Music from Olympic countries featured in first LAMS concert of the season

 

[June 03, 2024] 

The warm sunny weather Sunday evening brought many people out to Latham Park to enjoy the first Lincoln Area Music Society band concert of their summer series.

With the nice weather, several parents sat and listened to the music while their children played on the playground equipment.

Eight month old Matthias Johnson was listening to his first concert from a little wagon.

The band played music representing a number of countries who participate in the Olympics, which will be held later this summer.

For the first song, the audience rose as the orchestra, led by Riley McDorman, played the National Anthem. The next song was John Williams “Fanfare in G,” which is played at the Olympics.

The next several songs represented the various countries that usually participate in the Olympics. Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass’s “Tijuana Taxi” represented Mexico. It was followed by a song representing Ireland.

A medley of songs from the musical “Les Miserable” represented the country of France.

Before a short intermission, McDorman thanked the summer series sponsors, which include Begolka Farms, Guest House, Lincoln United Methodist Church and Lincoln Daily News.

The Lincoln Woman’s Club was selling cake and ice cream all evening. Several people went over to their table during intermission to get a delicious treat. Proceeds fund the club’s many community projects.

Songs during the second half of the program included a German song written by Johann Strauss.

To represent Russia, the band played the song “Moscow 1941.” McDorman said this song is about a period from World War II when [the Red Army of] Moscow defended Russia against Germany. By January of 1941, McDorman said the Russian Army had pushed back the German Army.

Following a song representing Korea, the band then moved into a series of patriotic songs that included “God Bless America.”

The other Sunday evening concerts in the LAMS band’s summer series are June 9, 23 and 30 [there is no concert on June 16, which is Father’s Day].

Next Sunday, the theme will be the elements with songs representing the earth, air and fire. Guest conductor Julie Donnell, who is McDorman’s aunt, will lead the band.

In case of inclement weather, McDorman said concerts will be moved to the First United Methodist Church on 302 Broadway Street. Look for announcements of any changes on the Lincoln Area Music Society Facebook page.

[Angela Reiners]