ARKADELPHIA -- Ouachita Baptist University will host the U.S. Navy Concert Band in a free performance at 7:30 p.m. March 14 in Jones Performing Arts Center.
Arkadelphia is one of 25 cities in 10 states where the U.S. Navy Concert Band is to perform during its 2019 tour. The concert is free and open to the public, a news release said.
"The Navy Concert Band, the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, will present a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. While there are six performing ensembles in the Navy Band, the Concert Band is the original band and has been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events for more than 90 years," the release said.
"Being able to see and hear the Navy Band live is such a thrill," said Gary Gerber, Ouachita's dean of the School of Fine Arts. "They are one of the finest bands in America and represent this country at all types of military and official functions. ... The concert will be a memorable experience for everyone who attends."
One of the U.S. Navy Band's primary responsibilities -- and as a signature outreach program of the U.S. Navy -- involves touring the country. All of the band's primary performing units embark each year on concert tours throughout specified regions of the country, allowing the band to reach audiences in areas that do not have the opportunities to see the Navy's premier musical ensembles on a regular basis, the release said.
The concerts are family friendly events, meant to be entertaining to veterans, families, individuals and those interested in joining the Navy, it said.
The Navy Concert Band consists of sailors who are full-time professional musicians and are enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
To reserve free tickets to the concert, visit http://www.obu.edu/boxoffice or stop by the JPAC Box Office from 1-5 p.m. weekdays. Call the box office at 870-245-5555 for more information.
Entertainment on 02/11/2019