CLARKSVILLE, TN – A love of country was on full display July 1 as The Cumberland Winds, under the direction of Mike Ritter, presented “American Music on Parade” to an appreciative audience at the First Presbyterian Church.
This was a major contribution to the community-wide celebration of the Semiquincentennial called “The Road to 250.” Of particular note was the engaging narrative provided by David Graham that identified key periods in our history and paired them with specific pieces of music that characterized the periods. It was American history set to music. In the words of the author of the narrative, Patricia Ritter, “Our history has been reflected in our music, and the music in turn has reflected the struggles, the victories and the essence of our great nation.”
Marches, spirituals, love songs, rag time, the blues, jazz, dance, country, popular, rock ‘n’ roll, classical and Christmas music all got due attention. We heard the works of many legendary composers and performers: John Philip Sousa, Stephen Foster, Antonin Dvorak, George M. Cohan, George and Ira Gershwin, Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller, Irving Berlin, Elvis Presley, Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson, to name but a few.
There were appropriate nods to trust in God, humor, joy and sentiment, as well as rallying cries to war. Vocalists Charlie King and Sarah Queen gave voice to many of the beloved songs during the performance. Then there were also subtle yet poignant references to the evolution of radio, movies and the VCR as aids in the growth of music in America
All things considered, it was a splendid and memorable evening worthy of the patriotism we enjoy in Clarksville-Montgomery County.
| DON’T MISS AN EVENT: For more Clarksville things to do, check out the Summer fun guide or the Clarksville Events calendar.