Photos: Joining Forces on Stage

On May 19, members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra teamed up with military musicians from the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America stationed at Scott Air Force Base (Shiloh, Illinois) and the 399th Army Band stationed at Fort Leonard Wood (Waynesville, Missouri) for the free Joining Forces On Stage at Powell concert, sponsored by Express Scripts. This afternoon of rousing musical performances featured patriotic anthems, military medleys, and an unforgettable performance commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing that included narration and video.

The SLSO performs more than 80 free community concerts per year in addition to more than 80 free education programs each year.

Here are scenes from the 2019 Joining Forces concert.

The afternoon started with a drum and piccolo introduction.

Trombone players of the SLSO and military bands mingle post-concert.

A packed house rose to its feet for the Presentation of Colors by the United States TRANSCOM Joint Services Color Guard.

Members of the SLSO sat between musicians from the 399th Army Band and the U.S. Air Force Band of mid-America.

A special tribute performance honored the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing and included visual components and narration by 2nd Lt. Brandon Hults under the direction of Lt. Col. Michael Willen.

Repertoire included popular patriotic anthems, including Sousa's The Stars and Stripes Forever.

Military band conductors, including 2nd Lt. Brandon Hults, shared the podium with Kevin McBeth, Director of the SLSO's IN UNISON Chorus.

Musicians gathered in the Wightman Grand Foyer to prepare for the May 19 concert.

WO1 Mike Becker of the 399th Army Band based at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., leads the ensemble in a Sousa march.

Photos by Dilip Vishwanat.