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Symphony celebrates nation with concert
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
People crowded the lawn in front of the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre in Boardman Park to listen to music by the Youngstown Symphonic Band and celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks July 5.
The band, led by conductor Paul Rossi, played standards such as “Strike Up the Band” and “Lady of Spain,” as well as Fourth of July favorites like “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” The Seraphim Choir, led by Kris Harper, joined them for others including “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” The choir and band also performed tributes to each branch of the military.
The event was free to the public.
“We like this type of music and we just thought it would be nice to go to the concert, and you couldn’t beat the price,” said Lucy Johnson of Canfield. She attended with neighbor Margaret Stevens.
They love activities such as the concert, Stevens said.
“And this is exciting,” she added. “Mr. Rossi was my high school teacher when I was in Canfield, so I like to hear him play.”
The pair tapped their feet to the music while the band played.
“This is relaxing,” Johnson said. “It’s the greatest. It’s local. Why wouldn’t we support this?”
It’s nice the event drew all age groups, Stevens pointed out.
Red, white and blue balloons were tied to children’s wrists and many had their faces painted. Bridge of Hope Church of Boardman provided both free of charge.
Christine Allen and her children of Austintown missed the Fourth of July fireworks at the park, but made up for it at the event.
“We decided to come out for the concert and fireworks,” Allen said.
The evening ended with fireworks lighting up the sky over Boardman Park.