Veteran's Concert a SAU tradition

Nov. 18, 2004
By Phil Lineburg
Staff Writer

The University Symphonic Band performed the 31st annual Veterans Day Concert on Saturday Nov. 6, in Allaert Auditorium.  The seats quickly filled with members of the public.

“This concert was established a long time ago and it’s a really strong tradition,” said Dr. Eugene Bechen, SAU’s band conductor.  “It’s really important in this time of terrorism and division in the country that we have events like this to try and unify people, and use music to help us remember those who have fallen and those we’ve lost in the past few years.”

Special moments in the concert included the playing of “Americans Lost” by composer Christopher Tucker.  The music was accompanied by a slide show with patriotic pictures from bald eagles and flags to military service members and scenes of heroism from the site of the where the World Trade Center once stood.

Sgt. Mindy Rockey was selected to narrate the reading of America the Beautiful. 

“One of our band members has an uncle who is in the service and he helped us connect with various branches of the armed forces in the area, through the army recruitment office,” Bechen said.  “They selected her from their unit, and she volunteered to do it.  She was great.”

The concert was concluded with the playing of the “Armed Forces Salute.”  As each military branch song was played, veterans were asked to stand and be recognized.  The light hue of blue light draped against the side of the theater, while stars danced on the wall.

After the concert a reception was held in the Galvin Fine Arts Center lounge.  People met and shook hands with veterans in the crowded area.  Family and friends met with one another, while many stopped by to congratulate and meet Dr. Bechen.

Dr. Bechen, who is in his first year at the university, teaches music education courses and is coordinator of instrumental music activities.  He holds a bachelor’s in education from Wayne State College.    He earned his masters of doctorate degrees from the University of Iowa.

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