West Point Band presents “Music Under The Stars” Concert Series

WEST POINT — The West Point Band has announced its annual “Music Under the Stars” concert series for the summer of 2014 at Trophy Point Amphitheater at West Point. Continue the tradition and soak in the history and majesty of West Point as you take in a concert while overlooking the waters that George Washington called “the keys to the continent.” These concerts are free and open to the public.

On June 15, the West Point Band will celebrate the Army’s birthday with a concert at 7:30 p.m. The performance will include the official songs of 10 divisions of the Army, including Garryowen, Tropic Lightning, and Iron Soldier. Other selections include a number of standard and original works for wind band.

Come celebrate the 239th birthday of the United States Army on grounds walked by George Washington and the Continental Army.

The concert will be conducted by the band’s commander, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Keene.

The West Point Band will perform “Are You Ready for Country?” on June 22 at 7:30 p.m. The band loves to perform the music of America, and it doesn’t get more American than country music. Look no further than Trophy Point for a concert full of twangy vocals, strummed folk guitar, and plenty of fiddle and banjo, including the music of Neil Young, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, and more.

On June 29, the West Point Band will present an evening of movie music at 7:30 p.m. Bring some popcorn and listen to the band perform the music from some of your favorite movies. Much of today’s finest and most familiar music is composed for the big screen. Join the West Point Band for iconic music from Star Wars, James Bond, Glory, and other popular movies. There will be something for everyone, with music spanning the last 40 years of film.

The West Point Band will present its annual Independence Day celebration on July 4 at 8 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the performance will be held on July 6. There is no better way to celebrate America’s independence than with the West Point Band at Trophy Point. The concert will start with the “Salute to the States,” where a new cadet from each state presents the state’s flag while the band plays. The evening will continue with music ranging from marches to rock and roll, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Hudson River.

On July 13, the West Point Band will present “Kids Night with Quintette 7” at 6 p.m. Bring your family for kid’s night with the West Point Band’s Quintette 7. This educational and interactive performance includes an instrument petting zoo, audience participation, and of course, world-class music! The concert will include a parade around Trophy Point for kids led by the band’s drum major. Whether it’s your child’s first exposure to music or you have a little Mozart in training, this is a fun-filled and totally unique concert not to be missed.

The West Point Band is proud to present “Dress Right Dress: Music for Military Bands” on July 20 at 7:30 p.m. There is a lot of terrific music originally written for military band, and the West Point Band is one of the very best in the world at performing it. Join them at Trophy Point in what promises to be a fun evening of marches, patriotic songs, and symphonic music. The concert will include military music that hearkens back to the battle of Jericho, as well as works by Gustav Holst, Claude T. Smith, and John Philip Sousa.

On July 27, the West Point Band will perform “Sunday Night Soul” at 7:30 p.m. It's an evening of soulful, feel good music. Sit and relax or stand up and dance, the choice is yours. Enjoy popular music made famous by some of the world’s greatest contemporary jazz, soul and RandB artists, including Earth Wind and Fire, Tower Of Power, Justin Timberlake, Weather Report, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder.

On Aug. 3, the West Point Band will present its popular “Dancing Under the Stars” concert at 7:30 p.m. The West Point Band’s Jazz Knights perform timeless songs from America’s favorite big bands, as well as popular music from contemporary songwriters who are creating the next generation of the Great American Songbook. Bring your dancing shoes and dance the night away to everything from Glen Miller Orchestra and Tito Puente classics to Stevie Wonder and popular music of today.

The West Point Band will present its annual Labor Day celebration on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held on Sept. 1. Labor Day in the Hudson Valley means one thing: the annual end of summer tradition with the West Point Band. The concert will also include a welcome to Army’s new football coach, Jeff Monken, and a kickoff of the college football season. Wind down summer and welcome back fall with an evening of fantastic music, topped off with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with live cannon fire and a magnificent fireworks display.

For concert information, cancellations and updates, call 845-938-2617 or visit www.westpointband.com. West Point Band news can also be found by on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.