The Southwestern College Concert Band will open its season on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium on the campus of Southwestern College. 

The program, which will begin with a unique arrangement of “The Star Spangled Banner” for band and full choir, is titled “Americana” because nearly all the works that will be presented have America as their inspiration. Highlights include Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” and John Williams’s “Hymn to the Fallen” from the motion picture “Saving Private Ryan.”

“We are excited to begin this year with such moving choices of music and to feature guest talent,” says executive director and conductor Daniel Stevens. “John Williams’s film scores are works that many of us recognize and to which we instinctively respond. ‘Hymn to the Fallen’ remembers to those who gave their lives in service to our country and we are very pleased to have Matt Berthot and the Winfield High School choir join us in presenting this tribute.”

“‘The Lincoln Portrait’ combines majestic band music with the words of Abraham Lincoln (read by guest speaker Clayton Crawford), and is really unforgettable. Even if you’ve heard this before, it moves you every time,” Stevens says.

The event is underwritten by John and Rae Lynne Baker, Jim and Charlotte Buterbaugh, Byron and Carolyn Jones, and William L. and Evelyn Morris.

For more information or to receive a brochure that includes the concert schedule, underwriters, seating chart, and guest artists, contact Lou Tharp at (620) 229-6272 or visit the Web site at www.SCconcertband.com. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased in advance or at the door.