The Blue Valley North Symphonic Band represented the State of Kansas on June 6th, 2009 in Washington, D.C. in performances commemorating the 65th Anniversary of D-Day as part of the National Festival of the States Concert Series. Here is what Director of Bands Dr. Marion Roberts said about the experience:
This was the best tour we have taken! This was our third visit to D.C. and by far the most effective. The guides and the concert venues were excellent. I could not have asked for a better tour. Everytime my students perform well and are given praise I am happy, but I am even more proud when they learn, share and grow from their tour experiences. It was wonderful! A highlight was working with Col. Arnald Gabriel. I have worked with “Gabe” since the mid seventies. I have so much respect for his musicianship, his wisdom, his history and his life story. With all that said, I have never seen him work better with young people. My students were like “sponges” as he gave them lesson after lesson in our 90 minute session. He is a national/world treasure with whom we were honored to share our music. A concert highlight was our performance at the World War II Memorial on June 6th (65th anniversary of D-Day). It was EXCELLENT! The site cannot be replicated with great visual effects, wonderful audience exposure and a very pleasant acoustic environment for instrumental performances. It’s always a pleasure working with the Music Celebrations staff and I will certainly be telling my colleagues about our wonderful experiences on this tour.
Dr. Marion Roberts, Director of Bands Blue Valley North High School Bands Overland Park, Kansas