From grand marches to laments of grief and big, bold anthems, Killeen ISD’s five high school bands gave musical tribute to America’s veterans.
Wind ensembles from each high school performed during Killeen ISD’s annual Salute to Veterans Monday at the Harker Heights High School auditorium.
A large audience of family members and friends tapped along with the familiar, patriotic marches and cheered the band members and directors during a stirring performance.
Each ensemble took turns on stage, beginning with Chaparral, followed by Killeen, Shoemaker and Ellison and ending with host Harker Heights.
As the first on stage, Chaparral Band Director Bass Deese welcomed the large audience and introduced the performance.
Close to half the audience members stood when he asked for veterans to identify themselves.
The concert on Veterans Day falls at a time when marching bands are wrapping up their season, marked by football halftime shows and marching competitions.
For the second year, Deese said, all five KISD high school bands earned Sweepstakes at the region competition to progress to the area round.
Many of the student participants in the evening concert marched in the city’s annual Veterans Day parade earlier in the day as part of the KISD All-Star Band.
That group numbers about 225 senior musicians and another 30 or so color guard members, all chosen for their skills and strong character.
KISD Salute to Veterans photo gallery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720321886235
