Nov. 12, 2024 was the day of Heritage’s annual Veteran’s Day Concert. The high school and middle school bands and choirs performed traditional patriotic songs for an audience of esteemed veterans from multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces. It was an excellent display of respect and honor for the military members in our community.
The concert began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by senior Caleigh Jackson. Then the Concert Choir performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” before moving on to “Eternal Father,” “Strong To Save,” and the “Navy Hymn.” The choir then concluded with the song “A Patriotic Festival.” Next, the Wind Ensemble played “Concord,” “Marches of the Armed Forces,” and “God of Our Fathers.” Finally, the concert ended with the combined bands and choirs performing “Stars and Stripes Forever” along with the Alma Mater.
Both Mrs. Jennifer Hamilton, our choir teacher, and Mr. Bill Wynn, our band director, are extremely proud and honored to host the Veteran’s Day Concert each year. They are grateful to be able to celebrate veterans. They were honored to be able to show their appreciation for veterans through the performance of their pupils. The band in particular had some noteworthy performances, with freshman Emma Stoetzner’s piccolo solo and senior Clara Beth Elsenrath’s bassoon solo during “Concord” and “God of Our Fathers.” Senior Ava Grell performed a flute solo during “God of Our Fathers” as well.
“Every year when we do the Veteran’s Day Concert, it means a lot to me. I love how our veterans stand up when the band plays the different branches’ songs,” Mrs. Hamilton added. She continues, “It just kind of makes me tear up a little bit, being grateful for all they’ve done for us.”
In the end, the band and choir gave an admirable performance for admirable people. Aside from the concert, the Heritage band and choir are also humbly requesting members of our community to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project. The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization dedicated to financially supporting veterans who were wounded while serving, so if you are able and interested in assisting our veterans, please visit https://honortheircourage.woundedwarriorproject.org.
