Multiple standing ovations greeted the Soldier/musicians of U.S. Army Forces Command's "Concert Band" Oct. 5, during their free, public show at the Falany Performing Arts Center on the campus of Reinhardt College in Waleska, Ga.
The Concert Band is the premier ensemble of the Army Ground Forces Band, which is based here.
Under the direction and command of Capt. Daniel J. Steiger, the audience of about 350 people stood in appreciation at the conclusion of the first half of the show, three more times at the end of the show and several more times during the show.
"My Soldiers worked really hard to prepare for this show," said Steiger. "It really paid off."
The Band performed a musical showcase that included the well known "Festive Overture" by Dmitri Shostakovich as well as familiar military marches by Edwin Franko Goldman and John Philip Sousa.
Steiger said one of the many musical highlights of the evening was when "Spec. Daniel Brown (trumpet) and Sgt. Jaleen Seshadri (English Horn) demonstrated truly mature musical artistry and sensitivity in their performance of Aaron Copland's 'A Quiet City,' an English Horn/Trumpet repertoire standard, conducted by the band's Executive Officer and Associate Conductor, 2nd Lt. Randall S. Bartel."
Always a crowd favorite, Staff Sgt. Renatta Draper also received standing ovations for her vocal interpretations of "A Hero for Today" and a jazzy "Battle Hymn for the Republic."
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