Chorale sings patriotic ‘American Sounds’ in tribute to veterans

Honoring veterans for their sacrifices, the Texarkana Regional Chorale presents its next concert, “American Sounds,” on Tuesday at Texarkana College’s Truman Arnold Student Center Great Room.

With patriotic selections, a salute to all branches of the Armed Forces and bagpipe performance by Dr. George W. English III, the TRC will pay its respects through music to all who’ve served this country. Marc-André Bougie will conduct with Mary Scott Goode accompanying on piano. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m.

Bougie describes the highlight as a salute to the Armed Forces, whereby songs from all different branches are played. “That’s always a great moment,” he said. At this time, all of the veterans in the room will be acknowledged.

“We love for veterans to be there so we can acknowledge

them,” the conductor said, noting the music has the power to elevate this recognition emotionally. They hope people from all walks of life attend the concert to experience this, including the families of those who’ve served.

A bagpipe procession starts with a rendition of the traditional “Going Home.” Bougie says it will be a solemn entrance to start the evening’s music.

The rest of the program’s musical selections sample from all sorts of American patriotic music, including an arrangement of “The StarSpangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” and Gene Scheer’s “American Anthem,” a song that’s been performed beautifully by Norah Jones.

English will perform another traditional bagpipe number, too, titled “The Highland Cathedral.” “That’s a Scottish bagpipe classic,” said Bougie.

This concert is presented by the TRC and Texarkana College in memory of Curt Whited, a deceased TRC member. Bougie says Whited sang and served as a TRC board member, and he was even a recent TC student who found real enjoyment in music during his later years.

Bougie, who achieved American citizenship three years ago, feels it’s important to arrange a concert such as this.

“Music fulfills all sorts of functions in life. Whenever music can really elevate an honor, a recognition, an appreciation of a group of people … I feel like it’s part of my duty to make it happen,” the conductor said, although he calls this effort minuscule compared to what some have sacrificed.

For the performers, he explained, the music and the lyrics can be nearly unbearable with the power and majesty of it all, plus the recognition of the sacrifices that members of the Armed Forces have made. But the TRC’s aim is to make sure the audience appreciates the music.

“You’ve got to kind of take a step back as you perform the music,” Bougie said, noting with the words of the “American Anthem” tears will flow.

Often, said Bougie, veterans will attend this sort of concert and talk with the choristers. Overcome with emotion, all they can do is shake hands with the singers. “They can’t say a word,” he said.

Also, this time of thanksgiving presents another point of reflection for the concert devoted to honoring veterans and all they’ve given. “It’s a timely reminder of the sacrifice of war,” Bougie said.

(Admission is free. Donations are accepted.)