FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
More than 200 people attended the opening of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band's 82nd season of the Music Under the Stars summer concert series at Fort Eustis' Magnolia Park, June 5.
The concert was the first of 12 free public concerts scheduled every Thursday through August. The opening concert, themed "The American Dream," featured TRADOC's Concert Band performing various arrangements that included Philip Sparke's "Sunrise at Angel's Gate," Leroy Anderson's "Blue Tango" and Samuel Ward's "America the Beautiful."
Through its weekly concerts, the series aims to provide a diverse repertoire, featuring Jazz, funk, Salsa and Latin music, said U.S. Army Sgt. Megan Van Oudenaren, a vocalist with the TRADOC band.
"We're trying to reach all age groups and generations," she said. "We want people to come out and see we are expanding our music to appeal a broader audience. There's really something for everyone."
Although this is Van Oudenaren's first year performing in the series, she experienced Music Under the Stars for the first time as an Advanced Individual Training student, when the concerts were previously held at Fort Monroe.
"As a student, I remember looking at them on the stage, wanting to be up there playing with them," she said. "It's a bit surreal now, since I'm a part of it; I'm that person playing for the community. It's very gratifying."
In addition to providing musical entertainment to the community, this season's concerts will feature food vendors and community information booths, said Sgt. 1st Class Mark Lucero, group leader of the TRADOC brass band.
"It's something fun to do during the week, after dinner, when the days are getting longer," said Lucero. "People can even bring their dinner and drinks, sit out with their families and friends, and unwind from their work week while enjoying music and the scenery. It will be something different every week."
While the opening concert was the first Music Under the Stars event for Darrell Burke, a resident of Hampton Roads, he said he is looking forward attending additional concerts this season.
"The music was great, and being able to enjoy it with the million-dollar view of the water was fantastic," said Burke. "It was a great way to unwind, but was also a very inspiring and appropriate way to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day the next day."
The next in the series is the Army Birthday concert, scheduled for June 12, and will feature a streamer ceremony for the Army flag and an enlistment ceremony for 70 future Soldiers.
With 11 more concerts ahead for this season, Van Oudenaren said her experience performing with Music Under the Stars reinforces her passion for music and serving her community.
"We help create an awareness of the different facets and aspects of military life, both the stresses and the blessings. It promotes cohesion between Service members and those we serve," she said. "[When I'm performing], most days, I feel spoiled. Some people find it difficult to find enjoyment in what they do, so I really feel privileged that I have a job where I can go to work every day and love what I do."
Those wishing to attend Music Under the Stars who do not have a Department of Defense identification card can save time entering the installation by visiting www.tradocband.com and downloading a Fort Eustis vehicle pass application in advance. In the event of inclement weather, concerts may either be moved into Jacobs or Wiley Theaters, which will be determined the day of the concert.
To learn more about the concerts, 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 2014 schedule:
June 12 239th Army Birthday (Concert Band)
June 19 Jamming on the James River (TRADOC Brass Band)
June 26 Big Bands Throughout the Years (Big Band)
July 10 100th Army Band
July 17 100th Army Band
July 24 Throwback Thursday (Rock Band)
July 31 Popular Nostalgia (Jazz Combo)
Aug. 7 Festive Symphonic Melodies (Noncommissioned officer-led concert)
Aug. 14 Latin Tribute to Rock and Roll (Salsa Band)
Aug. 21 Fiesta España (Wood Wind Quintet and Brass Quintet)
Aug. 28 1812 Overture (Concert Band)
Aug. 29 Rain date