Culture
U.S. Navy Band Headed to Athens April 6
By: Emily Votaw
Posted on:
Tomorrow night, the internationally acclaimed U.S. Navy Band will bring their diverse performance repertoire to Ohio University’s Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.
Andy Trachsel, the Ohio University School of Music’s Director of Bands, said that the Athens performance sprung from his relationship with a member of the U.S. Navy Band dating back to his graduate school career.
“I was speaking to my friend, and he said that the band was going on a national tour, and that Ohio was in the geographical region that they were planning to perform in,” said Trachsel. “I knew that their performance would appeal not only to music patrons who would come to most of the concerts that we have, but to a broader array of listeners, as well. So we jumped on the opportunity to host them.”
Trachsel said that the performance will include everything from what is typically classified as traditional classic music to some pop tunes and a number of patriotic numbers.
“The band always invites all members of the various branches of the military to stand when they play a medley of patriotic songs, and it’s always very moving when that happens,” said Trachsel. “When someone stands up next to you – and you realize how much that music means to them, it’s really an incredible experience.”
The performance, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m., is entirely free but does require tickets, which are available at any time during business hours at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Fifteen minutes before the show unclaimed tickets will be available at the door.