Gala Orchestra Concert Commemorates Independence Day in Gettysburg

Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra Delivers Star-Spangled Performance

Story and photography by Casey Saylor

Lawn chairs and blankets dotted the grass July 4 as crowds gathered outside of Gettysburg College’s Penn Hall to help the Metta Ensemble and Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra celebrate our nation’s birthday. The patriotic, public concert began as the American flag was carried out by a small, marching ensemble to a drum and piccolo rendition of “Glory, Glory Hallelujah.” As the small ensemble held attention up front, the audience stood as the orchestra delivered a powerful “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Then, as the piping piccolos and beating drums faded away, Conductor Alexander Kahn took the microphone.

After the short introduction, the Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra dove into their first of the evening’s many patriotic pieces with “The Armed Forces Salute.” Following tradition and Kahn’s request, veterans and active members of the audience stood as their branch’s tune was played to receive their well-earned recognition from the audience. After the piece, Kahn turned to the microphone again, thanking all the men and women in the audience who served. As he spoke, however, a little girl of no more than 3 ran circles in front of the stage. Turning a bit red, Kahn ended his statements of appreciation with an embarrassed, “And I think my daughter should sit down please ….”

Gettysburg College President Janet Morgan Riggs tries her hand at conducting the Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra. 

After the Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra performance, there was a short intermission as director Norman Nunamaker and the Metta Ensemble transitioned to the stage. After a medley of marches, Nunamaker took the microphone and invited a very surprised Gettysburg College President Janet Morgan Riggs to the conductor’s platform. He quickly gave her a crash course in conducting, with the Ensemble repeating the first measures of the march as Riggs practiced. “The most important parts of conducting,” Nunamaker instructed, “are the beginning and the end … we’ve already covered the beginning, [so] the end will take care of itself!”

At this, Riggs smiled. “I hear [the orchestra already] know when to stop … so let’s give this a go!”

Needless to say, Riggs did a fine job conducting the march, and then retired back to her seat in the crowd as Nunamaker returned to the platform to finish the concert.

In all, Thursday evening’s Fourth of July Gala Orchestra Concert proved to be a fine night of good music, smiles and sunshine that successfully brought the crowd together to focus on one, unanimous notion: Happy Birthday America.