Symphonic Winds Helps Jefferson Countians Mark 9-11

The Symphonic Winds Ensemble, under the leadership of Pat Bivens, plays during a 9/11 memorial service Sunday Evening. Sponsored by the Jefferson County Baptist Association and several local churches, the service drew an audience of 1100.

Carson-Newman’s Symphonic Winds joined with a 110-voice community choir in a patriotic tribute as part of a 9-11 memorial service Sunday evening. The ensemble consisted of 50 undergraduate students and represented a cross-section of academic disciplines.

Some 1100 participants gathered under a tent at Jefferson County’s Fairgrounds for the 10th anniversary observance that, said ensemble director Pat Bivens, “was meaningful on several levels.”

Several areas church choirs combined for the worship service that included a musical tribute to military veterans, police officers and first responders. Speakers included Rev. Leroy Davis, Jefferson County Baptist Association DOM; Bud McCoig, sheriff of Jefferson County Sheriff; and Randy Kington, a C-N alum who was paralyzed as a marine serving in Vietnam.

Rehearsals began with the start of the semester but the diligent effort paid off, said Bivens, assistant professor and director of bands.

“It was great. We do not get many chances to do something with a choir that large, and there was lots of very positive feedback from audience members. There were several alumni who said how much it meant to them and there were several others who were in the choir and also talked about how good it was,” said Bivens.

The musical program included America the Beautiful, You’re a Grand Old Flag, This is My Country and The National Anthem. Other selections were Procession of the Patriots (a medley of hymns representing the five military branches), The Battle Hymn of the Republic and Thou, O Lord.