Illinois and Louisiana bring the music to convention

Two concert bands provided entertainment to attendees of the 104th American Legion National Convention on Saturday, Aug. 26, in Charlotte, N.C. Both have long histories of attendance at national conventions.

The American Legion Post 377 Band of Kenner, La., performed first. Founded in 1928, the band relocated to Kenner from New Orleans a few years ago. They performed:

“Quicksilver” by William Owens, a circus-style piece;

“Scenes from the Louvre,” a five-movement piece by Norman Dello Joio based on a 1960s NBC special; and;

“At Dawn They Slept” by Jay Bocook, a musical interpretation of the Pearl Harbor attack.

The Joliet American Legion Band, sponsored by Post 1080 in Illinois, performed second. Founded in 1946, the band was the defending national champion. They performed:

“The Crosley March” by Henry Fillmore, composed in memory of his Cincinnati magnate friend;

“Sursum Corda [Lift Up Your Hearts]” by Edward Elgar, said to be religiously inspired; and

“Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo,” a three-movement piece by Malcolm Arnold.

Joliet repeated last year’s championship with a score of 95.7; Kenner scored 88.3. National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola praised the bands’ commitment to attending the convention even in the absence of the traditional parade: “Being here shows your dedication and passion for the American Legion Family.”