To celebrate the 250th birthday of the Declaration of Independence, Keynote Chorus and various instrumentalists will perform on Sunday, June 7 at Allegany Baptist Church at 3 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Veterans are particularly welcome.
The theme of the concerts is “Sweet Freedom.” The musical pieces will explore the struggle for freedom as the eternal idea that undergirds American democracy. Members of the concert think you will find the music as meaningful and uplifting as they do.
Claudia Quinn is “especially fond of ‘Ashokan Farwell’ because it reminds her of the four year separation of her parents during World War II. As she states, “I am deeply grateful to our ‘greatest generation’ who put their lives on hold to secure our freedom.”
Melody Pollack says the music reminds her of her parents, who served in World War II and married shortly after the end of the war.
Kathy Miller says that every time she sings “Battle Hymn of the Republic” she thinks of her father who served in World War II since it was one of his favorite hymns.
Shelley Wright, the conductor, has brought together an array of musicians to highlight the majesty and glory of the struggle for freedom. The chorus will be joined by Asa Walt and Jim Schulz on trumpet, Katie Eifert on violin, Mikayla Schaumleffel on flute, and Owen Troisi on percussion. Barb Pedersen. Maggie Travis, and Katlyn Hillard, local favorites, will each be singing solos in”D-Day Darlings We Meet Again,” “Ballad of the Green Beret,” and “The Folded Flag.”
