“Brings tears to my eyes.”

“What a thrill!”

“This is even better than playing at Carnegie Hall!”

Jerry Lewis and Captain David Paroby

“They make my heart beat a little faster.”

“Some people believe that the world was created in six days and on the seventh day, God rested,” quipped Lodi Community Band Director Bob Gross. “That may be true. But on the eighth day he created the Herald Trumpets!”

Those are just some of the comments overheard this afternoon in the Charlene Powers Lange Performing Arts Center at Hutchins Street Square when members of the Lodi Community Band and 59th Army Band met and began rehearsing with the Herald Trumpets.

Lodi Community Band President Jerry Lewis introduced Captain David Paroby to the ensemble, after which he led the 90 or so assembled musicians through John Williams’ “Olympic Fanfare and Theme.”  The Herald Trumpets will be featured during that number.  They will also perform “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron Copland.

WO1 Ron Wolcott

Warrant Officer 1 Ron Wolcott, conductor of the 59th Army Band, also met the group for the first time. After a few introductory remarks, he assured that the musicians are ready to perform “March of the Belgian Paratroopers” and “A Huntington Celebration” during tomorrow’s concerts.

The concerts will kick off with “The Star Spangled Banner,” presentation of the colors, and comments from invited dignitaries including William H. Wade II, Major General, the Adjutant General.  

The works to be performed include “Ligh Cavalry Overture,” “Black Horse Troop March,”  and “Clear Track Polka.”

Among the highlights will be performances by the Herald Trumpets of “Heroic Fanfare” and “Fanfare Fur Stadt Wien.”  The combined bands will perform “American Salute” by Morton Gould under the direction of Captain Paroby.

Of course, no concert featuring United States Army Bands would be complete without “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

When meeting the band, Captain Paroby noted that “it is a great day to be an American.”  Indeed, it was a great day for the lucky and inspired members of the Lodi Community Band and 59th Army Band to be able to come together with the Herald Trumpets and make beautiful music.  

And today is also a great day to get your tickets for one of tomorrow’s performances.  Seats are still available through the Hutchins Street Square Box Office for tomorrow’s 2:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. performances at a cost of $20.00 each.  You definitely will not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the pomp, spendor, and  musicianship of the unequalled Herald Trumpets!

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