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Their view: Every state should pass a medical aid-in-dying law

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Simon Pagenaud wins pole for IndyCar race at Toronto

<p>On July 4, the Wyoming Valley Band performed for the annual remembrance of the Battle of Wyoming at the Wyoming Monument. It has been an integral part of this event for many years. This year the band and its director, Donald Williams, were honored with a plaque for their many years of service to the event and its sponsor, the Wyoming Commemorative Association. Each year at 10 a.m., the band plays a short concert, then music for the ceremony, including the Star-Spangled Banner and sacred hymns for the floral tributes from many community groups and families.</p><p>There are hundreds of community bands across the United States, performing at community events, marching in parades, and playing concerts or patriotic celebrations. Most have a long, proud heritage like the Wyoming Valley Band, which has performed in the Wyoming Valley community for more than 150 years, first as the 109th Field Artillery Band, then the Stegmaier Gold Medal Band and now as the Wyoming Valley Band. The performers include local music professionals, music teachers, skilled amateurs and aspiring high school musicians. It is a valuable historic and artistic treasure that we must perpetuate.</p><p>While it once had a full schedule of performances, the band now plays only twice a year: July 4 at the Wyoming Monument and in December for a holiday concert at St. Stephen&#8217;s Pro-Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre. The Fine Arts Fiesta, Irem Country Club and VA Hospital were once among the organizations for which the band regularly played concerts and ceremonies.</p><p>My point is to encourage your support of traditional concert music of all kinds in our community. If serious concert music, performed by band, orchestra, chamber and choral musicians is to survive, we need an audience of community members who are willing to support and attend live music performances.</p><p>Musicians love playing for enthusiastic audiences like the good folks who attended the July 4 commemoration at the Wyoming Monument. The Valley Band hopes to see you at our Christmas concert at St. Stephen&#8217;s (free concert).</p><p>If your organization is interested in having the Wyoming Valley Band perform at your patriotic or ceremonial event, or if you want to sponsor a concert, contact Don Williams, conductor, at donrwilli1@gmail.com or send him a private message on Facebook.</p><p><strong>Dr. Philip G. Simon</strong></p><p>Associate Professor of Music Emeritus</p><p>Wilkes University</p><style>
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Your view: Support traditional concert music of all kinds