Amazing West Point Concert Band Kicks-off Village's Bicentennial!

The United States Military Academy Concert Band of West Point, NY, performed a concert at the Oxford Academy High School on Thursday, April 3rd. This very special performance, by one of the finest military concert bands in the world, was arranged by Oxford resident, Gene Rood, to kick-off the Village of Oxford Bicentennial Celebration. As soon as they began to play, it was clear that this was an extraordinarily brilliant band and people will talk about this performance until the next bicentennial.
The band was conducted by Captain Treg Ancelet, Deputy Commander. Lieutenant Colonel Timothy J. Holtan, Commander and Command Sergeant Major Cal Christensen, Band Sergeant Major were in attendance.
One of the concert selections was, "His Honor", a Henry Fillmore, ed. Fennell composition. As a great surprise to the audience, five members of the Oxford Academy High School band were chosen by their instructor, Kate Stopper, to accompany the Military Academy Band on stage playing, "His Honor". Those students were: Geoffrey Sheldon on trumpet, Hollyann Branham on clarinet, Myranda Batsford on tenor saxophone, Christine Brussell on alto saxophone and Olivia Powell on baritone saxophone. They sounded great! It was an honor and wonderful experience for the students and a sense of pride for everyone from Oxford!
Other selections played were the National Anthem, Exultate by Samuel Hazo, Shadowcatcher by Eric Ewazen, First Suite in Eb for Military Band by Gustav Holst, Mangulina by Paul Basler, Eagle Squadron by Kenneth J. Alford, The Sussex Mummers' Christmas Carol by Percy Grainger, The Black Horse Troop by John Philip Sousa, Selections from Mary Poppins by Robert Sherman, Them Basses by G. H. Huffine, and a Patriotic Showcase by various composers. Several songs were accompanied by Sgt. 1st Class MaryKay Messenger, vocal soloist.
For the performance of Shadowcatcher, IV. "Dancing to Restore an Eclipsed Moon", they featured the "Storm King Brass Quintet". The Quintet musicians were: Sgt. 1st Class Eric Miller and Staff Sgt. Luke MacDonald on trumpets; Staff Sgt. Nicholas Caluori on horn, Staff Sgt. Curt Starr on trombone; and Staff Sgt. Nathan Turner on tuba. They played right in front of the first row of auditorium seats so everyone had a close look at these amazing musicians.
The grand finale of the concert was an Armed Forces Medley which honored: The Marines, The Navy, The Coast Guard, The Air Force and The Army. Singing was Sgt. 1st Class MaryKay Messenger. Members of the audience stood up to be saluted and recognized for the branch they or family members were affiliated with. It was very moving and ended with a standing ovation.
Happy Bicentennial Village of Oxford!

Below are all the articles in this section
Celebration Of Agriculture	Early Living Fair
Fire Department Events	First Meeting
Garden Club	Historic Hikes
Historic Houses	Library Plans
Lions Parade	Old Home Week
Old Home Week Schedule	Place In History
Readers Theater	Reenactments
Reunion Block Party	Six On The Square
Sun Coverage	West Point Band Concert