The Syracuse University Brass Ensemble and the 10th Mountain Division Band will come together at Hendricks Chapel on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, for a concert commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event is presented in partnership with the University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) and Hendricks Chapel.

The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The program will feature individual performances by the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble and the 10th Mountain Division Band, followed by a joint finale featuring “Armed Services Salute” and John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

The collaboration will celebrate service, education, community and musical excellence while bringing together civilian and military musicians from Central and Northern New York.

“America’s 250th anniversary invites us to reflect not only on the history we have inherited, but also on the communities we continue to build together,” says Dr. James T. Spencer, director of the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble. “By bringing the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble and the 10th Mountain Division Band together in Hendricks Chapel, this concert honors service, education and music’s enduring power to unite us.”

Student Masterclass

Before the concert, members of the 10th Mountain Division Band will present a free masterclass for high school musicians from 4 to 5 p.m. at Hendricks Chapel.

The session will introduce students to the range of professional opportunities that a background in music can create. Band members will discuss their musical development, career decisions, military service and experiences performing as professional military musicians.

The masterclass will also offer practical guidance on audition preparation, performance confidence, effective practice methods, technical development, and preparing for rehearsals and performances. Band members may demonstrate exercises and techniques with their instruments and answer questions from participating students.

High school musicians interested in attending may learn more and RSVP online.

Concert Program

The evening concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Hendricks. The Syracuse University Brass Ensemble and the 10th Mountain Division Band will each present an individual program before uniting for a collaborative finale featuring “Armed Services Salute” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

The concert is free and open to the public. Free public parking is available at Irving Garage. Guests should allow additional time for parking and walking to Hendricks Chapel.

Questions or accommodation requests may be directed to subrass@syr.edu.