Thank You for Joining Us for America 250: A Musical Journey
America 250: A Musical Journey - SWCCB Concert 5/30/2026
What an incredible evening of music, celebration, and community!
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Southwest Community Concert Band was honored to present America 250: A Musical Journey, a concert commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this special event.
With approximately 60 musicians on stage, the band delivered a program that celebrated the history, spirit, and musical traditions of our nation through an exciting variety of works spanning centuries of American music.
The concert opening provided a fascinating glimpse into America's musical past. The band began with a particularly meaningful selection of the very first published arrangement of The Star-Spangled Banner, dating from the 1860s. Hearing this historic version reminded us that the songs we know today often have rich and surprising histories of their own.
The evening continued with the thrilling American Overture for Band by Joseph Willcox Jenkins as it’s opening number. Long a favorite among our musicians—especially the French horn section—the piece launches with a dramatic opening and never lets up. From its opening signature horn rip to its final note, it set the tone perfectly for an evening filled with energy, pride, and celebration.
One of the most memorable moments of the concert came with Portrait of Freedom by Stephen Reineke. Richly cinematic and emotionally uplifting, the work seemed tailor-made for the theme of the evening. Its soaring melodies and sweeping orchestration evoked the sound and spirit of the great film scores of John Williams. More than one listener remarked that if they had heard the piece without knowing the composer, they would have assumed it was written by Williams himself.
Another audience favorite was An Ellington Portrait, a vibrant tribute to the legendary Duke Ellington. This engaging medley brought together several of Ellington's best-known melodies, showcasing the creativity, sophistication, and unmistakable swing that helped define American jazz. Judging by the smiles, applause, and enthusiastic reactions from the audience, it was one of the highlights of the evening.
The evening concluded with one of the most beloved pieces in the American concert band repertoire: John Philip Sousa's The Stars and Stripes Forever. Its triumphant melodies, brilliant brass writing, and famous piccolo obbligato and every one of our flutes in the flute section brought their piccolo just for this soli! This brought the concert to a rousing conclusion and left the audience on its feet in celebration of America's enduring musical heritage.
While the music itself was the centerpiece of the evening, what made the event truly special was the opportunity to share it with our community. Community bands occupy a unique place in American culture. Our musicians come from many different backgrounds, professions, and walks of life, yet we gather each week for the simple joy of making music together and sharing it with others.
We are grateful to our conductor Ray Forlenza, musicians, board members, volunteers, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this concert possible. We also extend our sincere thanks to the United Methodist Church of New Lenox, IL for providing such a welcoming venue.
A big thank you also goes to those who provided monetary donations to the band. Every dollar helps us continue our efforts of live community music just like this concert and youth music events like the SWCCB Summer Band Camp coming up soon from June 8 - June 12, 2026. If you have not registered your child yet for summer band camp, please do so today! Time is running out, but spots are still open!
Most importantly, we thank you—our audience. Your attendance, encouragement, and support allow us to continue our mission of bringing quality live music to the community. Every concert is a partnership between performers and audience, and your enthusiasm made this event one to remember.
As we look ahead to future performances, we invite you to subscribe using your email address and stay connected through our website and email newsletter! If you are not already on our mailing list, signing up takes only a few seconds and ensures you'll receive concert announcements, newsletters, and updates about upcoming events throughout the year.
Thank you again for being part of America 250: A Musical Journey. It was a night of memorable music, patriotic celebration, and community spirit—and one that we will remember for a long time to come.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
