The Symphonic Wind Ensemble of the Marine Forces Reserve Band will be performing a concert at the St. Louis Cathedral on Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.



Highlighting this performance will be various works of Robert W. Smith. Smith is one of the most popular and prolific composers of concert band and orchestral literature in America today.



Smith’s more than 600 publications include many compositions and productions in all areas of the music field. His original works for winds and percussion have been programmed by countless military, university, high school, and middle school bands throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.



The program will also contain many patriotic favorites suitable for all ages and musical tastes.



The concert is FREE and open to the public with doors opening one hour before show time. The cathedral seats between 750 and 800 people, and all non-reserved seating will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.



As one of the city’s most notable landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral has stood as a quiet witness to the city’s rich history.



“The band is especially excited about this concert,” said Master Sgt. Kevin Hunter, Bandmaster and New Orleans native. “So much of the New Orleans story has been written and experienced around this icon. I can think of no better setting in which to perform.”



Under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael J. Smith, this unforgettable evening of music will feature the band’s full strength of 53 Marine musicians.



This unique musical unit remains both tactically and technically proficient in all areas of military study in keeping with the adage “every Marine a rifleman.” The band travels in excess of 75,000 miles annually, entertaining more than six million audience members throughout the United States.