The UNDER the ELMS Summer Concert Series will present five free concerts this summer, beginning Wednesday, June 6, and continuing each consecutive week until Wednesday, July 4. Each of these outdoor concerts begin at 7:00 pm on the College Green adjacent to Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.

The UNDER the ELMS Concert Band, or “Communiversity Band,” is comprised of Ohio University faculty, students, and alumni, as well as community members from Athens and surrounding communities. The ensemble rehearses one night a week prior to each performance. The Music Director and Principal Conductor of UNDER the ELMS is Ohio University’s Director of Bands, Dr. Andrew Trachsel.

All of these events, generously supported by Ohio University and the College of Fine Arts, are open to all and free to the public. In the event of rain, concerts will be held in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics to the concerts.

June 6  Mitchell Spray (The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”), guest conductor. Mitchell is an alumnus of Ohio University, and recently retired at the rank of Command Sergeant Major of The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”, where he served as a trombonist and Drum Major. In observation of the anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, Mitch will be leading the band and audience through a military funeral music sequence. We’ll also feature music pertaining specifically to D-Day and the Greatest Generation.