Independence Day Concert

In celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media will host the Morgantown Municipal Band’s annual outdoor Independence Day Concert at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4, in front of the Canady Creative Arts Center. The Morgantown Municipal Band is conducted by John Hendricks, a professor emeritus with the WVU School of Music. Bill Nevin will be joining this year as the narrator. 

This concert marks the 35th Independence Day Concert by the band since its revival in 1990. The program will include music by John Philip Sousa, Henry Fillmore, George M. Cohan, Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin and others. Traditional classics like “America, The Beautiful,” a tribute to the Armed Forces and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” will be included.

“Our concert, paying tribute to our country’s 250th birthday, will feature music by American composers,” Hendricks said.  “Many of the beloved standards will be performed along with arrangements of other patriotic favorites like ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic,’ ‘My Country ‘Tis of Thee’ and ‘You’re a Grand Old Flag.’  We hope people come out and join in this musical celebration.”

The concert is free. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, sun protection and water. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors to the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre. Parking is available in the lots in front of the CCAC. 

The Independence Day Concert is sponsored this year by several generous donors, along with assistance from the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media.