OCTOBER 12, 2025 - “American Chronicles: The First 250 Years – A Musical Journey Through America’s History”

Our season opener begins with William Schumann’s Chester Overture, honoring the patriotic hymn of the American Revolution. The unmistakable strains of Yankee Doodle follow, transporting the audience to colonial America. The program continues with A Tribute to Stephen Foster and American River Songs, evoking the pioneer spirit and westward expansion. The patriotic fervor builds with Morton Gould’s American Salute, highlighting America’s Civil War era, followed by How the West Was Won, celebrating America’s westward expansion in pursuit of the American dream. The concert swings into Alexander’s Ragtime Band, showcasing early 20th-century light-hearted beginnings of jazz, and Don Gillis’ Tulsa, depicting the early 20 th century discovery of “liquid gold” that fueled America’s industrial expansion. World War I is marked by George M. Cohan’s Star Spangled Spectacular and In the Miller Mood brings the musical journey to America’s entry into World War II. As America comes of age in the 50’s…