West Point Band to Perform at West Side Presbyterian Church
The renowned West Point Band, comprised of some of the finest musicians in the world, will present a concert titled “American Influences” at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood on Sunday,
February 5 at 3:00 pm as part of the 47th season of the West Side Concert Series. West Point’s last concert at West Side took place on March 1, 2020 - just a week or so before the pandemic changed our world. So their return to West Side is particularly meaningful.
The U.S. Army’s oldest musical ensemble will present a performance in celebration of America’s musical heritage, featuring not only the composers who defined our national sound, but also those who drew influence from it, those whose voices were silenced in its creation, and those who continue to expand its meaning today. Featured composers include Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Charles Ives, Florence Price and more. The concert will conclude with Stravinsky’s iconic “Firebird Suite,” re-released in the year he became an American citizen.
The West Point Band has been providing support and music to West Point and the nation since 1817, traceing its lineage to fifers and drummers who were part of the Continental Army units at West Point during the American Revolution. In its 200-plus-year history, the band has performed at numerous historical events, including the St. Louis, Chicago and New York World’s Fairs; the funerals of Ulysses S. Grant and Franklin D. Roosevelt; and the inaugurations of more than a dozen presidents. The band also has performed with the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Pops, as well as at New York Yankees games.
Today the West Point Band continues to provide world-class music to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets and to serve as ambassadors of the United States Military Academy and the Army to local, national and international communities.
Admission to the concert is free. (Donations are greatly appreciated.) Parking is convenient and ample. Come join us...and bring your friends. Arrive early to get a good seat!
Founded in 1912, West Side Presbyterian Church is a welcoming, inclusive church where people of all ages grow in faith, form lasting friendships and help our neighbors in need. West Side is located at 6 South Monroe Street in Ridgewood, NJ. For more information, please visit www.westside.org.