Peninsula Symphonic Band Honors Local Veterans

The Peninsula Symphonic Band will honor local veterans during its free Nov. 11 concert at 7 pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1756 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay. After a pandemic-driven hiatus of a year and a half, the band began rehearsals in June and played a July concert in Sister Bay.

In addition to patriotic selections during the Nov. 11 concert, the low-brass section will play a special tribute to late band member John Mann. The Bone Boys – a local trombone ensemble of which Mann was a member – will also perform in his honor.

“This will certainly be an emotional evening for the band members as we honor the memory of our dear friend, John Mann, a longtime member of the ensemble,” said Jason Palmer, the band’s music director. “This year we also lost members John Koehn and Shyla Wollman.”

Memorial gifts received in memory of Joan Draeb, John Mann, John Koehn and Shyla Wollman have played a huge role in commissioning a new work by renowned composer Randall Standridge. The band will perform its world premiere for Veteran’s Day 2023.

The Swingin’ Door Big Band will also enhance the program with some jazz music, including “Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree,” featuring the band’s three vocalists performing as the Andrews Sisters.

The Peninsula Symphonic Band is a community band that welcomes high school and adult musicians with no auditions. There are openings in all sections. Learn more about the band at peninsulasymphonicband.org or by emailing Palmer at [email protected].