Jazz, Jaws, and John Philip Sousa – there will be something for everyone to enjoy at First Baptist Church of Cornelia’s upcoming community concert.
“Since my arrival at FBC in 2018, I’ve dreamed of offering to our community a gift of a summer concert highlighting the music of America, both from our sacred heritage and popular culture. I am excited to announce that the concert will finally happen!” says FBC Minister of Worship and Music Randy LeBlanc.
On the evening of Sunday, June 26, a professional orchestra will join the church choir and other singers to present America, the Beautiful: A Celebration of American Music.
According to LeBlanc, the sacred portion of the concert will begin with an energetic musical fantasy of early American hymns performed by the orchestra. It will end with Mack Wilberg’s stunning arrangement of Amazing Grace sung by the choir and audience accompanied by the orchestra and bagpipes.
“Yes, bagpipes!” LeBlanc emphasizes.
The second half of the concert will include a sampling of music from America’s leading popular composers and arrangers. Aaron Copland is represented with a selection from Appalachian Spring. “Then we’ll swing into the sounds of Duke Ellington,” LeBlanc says.
The concert will also include a tribute to John Williams featuring the theme from the movie Jaws.
Of course, no celebration of American music would be complete without a John Phillip Sousa march, so get ready to tap your toe to The Stars and Stripes Forever! Closing out the concert will be a stirring arrangement of America, the Beautiful presented by the choir and orchestra.
This event is free and open to the public.
“Join us for a time of inspiration and fun, all to the glory of our loving God,” invites LeBlanc.
America, the Beautiful: A Celebration of American Music, is scheduled for 6 p.m., Sunday, June 26, at FBC Cornelia located at 325 Oak Street.
