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Community Band celebrates Independence Day on Bestor Plaza

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Clarinetists play patriotic tunes at the Chautauqua Community Band 26th Annual Independence Day Concert at 12:15 p.m. on July 4, 2016, on Bestor Plaza. The concert is a beloved Chautauqua tradition that attracts many families to Bestor to enjoy the music and sunshine. CAROLYN BROWN/STAFF FILE PHOTO

An annual Chautauqua tradition continues with the 27th Chautauqua Community Band concert at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday on Bestor Plaza. The band will perform a selection of patriotic favorites under the direction of Jason Weintraub.

The band does more than contribute to the festive atmosphere on the grounds. It lets Chautauquans who may have played instruments in high school or college dust off their horns and participate in the musical life of Chautauqua Institution. The program will include music the players can easily recall from their school days, like patriotic marches by John Philip Sousa and the charming Americana of Leroy Anderson.

Professional players from the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra also get a chance to play something other than their primary instrument in a fun, lighter program. Weintraub gets to trade in his oboe and English horn for a conductor’s baton.

The eclectic group also includes students from the Music School Festival Orchestra, music educators and professional players who aren’t in the CSO.

Chautauquans who don’t play an instrument can also participate. The program includes several chances for audience members to sing along to familiar tunes like “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.” And, if they don’t sing, Chautauquans can find a spot on the plaza to enjoy a picnic and take in the music.

In the event of bad weather, the concert will take place in the Amp.

Tags : bestor plazaChautauqua Community BandFourth of JulyJason Weintraub
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The author Philip de Oliveira

Philip de Oliveira reports on the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and the Logan Chamber Music Series for the Daily. He is the Walton D. Clarke Fellow at NPR member station 89.7 WKSU in Kent, Ohio, where he has filed stories for local newscasts and statewide for Ohio Public Radio. He occasionally contributes to Cleveland Scene magazine and Cool Cleveland.