A Utah State University tradition dating back 63 years continues on campus June 8 with the first of five USU Summer Alumni Band concerts.
The summer concerts are free and open to the public and are directed by Lane Weaver, Nicholas Morrison and Thomas Rohrer.
The band draws on a roster of more than 500 alumni and due to the assembled talent is able to present a full concert with one 90-minute rehearsal on the day of the performance.
USU Director of Bands Emeritus Max F. Dalby founded the band in 1963 and it expected on later dates in this summer’s schedule, the band will pay tribute to Larry Smith and Dennis Griffin, USU Music Department emeritus professors who recently passed away.
Each concert will begin at 7 p.m. with the June 8 and June 22 concerts on the Quad, and June 29, July 13 and July 27 from the Daines Concert Hall.
The June 8 concert will feature Lyric Repertory Company performers; June 22 includes a solo performance by USU horn professor Joel Ockerman and music recognizing Juneteenth; June 29 will be a pre-Independence Day concert.
Weaver said the tradition of the band’s summer concerts are fun, crowd-friendly events that engage the audience. “It’s nice to go hear a concert on a summer evening,” said Weaver.