Arts Center
The internationally acclaimed United States Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus of Washington, D.C., will continue its long history of presenting free public performances when it appears at the Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College on Saturday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Theatre. The Field Band’s concert at Keene State is sponsored by the KSC School of Arts and Humanities, Music Department, and Redfern Arts Center. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets may be reserved at the Redfern Box Office by phone 603-358-2168 or in-person Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m.
As the premier touring musical representative for the United States Army, the Field Band travels thousands of miles each year throughout the nation and abroad, keeping the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces and supporting diplomatic efforts around the world. Since its formation in 1946, the Field Band has appeared in all 50 states and in more than 30 countries on four continents.
Along with the Soldiers’ Chorus, which was founded in 1957, this 65-member Concert Band presents a powerful and diverse program of marches, overtures, popular music, patriotic selections, and instrumental and vocal solos. A music critic for the Boston Globe called a Field Band performance “a cause to stand up and cheer.”
Past performance highlights include World War II 50th anniversary commemorations in the United States and Europe, Presidential Inaugural Parades, the rededication of the Statue of Liberty, nationally televised broadcasts on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Joint concerts with many of the nation’s leading orchestras, including the Boston Pops, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Cincinnati Pops, have received rave reviews.
The Field Band’s members, selected by highly competitive audition, represent some of the finest musical talent in America. More than five decades as the military’s most traveled musicians have earned them the title, “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army.” Keene State band and choral students will join the Army Band and Chorus to perform one of the musical selections on the evening’s program.
About the Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College
The Arts Center is named in honor of Dr. Leo F. Redfern, Keene State College President from 1969 to 1979 for his vision, commitment, and eloquence on behalf of the arts that made funding and construction of the facility a reality. In 1981, KSC inaugurated this new performing arts center, with the goal of providing unforgettable artistic encounters for the campus and community. Since then, the Redfern stage has hosted hundreds of amazing shows, from internationally renowned artists to emerging young talents to KSC’s own student performers. Over the years, the Redfern has expanded its outreach programs, curricular and community partnerships, becoming an indispensable resource for the Keene community and beyond.
