By Connie Ballenger

You can always count on military members to draw a big crowd when they perform at Glen Mar’s Summer Concert Series. With more than 600 people attending, The U.S. Army Field Band’s “Broadway Through the Ages” show on August 8 was no exception. In fact, it was a blockbuster hit.

The only event in the Summer Concert Series, which started in 2017, that approximated 600 in attendance was held June 25, 2021, outside at Glen Mar when folks flocked here after Covid had kept them from gatherings for more than a year. The performing group that evening was related to The U.S. Army Field Band – it was The U.S. Army Field Band’s Federal Brass.

At the “Broadway Through the Ages’ show, attendees amassed in the Spirit Center with overflow audiences watching on screens in the chapel and Gathering Place.

Wearing dress Army uniforms, the Soldiers’ Chorus, sang 13 songs, which were a mix of solos, duets, and a large ensemble. The Soldiers’ Chorus was accompanied by members of its Concert Band and Jazz Ambassadors on the piano, bass, and drums.

Master Sgt. Sarah Schram-Borg and Sgt. First Class Sarah Polinski produced the show.

Some tunes, like “As We Stumble Along” from The Drowsy Chaperone and “Tear Jerk” from I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change tickled our funny bones. While others like “The Music of the Night” from The Phantom of the Opera and “Tonight” from West Side Story were packed with drama.

While most audience members had not been born when Judy Garland performed “The Trolley Song” in 1944’s Meet Me in St. Louis, The U.S. Army Field Band’s rendition of it rang lots of bells for movie and Broadway lovers.

“(The show) was fantastic,” stated Thomas Schwartzenburg of Laurel. “Every one of the performers was gifted.”

“There was lots of variety, and their range of singing was incredible,” commented Karol Hess.

The first two events in this year’s Summer Concert Series were performed by ensemble132 on June 27 and Marimba Linda Xelaju on July 18. “Broadway Though the Ages” was the last series’ concert in 2025.

Summer Concert Series’ events are free thanks to community support. The Howard County Arts Council awarded Glen Mar’s Summer Concert Series a $5,500 grant for the 2025 season. Sponsor Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home at 4112 Old Columbia Pike, is another major source of revenue. The series also receives generous donations from “Friends of the Music Program at Glen Mar Church” and in memory of Karen Angle.