The Bakersfield College Orchestra and Concert Band presented Concert Americana! on Nov. 11 at the PAC indoor theater to help celebrate American history on Veterans Day.

Concert Americana! included special guests Gary W. Hill, director of bands at Arizona State University, and Jangle Barrera, Principal Flute of the Southern California Philharmonic. Hill helped conduct the Orchestra during the performance of the “American Flute Salute” while Barrera played the flute. This was one of many songs that were played to begin the tribute to the veterans.

After being thanked by BC Orchestra conductor Lisa Buringrud, Hill said, “You are really lucky to have dedicated teachers at Bakersfield College.”

As the concert continued, Buringrud asked for all the veterans to rise while the orchestra played their last song of the night to honor them. There were a few veterans in the audience that participated in the special moment.

The Brass Quintet, a musical ensemble of five members, also performed at the concert. Conductor Tim Heasley stated that the quintet had just began working together a few weeks prior to the concert and is now starting to perform more.

The Concert Band ended with a tribute to each of the U.S Armed Forces with songs that saluted the military services such as “The Caisson Song” and “Anchors Aweigh.”

This concert allowed the orchestra and concert band to show appreciation for all of the veterans, while also giving families an opportunity to enjoy the special guests and music.

Heasley said, “It’s amazing to have special guests and the band together on one stage.”