local music organizations join together for patriotic concert

Published in The Wimberley View 6/29/23

After sitting outside in the heat enjoying “The Best Little Parade in Texas,” what could be better than sitting in air conditioning listening to beautiful music by two of Wimberley’s best and longest running musical groups? The Wimberley Community Chorus and the Hill Country Community Band are coming back together this year for the 11th Annual Hometown Patriotic Concert on July 4 at 3 p.m. at the Wimberley First Baptist Church, located at 15951 Winters Mill Parkway.

This year, the programming will feature patriotic songs celebrating the birth and history of the United States while including other pieces that allow the Band and the Chorus to shine individually. Standards such as “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “God Bless America,” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” harness the full force of over 95 musicians. “Hymn to the Fallen” by John Williams from Saving Private Ryan is accompanied by a powerful video presentation honoring those that gave everything for us. During “Armed Forces Salute,” flags of our country’s military branches are invited to stand and be honored. Joe and Luellyn Dollard, both accomplished veterans of the US Navy Band, will perform “The Elephant and the Fly/Duo Characteristique.” The band will also perform “A Tribute to Dave Brubeck” with Craig Barnstable as saxophone soloist. New numbers by the Chorus will include the traditional Shaker tune “Simple Gifts,” arranged by Mark Hayes and “Song for the Unsung Hero” by Joseph Martin.

The Wimberley Community Chorus will be directed by Ed Snouffer with his wife, Andrea, accompanying the chorus on piano.

The Hill Country Community Band will be directed by Manuel Arambula.

The chorus and band said they are happy to be performing together again and hope to see the community singing along and enjoying music together again.

Anyone interested in participating in the chorus or band can find more information at their websites: wimberleycommunitychorus.org and hillcountrycommunityband.org.