October 13, 2026

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. – The Northland Community Band will present A Day in the Life of a Soldier, a special Veterans Day concert, on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Northland Community & Technical College Theatre in Thief River Falls. Admission is free, with freewill donations accepted. The concert is suitable for all ages, and families are encouraged to attend.

Under the direction of Linda Samuelson, with guest conductor Lorissa Skalsky, the program offers audiences a unique musical journey through the experiences of military service. Rather than a traditional patriotic concert, the performance follows the arc of a soldier’s day through military bugle calls and concert band selections.

Inspired by the theme, “From dawn to dusk, every soldier has a story. Let the music tell it,” the concert follows soldiers from their first wake-up call through training, duty, reflection and ultimately the hope of peace and homecoming.

The concert opens with the bugle call First Call and a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by military-inspired classics including John Philip Sousa’s “U.S. Field Artillery March” and “Sabre and Spurs,” along with F.W. Meacham’s “American Patrol.” Authentic bugle calls such as Reveille, Assembly, Mess Call, Retreat, Tattoo and To the Colors guide listeners through the musical narrative.

A special highlight of the evening will be “Armed Forces Salute,” featuring the official songs of the branches of the United States Armed Forces and providing an opportunity to recognize and honor veterans and active-duty service members in attendance.

The program also includes moments of reflection and inspiration. Featured saxophone solos by Linda Samuelson include Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” and the timeless “What a Wonderful World.” Ronald Lo Presti’s “Elegy for a Young American” pays tribute to those who have sacrificed in service to their country, while “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” celebrates the joy and hope of returning home.

The concert concludes with a patriotic sing-along, inviting audience members to join together in honoring the nation’s service members and veterans.

Through marches, bugle calls, patriotic selections and reflective works, A Day in the Life of a Soldier commemorates Veterans Day while celebrating the courage, duty and dedication of those who have served.

Community members, veterans, families and music lovers are invited to attend this meaningful evening of music and remembrance.

Event Information

What: Northland Community Band presents A Day in the Life of a Soldier
When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Where: Northland Community & Technical College Theatre, Thief River Falls campus
Cost: Free admission; freewill donations accepted