The Florida Wind Band will present a concert on July 1, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the new USF School of Music Concert Hall.  "By the Dawn’s Early Light" will feature an evening of music celebrating  America’s birthday and the many sacrifices made on behalf of our country by those in the Armed Service. According to FWB Conductor and Artistic Director Dr. John Carmichael, "You will be put in a frame of mind to appreciate more fully the significant privilege of living in this country, perhaps making your fireworks experience on the 4th of July a bit more spectacular!" Among the exciting titles on the program will be John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever and the moving Armed Forces Salute which features all five service songs.  Also to be performed will be William Schuman’s "When Jesus Wept" and "Chester," both originally composed for wind band.  Dr. James Bass will serve as the narrator for this concert.

Founded in 2007, the Florida Wind Band is Florida’s premiere professional-level concert band. The FWB is committed to providing high quality public performances of the very best in wind band literature, seeking to preserve the wind band musical heritage and to expand the repertoire with the premiere of new compositions.  The goal of the FWB is to provide entertainment and artistic stimulation for Tampa Bay’s residents and visitors, many of whom have had experience in school bands and have known this experience to be life changing.  It is the goal of the FWB to become the first fully professional, all-civilian, concert band in America this century. Currently, there are none.