A big night for military veterans, UW-Green Bay, Weidner Center

A large crowd turned out for Saturday night’s free concert by the U.S. Army Field Band at the Weidner Center. There was a strong UW-Green Bay stage presence as well. Weidner Center Executive Director Kate Green greeted the touring musical ambassadors by reading a message from Chancellor Gary L. Miller, who was in Maryland for the NCAA game. Associate Prof. Kevin Collins guest-conducted on Morton Gould’s “American Salute,” and UW-Green Bay instrumental music students performed on “Dogface Soldier.” The students were Rebekah Erdmann, Lauren Paul, Lydia Schneider, Sydney St. Clair, Rissel Peguero, Beth Waldeck, Ryan Dummer and Nick Schommer. You can find photos of the evening on the band’s Flickr stream. The visitors were so taken by the Weidner’s beauty they took their official tour portrait on stage. Look partway down the gallery, at https://www.flickr.com/photos/tusafb.

Campus, Weidner draw military salute

Staff Sgt. William J. Gabbard, road manager for the U.S. Army’s Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus, sent a nice note of appreciation to the University and Weidner Center. He called Saturday’s concert before an audience of about 1,200 a “terrific and festive event” and thanked the center’s director, Kate Green, and staff for a well-run operation. “The appreciative audience created a wonderful celebratory atmosphere, and truly inspired us.”