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Patriotic program honoring the nation’s semiquincentennial features iconic American works; community encouraged to arrive early for seating

BISMARCK, N.D. — The ɫ���� Concert Band will celebrate 250 years of American history and heritage with a free spring concert on Sunday, March 29, at 3 p.m. in Founders Hall inside the Lumen Vitae University Center on the ɫ���� campus.

The concert is free and open to the public. Seating is general admission, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early as strong community interest is anticipated.

Spring Band Personnel

Under the direction of Dennis Gowen, professor of music, director of bands and high brass, and chair of the Department of Music, the ensemble will present a patriotic program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States — also known as the semiquincentennial or bisesquicentennial.

“Our spring 2026 concert will be a highly significant experience for both the ensemble and our audience,” said Gowen. “We’re looking forward to celebrating 250 years of America with our loyal regional audience through music that reflects our shared history, sacrifice, and hope.”

A Tribute in Sound

The concert opens with “American Fanfare” by John Wasson, a piece with special significance at ɫ����.

“This work was originally performed by the Dallas Brass here at the ɫ���� more than 30 years ago,” Gowen said.

The program continues with “Where Never Lark or Eagle Flew” by James Curnow, a powerful tribute to U.S. military service members. The composition is based on the poem “High Flight” by World War II pilot officer John G. Magee Jr., who died following a midair collision during training. The poem’s famous lines — “Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth… put out my hand and touched the face of God” — were later quoted by President Ronald Reagan as the nation mourned the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger crew.

Also featured is “American Salute” by Morton Gould, a classic Americana band work built upon the Civil War-era song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” written in 1863 by famed bandsman Patrick Gilmore under the pseudonym Louis Lambert. The piece became popular with both Union and Confederate soldiers, reflecting a universal longing for peace and reunion.

“It was designed to boost morale in anticipation of a joyous, peaceful homecoming,” Gowen said. “That message of unity and hope still resonates deeply today.”

No patriotic program would be complete without “America, the Beautiful,” arranged by Carmen Dragon from the original hymn composed by Samuel Augustus Ward with lyrics by Katherine Lee Bates. Gowen recalled that the ɫ���� Concert Band performed the work in October 2001, one month after the Sept. 11 attacks.

“It remains one of the most powerful musical expressions of gratitude and prayer for our nation,” he said.

The band concludes the program with “Americans We,” a spirited march by Henry Fillmore that sends audiences out on an uplifting and celebratory note.

A Strong Performing Arts Tradition

The spring band concert is one of many performing arts events offered to the Bismarck-Mandan community throughout the academic year. The ɫ���� maintains a vibrant performing arts program that features concert band, steel band, numerous chamber music ensembles, theater productions, various choirs including the nationally acclaimed chapel choir, Cappella, and special Jazz Festival and Vocal Arts concerts featuring students, faculty, and guest artists.

ɫ����’s performing arts offerings provide students with opportunities to develop their talents at a high level while enriching the cultural life of the region. Community members are regularly invited to attend concerts, recitals, and theatrical productions held on campus.

“This concert represents not only a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, but also the dedication and growth of our student musicians,” Gowen said. “They are primed and ready to share something truly special.”