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The Lincoln Area Music Society
Community Band concluded its outdoor concert series on Sunday
evening with a patriotic concert in celebration of the United
States’ semiquincentennial. A good-sized crowd found all the shady
spots in Latham Park during Sunday’s heat advisory to enjoy the live
music in honor of America.
The concert began with LAMS Community Band’s traditional opening
song, “The Star-Spangled Banner” in which emcee Terry McDorman
invited the audience to stand and face the flag at Lincoln Public
library. The national anthem was a fitting opening to the concert’s
tribute to America.
The band, under the direction of
Riley McDorman, continued the music with “American Visions” written
by Travis Weller in honor of his father, a Vietnam veteran. This was
followed by a medley of songs by George M. Cohan who is known for
songs such as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
The next selection was "United We Stand” arranged by John O’Reilly
which included American favorites “Simple Gifts,” “America the
Beautiful,” and "Battle Hymn of the Republic.” An American salute
would not be complete without a march by John Phillips Sousa and so
the first half of the concert concluded with “The Liberty Bell
March” often played at presidential events.
At the intermission audience and band members availed themselves of
the delectable homemade cakes baked and served with ice cream by the
ladies of Lincoln Woman’s Club. The proceeds from the cake and ice
cream sales at each summer band concert support the Lincoln Woman’s
Club charitable works and scholarships. The LAMS 2026 summer concert
series was sponsored by Pacesetter, ME Realty, Lincoln Daily News,
Jake’s Furnishings, El Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant, Eaton
Corporation, Culver’s of Lincoln, Begolka Farms (Bob and Darlene
Begolka), and Abbott and Associates.
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The band opened the second half
of the concert with “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” followed by a
medley of military branch songs during which active and veteran
service members were asked to stand for recognition during their
branch’s song. The next selection was “In Honor of the Fallen”
introduced by McDorman as an opportunity to reflect on those who
have given their lives for our country. This solemn piece was
followed by John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” the
national march of the USA.
The Lincoln Woman’s Club observed the 250th anniversary of the
USA with a drawing for a gift basket featuring patriotic cards,
gifts, and other swag. Everyone who purchased a piece of cake
received a ticket and the winner was drawn immediately before
the final song of the concert.
Traditionally, LAMS summer band
concludes its concerts with Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America.”
This week the audience was in for a treat as a children’s chorus
joined in singing this unofficial anthem as the finale to the LAMS
patriotic concert.
LAMS is comprised of volunteers; community vocalists and musicians
are invited to join the LAMS Chorale and Orchestra for the fall
season beginning in October with a concert in December. Anyone
seeking more information or any business or individuals interested
in sponsoring the Lincoln Area Music Society may contact
lincolnareamusicsociety@gmail.com.
LAMS celebrates America's 250th birthday photo slideshow
Lincoln Area Music Society
performs God Bless America with help from a children's choir video
[Stephanie Hall]
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