Celebrate Veteran’s Day at UT with Patriotic Organ Concert Nov. 11

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, University of Tampa organist Ryan Hebert will perform a special Veteran’s Day concert, A Celebration of American Music. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values and is free and open to the public.

The program for the concert “celebrates all things American,” said Hebert. “Most of what people will hear will be familiar.” Selections include The Washington Post, The Liberty Bell and Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa, Variations on The Star Spangled Banner by Dudley Buck, Amazing Grace by George Shearing, A Patriotic Suite by Charles Callahan, An American Tribute by Robert Powell and Variations on America by Charles Ives.

According to Hebert, none of the music in the program was originally composed for the organ but are transcriptions of band pieces, vocal pieces and works for orchestra. The organ is used as a “symphony,” utilizing all of the colors and timbres of its more than 3,000 pipes.

“The concert will appeal to many music lovers; even if you don’t necessarily like organ music, the colors of the instrument used in conjunction with familiar music will resonate with a variety of tastes,” said Hebert.

In addition, senior Griffin Guinta will read letters from veterans, poetry, essays and quotes during some of the music. Those currently serving or who have served in the military will also be recognized as a thank you for making our freedom possible.

“To me, it’s a celebration of what being an American is really all about — inclusivity, openness and appreciation of our diverse musical influence,” said Hebert.

For more information, contact Hebert at rhebert@ut.edu or (813) 257-3344.