American Legion Community Band Delivers Holiday Magic at Annual Christmas Concert

The holiday spirit was alive and well in the Boggs Chapel at Randolph-Macon Academy Tuesday evening as the American Legion Community Band presented its much-loved Annual Christmas Concert. Led by conductors Victor Rohr, Ed Richards, and Dr. Madeline Lee, and narrated by John Vance and Chris Fries, the festive event brought together classic holiday music, community generosity, and joyful celebration.

Opening with the triumphant Fanfare Prelude on “Joy to the World” by James Curnow, the band set the tone for a night filled with holiday favorites and touching moments. Following the performance, the audience stood for a powerful rendition of James Swearingen’s A Symphonic Portrait of The Star-Spangled Banner.

A Concert of Classics, Broadway, and Beloved Favorites

The evening featured a wide variety of musical selections spanning genres, decades, and styles. One of the early highlights was Christmas on Broadway, a medley featuring God Bless Us, Everyone; It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas; My Favorite Things; and We Need a Little Christmas. Conducted by Ed Richards, the piece brought a theatrical flair to the evening, showcasing the holiday’s influence on stage and song.

Another emotional moment came with Mary Did You Know?, arranged by James Meredith, followed by the energetic Rudolph’s Christmas Overture, conducted by Dr. Madeline Lee, which included Johnny Marks’ favorites like Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and A Holly Jolly Christmas.

Musical “Snow” and Nostalgia

The program continued with Snow!, Bryan Kidd’s delightful medley of Let It Snow! Let It Snow! and Winter Wonderland, creating a whimsical winter scene with no shovels required.

Then came Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, a timeless holiday classic that delighted the audience with its familiar melodies and clever orchestration — including sleigh bells and the unmistakable clip-clop of horse hooves.

Giving Back to the Community

In keeping with tradition, the band took a brief intermission, during which a collection was taken up for C-CAP, the Congregational Community Action Project. The audience was reminded that many in the local community face challenges during the winter months, and donations would go directly to helping families in need in the Front Royal-Warren County area. The total amount collected was $2025.

A Festive Second Half

The second half of the program opened with A Charlie Brown Christmas, arranged by Carl Strommen and conducted by Victor Rohr. Featuring favorites such as Linus and Lucy, Skating, and “Christmas Time Is Here,” the performance captured the nostalgic joy of the Peanuts holiday specials.

Next, the band brought the magic of ballet to the concert hall with Themes from The Nutcracker, including beloved selections like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers, and Russian Dance.

As the concert neared its close, the audience was treated to a beautiful arrangement of Silent Night, blended with Away in a Manger, arranged by James D. Ployhar. Then came Blues for Santa, a jazzy version of Up on the Housetop, featuring solos and a sing-along section that had the audience smiling and singing.

Gratitude and a Look Ahead

Before the final number, the band paused to express deep appreciation to Randolph-Macon Academy for providing rehearsal space, instruments, and the concert venue. Thanks were also extended to Eric Rodney of Shen Valley Web Hosting for managing the band’s website at www.alcband.org, and most importantly, to the band’s longtime sponsor, Giles B. Cook Post #53 of the American Legion, for decades of generous support.

The Community Band will take a short break for the holidays, with rehearsals resuming on Tuesday, January 13. New members are always welcome — anyone who plays an instrument and is interested in joining is encouraged to stop by a Tuesday rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. at Randolph-Macon Academy’s Fulton Fine Arts Complex.

A Show-Stopping Finale

To end the evening on a high note, the band combined two American classics — Jingle Bells and The Stars and Stripes Forever — into one final piece: Jingle Bells Forever, arranged by Robert W. Smith. The light-hearted mash-up brought the audience to its feet, capping off a night of music, laughter, and community warmth.

The American Legion Community Band’s Annual Christmas Concert once again delivered what it has become known for: joyful holiday music, meaningful giving, and a strong reminder of the power of local community spirit.