Free Patriotic Concert Ensemble for the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Darryl Bayer, artistic director of the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, said the 8 p.m. event will be a varied musical exploration of Americana and the United States military and armed forces.
“The name of the show is ‘Stars at Night, A salute to service’, and we have a Texan touch at the start. Our lead violinist will play a violin solo called “Fiddle Faddle,” Bayer said. “It’s a full orchestra of 65 musicians. He is a normal size as usual. All members are delighted to do so.
Bayer said that when airing patriotic themes for each branch of the U.S. military, all veterans, ex-military or active duty members will stand up based on which branch of service they are in and be recognized.
There will also be a tribute to first responders and their central role in the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
“They will have images (of first responders) on the screens and I think they are making a short five minute video,” Bayer added. “We will have our patriotic music, ‘The Overture of 1812’ and ‘God Bless The USA'”
The event is free and no ticket is necessary. Parking is available in several areas around the Pavilion. Doors open at 6.30 p.m. and start of the show at 8 p.m.
Pavilion CEO and Chairman Jerry MacDonald said in a press release that he and others were excited about the July 4 weekend, especially the chance to entertain and greet first responders and military personnel from the country.
“We are proud to welcome the Woodlands Symphony to our stage for the first time for what will be a real event in our hometown,” MacDonald said in the press release. “We also look forward to honoring our first responders and frontline workers and the sacrifices they made that allowed us to bring our community together to celebrate the arts.”
Robust song lineup on tap
Music playing for the evening includes, officials said in the press release,: “Summon the Heroes” by John Williams, other patriotic favorites including “The Armed Forces Salute,” “God Bless the USA “and” Star Spangled Banner “. ‘
“The symphony will also perform a special version of ‘Africa’ by Toto, which will feature students from Let Them Drum, a group of recreational and therapeutic percussion for all ages and abilities“officials said in the statement.
“They are so excited,” Bayer said of Let them drum students. “They were closed last year.”
Local arts and culture guru Nickole Kerner Bobley, founder and organizer of Artfeel, said the Woodlands Symphony has two components that generally come together for powerful musical art.
“The Woodlands Symphony, (is) a group of professional musicians who share a talent and passion for classical music, and, The Woodlands Area Youth Symphony, comprised of children aged 12 to 21, who rehearse and give concerts side by side with members of the Woodlands Symphony, “said Bobley.” The Woodlands Area Youth Symphony is the new generation of members of the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra. “
This year’s event at the Pavilion on July 3, however, will only feature the adult portion of the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, Bayer said.
According to the press release, the evening begins at 6.30 p.m. in the North and South Squares where there will be plenty of opportunities for group photographs and selfies with “patriotic figures, gifts, the arts and crafts stand of The Pavilion Partners and Instrument Petting Zoo activations by local organizations.
Bayer said that after a year of canceled events related to the pandemic in 2020, it is exciting to be on stage to perform for local residents and others.
“It’s so nice to see people celebrating and not hiding inside,” Bayer said.
