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LAWTON, Okla., April 12 -- Cameron University issued the following news release:
The Cameron University Concert Band and Fort Sill's 77th Army Band will present a salute to famed composer and band leader John Philip Sousa during a concert on Saturday, April 24, at 7 p.m. in the Cameron University Fine Arts Courtyard. While the outdoor concert will allow for more patrons, seating is limited to 70. Social distancing will be in place, and facial coverings are required. There is no charge to attend.
The Cameron University Concert Band is conducted by Dr. Lucas Kaspar, and the 77th Army Band is conducted by Warrant Officer 1 Richard Townes.
"I have been excited about the combined concert with the 77th Army Band since moving to Lawton last July," says Kaspar. "I had heard tremendous things about the relationship between this world-renowned band and Cameron University. Preparing for this concert has been a rewarding experience for all of the musicians in CU's concert band. Sitting in the same ensemble and playing alongside the members of the 77th Army Band will be something the students remember for a long time."
Kaspar and Townes began planning a possible program for the spring concert last fall.
"When Mr. Townes presented the idea of doing a historical Sousa concert, I thought it was fantastic," Kaspar says. "John Philip Sousa is an important part of American history and a genius of a composer. Many people may think that Sousa's band only played his own compositions, but that's not the case. During this concert, you will hear that the repertoire Sousa selected for his band to perform was...