Each Memorial Day for the last nine years, the Monticello Singers remember America's fallen and give thanks for living in the United States by lending their voices in patriotic salute at the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda. This year, the unique musical ensemble will deliver that same free community concert at 3 p.m. Monday in a new location, the First United Methodist Church at the corner of Monroe Street and Capitol Avenue.
"This year, because of extensive exterior restoration work there, we decided to sing at First United Methodist Church with easier parking for our loyal fans who packed the Rotunda last Memorial Day," said Bill Stine, baritone and an original member of the Monticello Singers.
Stine said the 10-year-old Monticello Singers occasionally perform at Jefferson City churches outside their two annual concerts held Memorial Day and near Armistice Day and Christmas in late November/early December. They enjoy performing at churches that provide complementary venues for their often a cappella song arrangements.
Each Memorial Day program shares about 11-12 patriotic songs the about 20 men sang in their youth, at university or service academy glee clubs and choruses. However, in its 10th annual Memorial Day concert, the Monticello Singers have organized their choices chronologically.
"We will start with the Revolutionary War and eventually and work our way up to the national anthem, 'The Star Spangled Banner,'" Stine said.
Musical director Reuben Phelps asks each member to pick songs from a particular group, settling on a final selection for the concert's program. Stine said one member suggested a Civil War era song, "Ashokan Farewell," inspired by Ken Burns' documentary series "The Civil War" and most recognized when accompanied by a violin.
Other songs that will be part of this program include a dedication to the near 100-year anniversary of the end of World War I, "In Flanders Field," which is a war poem American composer Charles Ives used as the basis of this now classic tune. Other popular songs include "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "God Bless the USA."
"The first four numbers of our program are without music, like we did in college. But now we are old guys and like to have the music back us," Stine said with a laugh. "The national anthem we will also sing a cappella doing the first and fourth verse - which the last is a cool verse if you have never heard it."
This year's program will end with a special arrangement called "Manly Men."
"There is a mix of drinking songs, sailor songs and barbershop quartet tunes in this last number," Stine said. "There is several college groups that do it, and it is a lot of fun."
With accompaniment by Matt Tolksdorf and narration by Tom Steever, the Monticello Singers encourage the community to enjoy an afternoon honoring our country's fallen and enjoy some inspiring music.
"Mr. Steever asked the crowd at the Capitol Rotunda, 'Who had been to a Monticello Singers concert at the Capitol?' And the majority people there raised their hands. We have quite a fan base," Stine said. "I have been with them since they started in 2008. It was fun then, and it is still fun now."
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Dudley Galloway at 573-635-7587.