NEW LONDON, CONN.— The U.S. Coast Guard Band — the premier band of the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security—presents a special performance at Lisner Auditorium at The George Washington University in Washington, DC, on Friday, November 12 at 8 p.m. The Band salutes those who have heroically served our nation with “Heroes in our Midst,” presented in prism format. Just as a prism refracts light in myriad directions, Coast Guard Band ensembles large and small perform throughout the hall.
Musical selections commemorate battles from American history. The multi-faceted program opens with John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” commissioned for the televised unveiling of the restored Statue of Liberty on July 4, 1986. A gift from France, Lady Liberty was given in recognition of friendly relations between the two nations during the American Revolution. Robert Jager wrote “The Wall” in homage to those with whom he served in the Vietnam War; images of the Vietnam Memorial accompany the tone poem. Another selection by John Williams, “Hymn to the Fallen,” includes narrative written by General Colin Powell.
The United States Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band and the Masters of Swing groove with medleys from the First and Second World War eras, including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Special guest soloist Lisa Williamson, soprano, sings the poignant “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” among other works. In conclusion, stirring music accompanies video footage of guardians in the line of duty.
The performance is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. Lisner Auditorium is located on the campus of The George Washington University at 730 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20052. For more information on Lisner Auditorium, visit www.lisner.org. The Coast Guard Band’s concert information line is (860) 701-6826; the web address is www.uscg.mil/band.
