Ryan Nowlin, staff arranger / composer for the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band

DEFIANCE, Ohio - It will be a star spangled salute to our American heroes of the military as the Defiance College Community Band presents, in recognition and appreciation, a concert titled “A Tribute To Our Veterans…Defenders of Freedom.” The event will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, in the Defiance Community Auditorium, downtown Defiance, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Serving as special guest conductor will be Ryan Nowlin, staff arranger/composer for the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band.  Nowlin, who is originally from Broadview Heights, joined “The President’s Own” in July 2010 following a successful career as an educator and composer.

“We are especially pleased to have SSgt. Nowlin with us for our performance,” said DCCB music director Vince Polce. “We will be performing many of his musical arrangements during the concert.”

This special Veterans Day concert will highlight the music of America and include such titles as “America,” “You’re and Grand Old Flag,” “Amazing Grace,” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”  Additionally, the DCCB will continue its tradition of performing a song from each of the branches of the military as the men and women from our armed forces are highlighted.

Also highlighting the concert will be special guest soloists Bill Mathias, a trombonist from Bowling Green University, and soprano soloist Minnita Danielle-Cox from the University of Dayton.

The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

The Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. President since John Adams. Known as “The President’s Own” since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band’s primary mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

October 12, 2011