April 30, 2026
The Northland Community Band invites the public to kick off the celebration of America 250 with a patriotic concert on Thursday, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the theater at Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls.
As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this milestone offers a moment to reflect on our shared history, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look toward the future we hope to build for generations to come. This concert marks the first of three America 250 performances planned by the Northland Community Band.
Additional America 250 performances include an outdoor concert on Tuesday, June 2, at Floyd B. Olson Gazebo Park as part of the Concerts in the Park series in Thief River Falls, followed by a November program that will musically recreate “A Day in the Life of a Soldier.” Community members are encouraged to attend all three events.
The May 7 concert will feature a mix of beloved patriotic works and musical tributes that celebrate the American spirit. Selections include “The Spirit of Our Land” by Dr. Frank Bencriscutto, longtime University of Minnesota Director of Bands; a march arrangement of “God Bless America” by Irving Berlin; “The Spirit of America,” a medley arranged by Charles Carter; and, of course, John Philip Sousa’s iconic “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
The program also highlights musical storytelling rooted in American history and folk traditions. Two movements from “American Folk Song Suite” by Arthur Frackenpohl, featuring “He’s Gone Away” and “John Henry,” bring timeless folk melodies to life. “American Riversongs”, a lively medley by Pierre La Plante, celebrates the waterways that helped shape the nation. The concert concludes with a stirring arrangement of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” composed by James Ployhar and based on Julia Ward Howe’s Civil War–era text, adapted from the soldiers’ song “John Brown’s Body.”
The Northland Community Band is comprised of musicians from across northwestern Minnesota who typically rehearse weekly for eight to ten weeks in preparation for each concert. The band seeks to enrich the cultural life of the region and is sponsored by Northland Community & Technical College in conjunction with the nonprofit Northwest Minnesota Community Bands, which also supports its sister ensemble, Northern Jazz.
Spring is an especially busy season for the group. In addition to their America 250 concert series, the band will perform at Northland’s Commencement on May 14 and continue its long‑standing tradition of participating in the community’s Memorial Day ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery.
This family‑friendly concert is open to the public. A freewill donation will be collected following the performance to support the band’s continued programming and community outreach.
To book the Northland Community Band for an event or to learn more about joining the ensemble, contact Linda Samuelson at 218‑683‑8717 or linda.samuelson@northlandcollege.edu.