By Eric Dundon
Wind, brass, and percussion musicians of the SLSO teamed up with military musicians from the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America stationed at Scott Air Force Base (Shiloh, Illinois), the 399th Army Band stationed at Fort Leonard Wood (Waynesville, Missouri), and—new this year—the 135th Army Band (Missouri National Guard, Springfield, Missouri) for the free Joining Forces on Stage at Powell concert on Sunday, May 22.
The afternoon of rousing musical performances featured patriotic anthems, military medleys, and a poignant musical tribute to those laid at rest in our national cemeteries—a celebration of American music fitting for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The concert opened with a traditional fife and drum medley, a presentation of the colors from the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, and also included favorites from John Philip Sousa, a nod to the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, a tribute to Stephen Sondheim, and a celebration of the 90th birthday of composer John Williams (a former U.S. Air Force musician).
This is the third Joining Forces concert the SLSO has hosted with military musicians-a tradition begun in 2017.







