In a single week in March, the UGA Performing Arts Center will present two free, family-friendly performances in Hodgson Concert Hall.
On March 14 at 7:30 p.m., the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus appear with a program titled “The Army Presents Stage and Screen.” On March 18, at 10 a.m., the UGA Wind Symphony performs “The Superpowers of Music!,” a family concert including themes from Superman, Star Wars and Batman.
While both concerts are free, the process for attending them is slightly different. Tickets are required for the U.S. Army Band concert (see ticketing information below); only general admission seating will be available for this performance. Ticketholders should be seated by 7:15 p.m.; unclaimed seats will be released to non-ticketholders at 7:20 p.m. The UGA Wind Symphony performance is first-come, first-served, with no tickets required (and very small children are encouraged to attend).
From Boston to Baghdad, Tampa to Tokyo, The United States Army Field Band has been thrilling audiences of all ages for more than six decades. As the premier touring musical representative for the United States Army, this internationally acclaimed organization travels thousands of miles each year presenting a variety of music to enthusiastic audiences throughout the nation and abroad. Through these concerts, the Field Band fosters the support of the American people for members of the armed forces and supports diplomatic efforts around the world.
Since its formation in March 1946, the Field Band has appeared in all 50 states and in more than 30 countries on four continents. The organization’s four performing components, the Concert Band, the Soldiers’ Chorus, the Jazz Ambassadors and Six-String Soldiers, each travel over 100 days annually. Tours include formal public concerts, school assemblies, educational outreach programs, festivals and radio and television appearances.
“The Army Presents Stage and Screen” begins with the “Flying Theme” from How to Train Your Dragon and proceeds through music by Mozart and John Williams, Carmen and “Over the Rainbow” to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto. The program culminates with the “Armed Forces Salute” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” The conductor is the band’s commander, Col. Jim R. Keene.
“The Superpowers of Music!” is the brainchild of Jaclyn Hartenberger, who serves as the associate director of bands and associate professor of music. In addition to serving as the conductor for the Wind Symphony, she teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting. She received a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting from the University of Texas at Austin. Her Bachelor of Music Education degree is from the University of North Texas, where she performed and recorded with the prestigious UNT Wind Symphony.
An advocate for music’s future, Hartenberger frequently performs with young up-and-coming musicians throughout the country in addition to her appearances with the UGA Wind Symphony. She has also collaborated with UGA’s faculty for performances of Milhaud’s La creation du Monde, Stravinsky’s Concerto for Piano and Winds and a variety of new pieces by UGA composers. She has appeared with other professional ensembles including the West Point Band in New York, the Concordia Santa Fe Wind Ensemble in New Mexico, the Festival International de Inverno da USFM in Brazil and the Salta Symphony Orchestra in Argentina.
“The Superpowers of Music!” is a fun-filled program designed to help young—and not so young—people learn how music helps superheroes sound strong. Marches and movie themes lead to music from Wonder Woman and Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” followed by excerpts from Captain America and Black Panther.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Ticket buyers can create a series of three performances for 20% off. Single tickets begin at $25, and UGA student tickets are just $10. Parking is free.
To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.