Bay Village Community Band salutes veterans in patriotic concert
Bay Village Community Band members and veterans from the Bay Village VFW Post listen as David Hager plays taps.
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The Bay Village Community Band held a special Veterans Day concert Nov. 9. The all-ages crowd was treated to a selection of patriotic songs performed by the band's talented volunteer musicians. A late venue switch had band director Timothy Stohs worried that attendance would be low. But by the time the program began at 7:30p.m., almost every seat in the Community House was full.
The evening kicked off with a posting of the colors by the Color Guard of Bay Village VFW Post 9693. The four men stood at attention as the crowd turned toward the flag to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and many audience members sang aloud as the band played the Star Spangled Banner.
One highlight of the program was a special tribute to veterans in attendance -- both in the band and in the audience. Assistant director and Navy veteran David Hager rose from his seat in the trumpet section to conduct the band in the Armed Forces Salute.
"I gave a lot to the Navy and, boy, did they give a lot to me," Hager told the crowd before turning his attention to the musicians. Band members who had served in the military stood for a moment to be recognized for their service.
The band then launched into a rousing performance of the arrangement, which features the anthems of all branches of the military. Veterans in the audience were asked to stand when the songs from their branches were played, and the room filled with applause.
Throughout the evening, the patriotic music stirred the hearts of all in attendance as the band -- and audience -- paid tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed in service to our country.
Upcoming Bay Village Community Band performances include a Dec. 4 fundraiser at Barnes & Noble in Crocker Park featuring live Christmas music, free gift wrapping and a musician meet-and-greet; and the annual Christmas Celebration concert Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., at Bay Middle School. For more information about the band, including future concerts, visit bvcb.org.