BCF PROFESSOR CONDUCTS TRI-STATE PATRIOTIC CONCERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2009

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Sounds of patriotism and celebration were in the air on Thursday, July 2, as Professor Ron Branning from The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville, Florida directed a portion of the Tri-State Community Orchestra's (TCO) patriotic concert on the square in Headland, Alabama. The third annual outdoor concert was sponsored by Renaissance Headland, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving and beautifying the Headland Square and enriching the community through the arts. The TCO performed a number of favorite, familiar songs to kick off the Independence Day weekend, as the audience gathered under the evening sky to salute and honor area firefighters, police officers, and military personnel, and enjoy the musical entertainment.

Branning, director of the Jazz Band and College Winds at The Baptist College of Florida, took the podium as the guest conductor to direct the TCO in arrangements of "Legacy of Heroes," "Armed Forces Salute," and "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Jazz clarinetist Bob Snyder of Graceville, Fla., and honorary member of the BCF Jazz Band, entertained the crowd with his remarkable clarinet solo in "Let's Dance." Eugene Conner, Music Director for the TCO, conducted his own arrangements of "Patriotic March" and "The Orange Blossom Special." The TCO accompanied Tim Gay, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Headland, as he sang "God Bless the USA," followed by the Headland Community Choir, under the direction of Gay, in a stirring arrangement of "My Country Tis" of Thee," "America the Beautiful," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

The Tri-State Community Orchestra, established in 1995, is comprised of 55 musicians from around the area. These musicians, performing on strings, winds, and percussion donate their time and talent to enhance the cultural arts movement within the region. Moreover, the TCO offers cultural and educational opportunities to the area youth through its outreach program, the Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra. The TCO has a history of collaborative efforts with community organizations such as Renaissance Headland and The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville. More information about the Tri-State Community Orchestra can be found at www.tristatecommunityorchestra.org. Information about all of the music degrees offered at The Baptist College of Florida may be found at www.baptistcollege.edu.