The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band (TRADOC) will conclude the Port Warwick summer concert season with Tchaikovsky’s popular 1812 Overture.
“It’s tradition to close the season with it,” said Bernado Miethe, conductor and executive officer.
Officially titled “The Year 1812, Solemn Overture,” Tchaikovsky composed the piece in 1880 to commemorate Russia's defense against Napoleon's invading Grande Armée in 1812.
Throughout the 15-minute-long overture, various musical themes are used to depict the different stages of the conflict, including traditional Russian folk songs and the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” represents the invading French army.
A highlight of the 1812 Overture is the dramatic finale with cannon fire, chimes, bells and the full orchestra of 50 brass, woodwinds, string and percussion musicians performing.
Unfortunately, due to fire hazard, cannons will not be used in this performance, said Sgt. TyleR Goodwin, chief of operations.
“We tried to work it out, but the square (performance area) is little and there are too many structures nearby,” Goodwin said.
The concert will also include music by Leonard Bernstein, Stevie Wonder and John Williams, composer of many movie scores.
Formerly known as the Army Continental Band, the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band is entirely made up of Army personnel whose primary job is to be a musician connecting with Southeastern Virginia through music while fostering national pride.
This is the bands’ 92nd season performing free outdoor concerts. In addition, they provide music for military and civic ceremonies.
Sgt. Bridget Olenik, a percussionist, has been with the TRADOC for less than a year. He came from the 399 Band at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Prior to joining the Army, she was a high school band director and a member of the National Guard.
Olenik said performing for local residents is uplifting because of community support. She is especially impressed with the Port Warwick Community Foundation.
“They try to promote the arts and share it with the community,” she said.
Olenik, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State and master’s degree from Indiana Jacobs School of Music is a classically trained musician. She enjoys playing all music genres, including chamber music composed 100 years ago.
“That is music that moves the soul,” she said.
At the same time, performing for schools has enjoyable moments because the instant connection children have to music.
“We performed ‘Dance Monkey’ at an elementary school and the kids went wild,” she said.
Guitar musician Sgt. Aaron Chavers agreed.
“It was a way to pay for school and play music,” he said.
In addition to playing with the TRADOC band, he plays for local bands and does solo performances at area restaurants. This will be his first time performing the 1812 Overture.
“I’ve trained to do this. It’s very exciting to get to play it,” he said.
The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band will perform the 1812 Overture Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. at William Styron Square. For more information, visit the Port Warwick Summer Concert Series.
