The Richmond Pops hopes to carry on the tradition of the American Concert Band, first established by John Philip Sousa. And there’s no better time to showcase that format then November 11.
“We do a Veterans Day tribute every year,” says Pops conductor Earl Shaffer, adding that the concert usually occurs before the actual holiday. “This year we are pulling out all the stops for our concert, which actually falls on Veterans Day.”
The 90-member band will perform a variety of music to celebrate our nation’s veterans and heritage. Vocal soloist Gia Qazi, an adjunct vocal instrument at the University of Richmond, will be featured during the concert along with the 100 voice VCU Choir from the VCU School of the Arts. Special guest conductors from within the band are local educators Steven Conley and Stephen Cherry.
Featured musical selections will include “The Greatest Generation” (World War II veteran tribute), “Battle Hymn of the Republic” (featuring the 100 voice VCU Choir), “God Bless America,” “An American Fanfare,” “Reflections from the Wall” (Vietnam veteran tribute), “Inchon” (Korean Conflict veteran tribute), “American Patrol” and many others.
Making Music for Five Decades
The Richmond Pops Band has a rich history, dating back 50 years. “We began playing at Altria Theater about 20 years ago and our concerts bring in about 2,000 people,” Shaffer says.
Most of the members are music educators while others represent a variety of occupations, from medical professionals to accountants.
“You name it, we have it,” says Shaffer, adding that ages range from the 20s to the 80s.
Shaffer, a retired high school band director from Cosby High School in Chesterfield, taught band for 35 years. “I am also a part-time professor in the Department of Music at Longwood,” he says.
At Pops weekly rehearsals, “we make each minute count,” Shaffer says.
In addition to Veterans Day, the Richmond Pops has a December Holiday Spectacular, this year on December 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Altria Theater, as well as a June Flag Day concert.
“Our holiday spectacular has become a big Richmond tradition. It’s something everybody looks forward to, especially the performers,” he says.
Shaffer loves working with members of the band. “They are really great people. They are loyal, dedicated, talented and friendly. It’s such a great cross-section of our community,” he says, noting that some members have been with the band for decades.
The Richmond Pops is honored to be holding its concert on the actual “Veterans Day,” Shaffer says. “We think it’s real important for us to pay tribute to the brave American men and women who have served our country so well.”
There are about 15 veterans in the Pops themselves, he adds. “So this concert becomes personal for many of our members and certainly for a lot of the families of the Pops members as well.”
Richmond Pops will present “A Veterans Day Tribute” at Altria Theater on Tuesday Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Free tickets are available from the band website at www.richmondpops.com.
