Independence Day Band Concert Is Held Inside

The Monticello Community Band celebrated Independence Day in Thomas Persons Hall. After a rainy day and threats of severe weather, the concert was moved inside.  Attendees brought lawn chairs and blankets and set up in the empty floor of the auditorium.

Starting with the American Legion Post 110 Flag Corps posting the flag, and Hope Brill playing the Star Spangled Banner, the concert opened with the band playing Military Escort March.

Sonya Jordan, the director of Thomas Persons Hall, welcomed everyone and let them know about all the opportunities available at the building, including classes and special events.

Greg Holder, chairman of the Jasper County Historical Foundation, shared needs for the building, such as curtains and chairs, and then he introduced Shenandoah, a piece then played by a quartet of trombones.

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With the help of American Legion members, band conductor Jehan El-Jourbagy highlighted each branch of the Armed Forces, displaying the flags and reading song lyrics.  Members of the Armed Forces stood and were recognized followed by the band playing Armed Forces Salute.

The band then played Sousa’s King Cotton and Hosay’s Black Granite, a piece dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

Lin McKnight, dressed in full revolutionary war soldier regalia, made his way to the stage and read from the Declaration of Independence as the band played A Jefferson Portrait.

The band performed another Sousa piece, Liberty Bell March, and then singer Bobbi Sauls took to the stage to lead the audience in the ultimate patriotic sing-along, including Battle Hymn of the Republic, America the Beautiful, You’re a Grand Old Flag and God Bless the USA.

The national march, Stars and Stripes Forever, was the last piece performed by the band. The concert concluded with American Legion member Les Steele playing the retreat as the Flag Corps removed the flag from the stage.

The first rehearsal for the Christmas concert is Monday, Sept. 9.  Newcomers to the band are always welcome. For more information about the band, see www.monticellocommunityband.blogspot.com.

Even though severe weather threatened the seventh annual event, and cancelled the picnic portion, the children’s parade was still held.

It was just moved to Saturday on the Square during the market.

Band director and concert organizer Jehan El-Jourbagy expressed special thanks to:

•Maw Maw’s Place, Heartland Chiropractic Clinic and Candice Mock Massage for the patriotic table decorating contest awards.

•The Snap’n Turtle for sponsoring the Children’s Sidewalk Parade.

•Jasper County High School and Chris Savage for regular practice facilities and instruments.

•Les Steele for his audio equipment.

•Greg Holder, Ann Mercer, Christy Bailey, Mary Camp, Matt Jernigan and Jasmine El-Jourbagy for cleaning and decorating.

•Jasper County Historical Foundation for supporting the arts.

•Jack Stone for recording.

•The American Legion Post 110 for the flag and flag posting.

•The Monticello Baptist Church for flyers and programs.

•And a very special thank you to all the people who support us by coming to our shows and encourage us whenever they see us.