Graceland Symphonic Band Salutes “Allied Forces” in February 22 Concert

The Graceland Symphonic Band will perform a concert entitled “Allied Forces” Monday evening, Feb. 22, at 7:30 in Shaw Center on the Graceland Lamoni campus. Conductor Erin Bodnar selected the WWII theme to reflect the national origin of the composers of the evening playbill. They include Gordon Jacob from England, Percy Grainger from Australia, and Americans Gordon Jacob and Vincent Persichetti.

The featured work is by Frenchman Darius Milhaud, “Suite Francaise.” It was written for young Americans to hear the popular melodies of those parts of France where their fathers, now grandfathers and great grandfathers, as part of the allied forces fought to defeat the German invaders.

The Symphony Band includes 31 students this semester from across the continental United States and Puerto Rico. The concert is free and open to the public.

The band recently won statewide recognition for its musicianship. The Iowa Bandmasters Association has invited the Graceland Symphony Band to perform at the IBA Conference in Des Moines on May 12.