The Missouri State University-West Plains Community Band, under the direction of Rocky Long, invites the public to a heartfelt concert titled A Musical Salute to Our Veterans. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.
The concert will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in the West Plains Civic Center theater.
All veterans and their families are encouraged to attend as the band pays tribute to their service and sacrifice through a stirring selection of patriotic music.
Program highlights include:
- America the Beautiful — A classic arrangement by James Swearingen of this beloved patriotic anthem.
- Anthems of the Six Armed Forces — Arranged by Dusty Johnson, this medley honors each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the newly added Space Force anthem.
- Eternal Father, Strong to Save — Robert W. Smith’s moving tribute to the U.S. Navy, featuring its official hymn.
- A Nation’s Prayer — James D. Ployhar’s arrangement blending God of Our Fathers and Battle Hymn of the Republic.
- Salute to the Colors — A concert march by Karl L. King, arranged by Andrew Glover, celebrating the flags that represent the nation.
- America Exultant March — A lively march by Henry Fillmore, arranged by Glover, combining original melodies with America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee).
The concert is sponsored by the West Plains Council on the Arts, which will host a reception in the theater lobby following the performance. “This will be a musical tribute to all those who have served our great nation,” Long said. For more information, contact Long at RockyLong@MissouriState.edu or 417-255-7291.
