News | Springfield 375
May 6, 2021
STRIKE UP THE BAND FOR SPRINGFIELD’S 375TH
U. S. Navy Band Performs Free Concert
Springfield, Massachusetts—Tickets are now available for the U. S. Navy Concert Band’s free concert on Friday, March 18, 2011, at Springfield Symphony Hall. The 60-members will perform an amazing repertoire of musical selections in celebration of Springfield’s 375th Anniversary Celebration. The concert will begin at 7PM, doors open at 6PM.
Hampden Bank will distribute tickets from their ten branches located in Springfield, Agawam, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, and West Springfield. Tickets are also available by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Spirit of Springfield/U. S. Navy Band, 101 State Street, Suite 220, Springfield, MA 01103-2066. There is a limit of four tickets per request.
The U. S. Navy Band is the premiere wind ensemble of the U. S. Navy. They have been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events since their inception in 1925. This includes a concert for Springfield’s 350th Anniversary Celebration in 1986.
The concert, presented by the Spirit of Springfield as part of Springfield’s 375th Anniversary Celebration, is sponsored by CityStage & Symphony Hall, Hampden Bank, CBS-3 Springfield and WHYN-AM.
For more information, visit springfield375.org or contact the Spirit of Springfield at (413) 733-3800.
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MUSIC AND SONG FOR SPRINGFIELD’S 375TH
Edward P. Boland School Students Record Springfield Song
West Springfield, Massachusetts—Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at 1PM the voices of 40 students from the Springfield’s Edward P. Boland School will fill the recording studio at Rotary Records in West Springfield. They will be recording the “Springfield Song” under the direction of Diane M. Rodriguez, Springfield Schools’ music teacher, in preparation for Springfield’s 375th Anniversary Celebration.
The “Springfield Song” was written in 1999 for the new millennium and has become a Springfield anthem sung annually at events like World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast. Rodriguez, who wrote the song, says she has taught the lyrics to hundreds of her students. It was arranged by Bill Holloman who will be joining students in the recording studio.
On Saturday, May 14, 2011, the “Springfield Song” will be just one of many odes to the “City of Firsts” that will be sung by a chorus of hundreds. From 9:30AM to 10:30AM, the music and melodies will be performed on Springfield City Hall Esplanade. It is just one of the many activities planned for May 14th in celebration of Springfield’s 375th Anniversary Celebration.
Other activities planned to celebrate the City’s founding on May 14, 1636, include a March 18th free concert by the U. S. Navy Band, and on May 14th the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, Springfield’s 375th Parade, Armory Day, prayer service and fireworks.
For more information, visit Springfield375.org or contact the Spirit of Springfield at (413) 733-3800.
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SPRINGFIELD ANNOUNCES 375TH CELEBRATION
Springfield, Massachusetts—Thursday, November 4, 2010, at 2PM, plans to celebrate Springfield’s 375th Anniversary in 2011 will be announced in Springfield City Hall, Room 220. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno will welcome Congressman Richard E. Neal, Russell Denver, President of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Judith A. Matt, President of the Spirit of Springfield, Donald H. D’Amour, President and Chief Executive Officer for Big Y World Class Markets, the Edward P. Boland School Chorus under the direction of Diane M. Rodriguez, as well as partners and supporters.
Mayor Sarno will make several announcements. He will name Congressman Neal as the Honorary Chair and the Spirit of Springfield as the official organizer. He will unveil the logo designed Leslie Bercume and the Edward P. Boland School Chorus will perform the “Springfield Song” which was written by Rodriguez in 1999 for the millennium celebration. D’Amour will be present to be one of the first corporate donors to lend support to the celebration.
“Our city, our home, our future is what Springfield is. We need to celebrate its spirit and rich history,” said Mayor Sarno. “I vividly remember Springfield’s 350th celebration and I am sure many of our seniors can recall their roll in Springfield’s 300th anniversary. Let’s make more memories!”
Springfield’s 375th Anniversary Celebration will kick-off on Friday, December 31, 2010, and continue through 2011 with the focus being on the weekend of which Springfield was founded – May, 14, 1636. On New Year’s Eve, the Spirit of Springfield will present family-friendly activities at Bright Nights at Forest Park. For the anniversary weekend, there will be a chorus of hundreds on the City Hall Esplanade, pancakes on Main Street, parade down State Street and fireworks at Blunt Park. There are also plans for a military reenactment. Others participating will be the Springfield School Department with a art show at the Eastfield Mall, concert by the U. S. Navy Band, Symphonie Fantastique from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, activities to commemorate the founding of the Springfield Park Commission 130 years ago and more.
“From the days of William Pynchon, to the completion of an award winning United States Courthouse, the City of Springfield has had a long and rich history. I have often said the story of America would not be complete without including the contributions of many people who have called Springfield home. Imagine our nation without the imagination of Ted Geisel, the game of James Naismith, the innovation of the Duryea brothers, or the rebellion of Daniel Shays. History has been made here at the crossroads of New England. And our best days are ahead.
“As the City of Firsts moves into the 21st Century, I look forward to serving as the Honorary Chairman of Springfield’s 375th Anniversary Celebration. The commemoration will highlight our many accomplishments, and give residents past and present the opportunity to tell our story once again. I encourage everyone to participate,” said Congressman Neal.
Other collaborators include ABC40/Fox6, Baystate Health, CBS3-Springfield, City Stage & Symphony Hall, Clear Channel – WHYN, MIX 93.1, KIX 97.9FM, WRNX, Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Diocese of Springfield, Eastern States Exposition, Keep Springfield Beautiful, MassMutual Scholars Program, Rock102/Laser 99.3, Springfield Armory, Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield Office of Elder Affairs, Springfield Police Department, Springfield School Department, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, WEIB 106.3 FM, WMAS FM and WWLP-22News.
The Spirit of Springfield will be looking for input and support from the community to make it a city-wide celebration. A website, Springfield375.org, will be set-up with event information, photographs, history and suggestions. The Spirit of Springfield can also be reached at 413-733-3800 or staff@spiritofspringfield.org.
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