Knoxville's own Tennessee Wind Symphony will welcome the legendary Colonel John R. Bourgeois, Director Emeritus of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, to the podium as guest conductor on Monday, April 8 at 7:30 PM at the historic Tennessee Theatre.

Instrumentalists from the Tennessee Wind Symphony; image courtesy of Tennessee Wind Symphony

Freddie Brabson will make an appearance on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, and Dr. Timothy Powers will be a featured soloist on euphonium. John Becker of WBIR-TV will be the master of ceremonies. Among the works performed will be “J”, an incredible piece honoring Dr. WJ Julian, the late Director of Bands Emeritus of the University of Tennessee. Colonel Bourgeois will be conducting three 19th-century pieces that he himself arranged for wind band.

The event is free, with donations accepted to support the nonprofit Wind Symphony. Seating is general admission, and doors will open an hour early at 6:30 PM.

The Tennessee Wind Symphony (TWS), formerly the East Tennessee Concert Band, was founded in 1991. The group’s conductor is Dr. John N. Culvahouse. The all-volunteer membership includes working professionals, current and retired band directors, college students, and “Rising Star” high school students.

The TWS presents a year-round series of concerts in a wide range of venues. It is dedicated to excellence in symphonic band performance and to providing quality band music to the people of Tennessee and the surrounding area. In addition to a regular schedule of concerts in East Tennessee, the TWS has performed in Washington, DC, London, England and twice at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, and has received numerous awards and acclamations. The TWS was the 2007-2008 recipient of the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Silver Scroll, North America’s most prestigious award for community concert bands.

For additional information, please visit tnwindsymphony.org.