Sit back in your chair and relax as you listen to the beautiful patriotic sounds of the North Carolina Symphony during the Independence Day concert on Monday, July 1 at 8 p.m.

The symphony presented eight free outdoor concerts in communities across North Carolina. The first part of the series began May 31 and ran through June 13 with programs featuring famous and best-loved music from the movies.

Now they are taking on the Independence Day concerts; all of these summer performances are part of the Concerts in Your Community series, too. “This is a great program of red, white and blue performances,” said Joe Newberry, director of communications for the symphony.

Arlie Honeycutt, Miss North Carolina of 2012, of Garner, will open the program by singing the National Anthem and narrating a piece called “Liberty for All.” Favorite pieces by John Sousa are on tap and all songs were selected to honor the United States on its birthday. Newberry explains what will make this concert a huge hit.

“North Carolina, especially Fayetteville, has a big military presence. It’s a good way to honor and serve those who protect our freedom on our nation’s birthday. And the music just brings people together,” Newberry said.

Other projects they have worked on include the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration featuring vocalist and guitarist Warren Haynes. Haynes is a former member of the Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule and The Dead. The night celebrated Haynes’s talent and the music of the symphony. It was a tribute to Garcia’s original music and celebrated his impact.

The symphony is also big on volunteering. “Local volunteers love helping out the North Carolina Symphony. We really couldn’t do it without them —they are fantastic.” Newberry said.

The symphony needs volunteer help with:

CONCERTS
• Volunteering at Will Call
• Welcoming arriving patrons at Meymandi Concert Hall and other performance venues
• Assist with “Support Your Symphony” or season ticket sales tables
• Assist with pre-concert lectures

OFFICE ASSISTANCE
Work with staff to help with...
• Mailings
• Filing and organization
• Photocopying

 

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
• Serving as a neighborhood, civic or social group liaison
• Representing the Symphony at community festivals, fairs and fundraisers

 

EDUCATION PROGRAMS
• Registering participants at the Teacher Workshop
• Guiding students at the Youth Concerto Competition
• Helping children at the Instrument Zoo prior to each Young People’s Concert

The music has had a great impact on everyone who listens. Newberry has lived in North Carolina for quite some time and his kids have grown up listening to the symphony. “I love the fact that it lives up to its name — all concerts are in the state; and in Fayetteville, it’s a great community to have families come and have a good time. There is nothing greater than hearing a full orchestra. Everyone is massively talented, and that’s what I love.”

Find out more about the N.C. Symphony at www.ncsymphony.org.

Photo:  As part of the Concerts in Your Community series, the N.C. Symphony will perform in Festival Park on July 1. William Henry Curry, above, conducts a concert.