Abilene Community Band delights audience with July 4th Patriotic Concert

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – Flutes, baritones, trumpets and more could be heard from the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest as the Abilene Community Band performed their 25th July 4th Patriotic Concert on Thursday afternoon.

More than 100 Abilenians gathered to listen to a medley of patriotic music, which Abilene Community Band Director Joe Stevens said encompasses classics throughout history.

“It’ll be like a history of music as we go. Because you’ll hear things from World War One, World War Two, the Vietnam War, and so on up to the present, we will play America the Beautiful and some of the others. Those are called standards, things that people have heard all their lives and will recognize,” Stevens shared.

Every year, the band performs songs such as “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” all in the hope of inspiring patriotism in our community.

“The purpose today is to really stir up patriotism in our audience, to get them excited about what we’re excited about… Patriotism is so important in a free society. So we’re really glad to be here today,” Stevens added.

The community band is celebrating its 48th anniversary, uniting community members to share the beautiful sound of music.

“We’re here for the community. That’s where we are. There’s Abilene community band to promote our city to grow the music in our city and give people that want to play their musical instrument, again, a chance to a place to play,” Stevens said.

The Abilene Community Band will be performing at the Paramount in October for their fall concert.

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