WEST PLAINS, Mo. – A variety of patriotic music performed by the West Plains High School Zizzer Pride Band and “mini-interviews” of three local veterans by award-winning journalist Ed Fillmer will highlight the 18th annual “A Musical Salute to Veterans” program at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, in the West Plains Civic Center arena.
Hosted by the Missouri State University-West Plains University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department, the event is free and open to all.
The band’s musical selections for the event will honor those who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces, organizers said. In between selections, Fillmer will conduct live “mini-interviews” with three area veterans from various areas of service, organizers added.
“Last year was such a moving tribute, both in terms of the amazing music led by West Plains Band Director Rocky Long and the inspiring stories of the three veterans interviewed,” said Jennifer Moore, U/CP Department theater and events coordinator. “At several points throughout the presentation, I saw people wipe away tears.”
The award-winning Zizzer Pride Band, under the direction of Rocky Long and Melody Alford, performs over 50 times each school year for parades, band festivals, athletic events, concerts and other community-related events.
In May 2016, the Zizzer Pride Band performed a feature concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration of the National Parks Service. Band members participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, and enjoyed a private audience with the United States “President’s Own” Marine Band.
The Zizzer Pride Band performed at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 2008 and again at the Lincoln Memorial in May 2012 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of its dedication. The jazz band has been selected twice to perform for the Magic Music Days Festival at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
The West Plains band program consists of nine performing ensembles, including the high school’s Zizzer Pride Marching Band, Varsity Concert Band, Junior Varsity Concert Band, Jazz Band, Band Techniques Class, Basketball Pep Band, Middle School Advanced Band, Middle School Intermediate Band and Middle School Beginning Band.
For more information about the “A Musical Salute to Veterans” program, call the U/CP Department office, 417-255-7966.