Second 2019 Summer Concert Slated for Aug. 8
Like to hear relaxing, peaceful jazz music? Or perhaps you prefer joyful, energetic brass sounds? Either way, your musical tastes will be thoroughly quenched when two ensembles from the Quantico Marine Corps Band perform at Glen Mar’s free second summer concert on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at the church. These military ensembles are the Jazz Combo and Brass Band. Free child care will be provided for preschool children and younger. Refreshments will be served. Download the flyer.
Jazz Combo musicians who will help you enter your zen zone are Sgt. Camden Bettey (vocals), Sgt. Ivan Arden (vocals and saxophone), Sgt. Daniel Webber (bass guitar), Sgt. Nathaniel Hawkins (drums) and Cpl. Haley Shipp (piano/vocals).
Brass band members, who are accustomed to electrifying audiences, are Staff Sgt. Kevin Dalton (alto saxophone), Sgt. Nicholas Belby (clarinet), Sgt. Zachary Barthel (bass drum), Sgt. Joel Blackmon (tenor saxophone), Cpl. Armando Aguirre (baritone saxophone), Cpl. Seth Almond (trombone), Cpl. Jocelyn Castañon (trumpet), Cpl. Kaitlin Gimm (snare drum), Cpl. Rafael Jacob Marin (tuba), L. Cpl. Adam Flock (trumpet), and L. Cpl. Vincent Nguyen (trombone).
Established in 1918, the Quantico Marine Corps Band is one of the oldest professional musical ensembles in the Marine Corps. The band is comprised of a ceremonial band and concert band. In addition to the jazz combo and brass band ensembles, the group maintains a brass quintet, woodwind quintet, and rock band.
The band’s mission is to provide musical support that will encourage community relations, enhance troop morale, and promote the Marine Corps recruiting program through its demanding performance schedule.
The band has performed at many civilian events such as the Super Bowl XLI Pregame Show, the 9/11 Memorials at Carnegie Hall, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Our Past Performances
Glen Mar started its Summer Concert Series in 2017, and plans to continue its tradition of holding two free concerts each year. This series offers a wide variety of quality musical experiences featuring nationally and internationally known artists. 
Our most recent concert on June 25, 2019, featured the world-renown Beijing Guitar Duo playing classical, Chinese, and tango music in front of a crowd of 205 people. Guitarists Meng Su and Yameng Wang received a standing ovation at the event.
"I enjoyed their technique - watching their fingers move so fast," - stated Sofie Fudge of Ellicott City.
"They were phenomenal," exclaimed Albie Stepowany, who plays the guitar himself. He said their level of difficulty was off the charts and they were totally in unison.
"They are a walking advertisement that music is the international language. It knows no bounds in their hands," expressed Spencer Klevenow, a retired instrumental music teacher from Montgomery County Public Schools. Klevenow stated that J.S. Bach’s works are hard for even Western musicians, but the duo from China played Bach’s Chaconne extraordinarily well.
Concert Summaries and Comments
"The Korean song touched my heart. I got tears." - Steve Rim
"I liked the ragtime and honky-tonk. It was a nice surprise to hear the Broadway (music)." - Mollie Kaufman
"I think everyone who came here really enjoyed it and is hungry for more." - Ron Stevens
"Performances were emotionally moving." – Heekyung Bae, a reviewer for The Korea Times
"They had great energy. I liked listening to old-time songs." - Joe Pagan
"You can tell they practice a lot together. They all hit the notes at the same time." - Andy Newton
"They were extraordinary musicians." - Linda Baker
"They had musicianship of the highest quality. Their repertoire had a lot of variety. The program had something for all ages and tastes." - David Lunt
Funding
Funding for these free concerts comes from sponsors, donations, and grants. We are very grateful to our 2019 sponsors. They are the Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, friends of Glen Mar's music program, Rod and Karen Angle, and Scott and Barbara Carter.
Sponsor or Donate: If you are interested in sponsoring or donating to the 2019 Glen Mar Summer Concert Series, contact Dr. Hong at summerconcerts@glenmarumc.org.
Committee
In early 2017, Glen Mar Director of Music Dr. Sophie Hong formed a volunteer committee to help with the concert series. Committee members meet a few times a year to offer advice on prospective performers and other aspects of the concerts. Committee members acquire sponsors and donors, submit grants, publicize the events, and handle refreshments served during the concerts.
Members of this committee are Connie Ballenger (director of publicity), Scott Carter, Lois Hildebrand, Patty Hutton, Estelle King, Fred Sadler (executive director), and Susan Straumanis. Additional volunteers help with ushering, greeting, child care, and technology.
