FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
As the sun began its descent below the tree line, a light drizzle of rain began to fall as band members picked up their polished brass and woodwind instruments and transitioned slowly from note to note, working up a cacophony of sound. Abruptly the band went silent as the conductor took his place at the front of the musicians and raised his baton, signaling the start of the "Summon the Heroes" by John Williams.
The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band kicked off the first concert in their annual "Music Under the Stars" concert series June 6 at Fort Eustis' Magnolia Park, Va., located beside James River. This concert is the first of 12 free shows open to the general public. The series, now in its 81st year, is scheduled to hold concerts every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. now through the month of August.
The night's music was comprised of a variety of songs including, Thomas Knox's "God of our Father" and John Philip Sousa's "Washington Post March" and "The Stars and Stripes Forever."
"We try to have something for everyone," said U.S. Army Maj. Leonel Pena, TRADOC Band commander and conductor. "We play a variety of genres so that no matter who comes out, there will be something everyone can enjoy."
The series that started in 1932 at Fort Monroe in nearby Hampton, Va., is now in its second year at Fort Eustis. During their first year of concerts here , the band used a semi-permanent stage. This year, a new stage was built by TRADOC during the band's off season, giving them a permanent structure to call home for their popular summer series.
"It's a great stage with a beautiful design that really complements the park," Pena said. "We were really looking forward to performing on it."
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Emanuelson, TRADOC Band noncommissioned officer in charge and trumpet player, is celebrating his first full season as a band member during "Music Under the Stars."
"I think it's awesome that we are able to perform these free concerts for the public," Emanuelson said. "Out of all my assignments, this is by far the best outdoor venue and most exciting music series that I've been a part of."
Despite rainy weather, approximately 200 fans showed up to enjoy the show, including Yorktown resident Marian Supplee, who, along with her husband, is enjoying her 16th season of "Music Under the Stars."
"We've always enjoyed the music," Supplee said. "It's always so entertaining and a great way to spend a summer evening."
While the band won't perform at Fort Eustis on July 4 this year because of a scheduled event in Norfolk, they will be having a special alumni concert in August, which will feature past band members.
"We will have band members who have retired or moved away back with us to play, and it's going to be a lot of fun," Emanuelson said.
With the rainy weather still lingering and the swift wave of the conductor's baton, the band played their final song of the night as the fans in attendance began to applaud in appreciation for their performance.
To learn more about the concerts, driving directions and vehicle pass information, or to sign up for the TRADOC Band's newsletter and concert announcements, visit www.tradocband.com or call 501-6944.
"Music Under the Stars" remaining 2013 Concert Schedule:
June 14: "Army Birthday Celebration"
June 20: "A Night in New Orleans"
June 27: "Music of the Big Bands"
July 11: "Wind Dances"
July 18: "Stage and Screen"
July 25: "iFestiva Latina!"
Aug. 1: "British Invasion"
Aug. 8: "Yesterday" - Alumni concert
Aug. 15: "Marches, Movie Music, and more"
Aug. 22: "Jazz side of us"
Aug. 29: "Overture 1812" (Rain date of August 30th)
In the event of inclement weather, the alumni concert will be moved inside Jacobs Theater.