Speaking Volumes

For over 13 years my husband and I have kept a secret. We're reluctant to share it as the more people who know about it, the more popular it will become, making it harder and harder for us to find a seat. Shhh, listen carefully...The United States Coast Guard Band Concerts. The concerts are held in New London, in Leamy Hall, several times a year (see the schedule at http://www.uscg.mil/band/event_calendar.asp). So why am I letting you in on the best kept secret today you might ask. It seems a shame not to share, given the economy where more and more people are looking for reasonable, local, entertainment.  Not only are the concerts performed by some of the finest musicians, they are highly entertaining, educational, and they are free. The United States Coast Guard Band was organized in March 1925 and is presently directed by CDR Kenneth W. Megan.

My absolute favorite concert and a crowd pleasing tradition is Movie Madness. Today, Movie Madness XIII included:
 

• Suite from Silverado Bruce Broughton
• Colonel Bogey March Kenneth J. Alford
• The Rievers John Williams
• The Adventures of Mutt from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the  Crystal Skull John Williams
• Highlights from Beauty and the Beast Howard Ashman and Alan Menken

Another highlight of this concert is the showing of a silent film, sometimes one featuring Buster Keaton or often, as today, a Laurel and Hardy flick (Two Tars) with the band providing music and sound effects  just like in days of old. This usually produces lots of laughs and resounding applause. Today was no exception.

So there you have it, the secret is a secret no more. If you plan to go, get there early as the concerts are always filled to capacity. The next concert will take place February 15th in celebration of Valentine's Day and is aptly titled "Love".  Leamy Hall on the Coast Guard Campus, New London 2 PM.

If you'd like to listen to some music made popular by films, check out our cd soundtrack and movie collection. Here's a few compilations in our collection that are among my favorites...

Moviola ~ Music composed and conducted by John Barry
Over the Rainbow Songs from the Movies
Warner Brothers 75 years of film music