Every summer, Westmoreland County’s five community bands go on a trip together and put on a performance at their destination.
But this year, the trip is being delayed by a month so the bands can take part in the dedication of the centerpiece of the World War I memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Penn-Trafford, Scottdale, Kiski Valley, Delmont and Jeannette community bands will be part of the dedication and lighting up of “A Soldier’s Journey,” a large bronze sculpture by Sabin Howard, which will be about 60 feet long and 10 feet high.
Charles Amadee, the manager of Delmont Area Concert Band, calls this a significant event, as the sculpture will become the main attraction of the memorial in Washington, D.C.
The opportunity came up when Jay Copenhaver, the president of Scottdale Community Band, was discussing the D.C. trip with a friend, Jari Villanueva, the Executive Director of Doughboy Foundation.
The invitation for the community band to join the ceremony came from Jari, who found this to be a unique and interesting opportunity for them.
Additionally, Amadee’s daughter is part of the U.S. Old Guard Army Drum & Fife Corps, the official military-band escort of the U.S. president.
They have arranged a special 15-minute show by the U.S. Old Guard Army Drum & Fife Corps to start their concert.
Usually, around 40-50 people from the five bands go on the summer trip together.
Because of the significance of the event, Copenhaver expects more people to join the trip this year.
The band’s trip to D.C. will take place on September 13-15 and will include attending a ceremony at the memorial, performing at the city’s Armed Forces Retirement Home, and participating in a weekendlong celebration with a noon concert on September 15.
Patti Marco, the President of Kiski Valley Community Band, said they are selecting music focused on the World War I era and military songs, including a performance of John Philip Sousa’s ‘Sabers and Spurs’ with military-band buglers in era uniforms.
The monument is situated on Pennsylvania Avenue near the Willard Hotel and the White House.
Amadee mentioned that the musicians are eagerly looking forward to their performance.
He stated that it's a historic occasion.
