'Musical ambassadors' wow the crowd

Fans poured into the Forest View Educational Center Tuesday night, but if they came to hear strictly patriotic marches from the U.S. Army Field Band, they were in for a surprise.

Described as the "musical ambassadors of the Army," the 130-member ensemble included soldiers with advanced musical degrees, who played a variety of music that went far beyond the traditional Sousa marches.

"I guarantee that you will come away tonight with an understanding of how this is considered the greatest musical organization in the country," said Col. Thomas Palmatier, conductor.

With that, the concert band took their seats and the more than 25 members of the Soldiers' Chorus stood on their risers to sing the opening Patriotic Prologue.

The nearly two-hour program featured many of Sousa's marches, but it also featured an oboe solo by Sgt. First Class Daniel Brimhall, of Sweet Grass, Montana, who earned music degrees from the University of Hartford and Yale, playing Concerto op. 45 by Eugene Goossens.

Audience members responded with rousing applause for guest conductor Mallory Thompson, Northwestern University band director, who served as guest conductor for "American Salute," by Morton Gould.

The free concert sponsored by Dist. 214 Community Education and the Daily Herald, drew nearly 3,500 people. Many were veterans, and wore patriotic shirts and hats, and waved small flags.

Robert Rood of Elk Grove Village thought of his sons who had been in the military and his grandson now flying fighter jets with the Air Force.

"I have great respect for every branch of the service," Rood said. "These concerts are always so inspirational."

Also on hand were members of the Highland Park High School band program. Palmatier will be working with the school's symphonic band today as a guest conductor.