The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will present American Band Classics, a free community concert by The U.S. Army Concert Band, on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Va. The performance is free and open to the public.
The program will feature cornerstone works for wind band, including music by Jenkins, Reed, Sousa, Mackey, Giroux, and Smith, under the direction of Colonel Scott McKenzie and 1st Lt. Michael Hong. The concert will also feature Staff Sgt. Marc Placencia, tuba, performing Jean-Baptiste Arban’s The Carnival of Venice.
“I’m honored to perform a tour de force like The Carnival of Venice with The U.S. Army Band,” said Staff Sgt. Marc Placencia. “Let’s see how fast we can go!”
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” is the premier musical unit of the nation’s senior service. For over 100 years, the Soldiers of Pershing’s Own have strengthened the bonds between the Army and the American people by inspiring patriotism and honoring military service through world-class music. This concert continues that tradition by bringing one of the Army’s premier ensembles to the Fredericksburg community for an evening of outstanding concert band repertoire.
“It is always a privilege to perform at the University of Mary Washington,” said Col. Scott McKenzie, the band’s 13th Leader and Commander. “We are preparing a vibrant program of band classics, old and new, that showcase our musicality, versatility, and technical chops! We think the audience will leave energized and inspired.”
Audience members are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking and enjoy downtown Fredericksburg before the performance.
The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” is the premier musical organization of the United States Army and has served the nation for more than a century through ceremonial, educational, and public performances.
Event Details
- What: American Band Classics
- Who: The U.S. Army Concert Band
- When: Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Virginia
- Admission: Free and open to the public; no tickets.
