The New Holland Band Independence Day concert in the New Holland Community Memorial Park is a longstanding tradition sponsored by the New Holland Summer Arts Program (NHSAP).

This year, Fred Hughes, who recently became the director of the band, has chosen to mix things up a little by continuing the music into the annual fireworks display that follows the concert. "We usually finish right before the fireworks," pointed out Hughes, who said that for 2024, the band will introduce the aerial display by playing the "1812 Overture" with the fireworks coming in at the appropriate point in the music.

The concert in the park will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 5. The band will play three sets. The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m., and the band will continue playing until 9:45 p.m. "(When the fireworks begin), everybody (in the park) turns their chairs around to watch," explained Hughes. "We will play to their backs."

In addition to coordinating music to the display, Hughes has planned a variety of other pieces, which include marches and other well-known tunes. Hughes has chosen to feature selected members of the band during the presentation. "I will bring a Dixieland group up front for a piece," said Hughes, who noted that three trumpet players will perform together on "Bugler's Holiday." "Some of the (Great) American Songbook pieces will feature some of our younger members as soloists. It will be fun," he added.

The rain date for the event will be Sunday, July 7.

The Independence Day concert is one of many musical events NHSAP brings to the park, located in the 400 block of East Jackson Street, each summer. All shows are free and open to the public. For more information about NHSAP and a full concert schedule, visit http://www.newhollandsummerarts.com. NHSAP welcomes volunteers. Readers who have questions may email newhollandsummerarts@gmail.com.

More information about the New Holland Band and its concert schedule may be found at http://www.newhollandband.org.