A Celebration of 250 Years of Our American Heritage Concert

The Jefferson Arts Committee invites you to enjoy the music of the Jefferson Township Community Jazz and Concert Bands under the direction of Peter A. Tummillo, Jr. on Saturday evening, May 9 at 7pm for A Celebration of 250 Years of Our American Heritage. Featuring a patriotic musical program in the Jefferson Township High School Auditorium, 1010 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge, NJ, admission is FREE, and all are welcome.

This year marks the 250th birthday of America - the United States’ Semi quincentennial! While our country will be celebrating this significant occasion on July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed, let’s celebrate together as a community at this special musical tribute on May 9. The JAC encourages everyone to wear their red, white, and blue! The JAC is pleased to have Denville’s official Town Crier Douglas Gabel participate by welcoming guests and dignitaries. Dressed in a red and gold coat, white breeches, black boots and a tricorne hat as was the tradition dating back to the 18th century, Gabel will carry a handbell to attract people’s attention as he shouts the words "Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!" before making his announcements. The word "Oyez" means "hear ye," which is a call for silence and attention. In essence, a town crier historically served as a town’s voice, spreading news and official information to the public. Today, town criers carry on the tradition of making public announcements.

Opening the concert program, the talented musicians of our township’s Concert Band will perform The Star-Spangled Banner with Jefferson Township’s American Legion Post #423 Honor Guard present carrying the colors to represent the service of our Armed Forces. The talented township Jazz Band will follow performing music from The Great American Songbook featuring the talented voices of Richard Rossback and Verity (Sassy) Fox. Both bands will be conducted by Peter A. Tummillo, Jr. Noting the importance of the occasion, Mayor Eric Wilsusen will read a proclamation commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary noting that this historic anniversary provides an opportunity for residents, community organizations, and local leaders to reflect upon Jefferson Township’s proud past, celebrate its present achievements, and look forward with optimism to its continued growth and prosperity. The Concert Band will continue its program with selections narrated by Jonathan Tummillo and Peter Tummillo.

You’ll enjoy The Patriot, American Visions, The Blue and the Gray (songs of the Civil War), the march Americans We, A Copland Tribute, The Greatest Generation with narrator Stephan Naphets, highlights from A West Side Story, America the Beautiful, and the closing piece Stars and Stripes Forever.

The Jefferson Township Community Concert Band was formed in 1992 under the direction of Tummillo, then Director of the Jefferson Township High School instrumental and marching bands. Because of interest, several members of the Community Band and others formed a Jazz Band around 2004, and Tummillo continues to direct the Concert Band in addition to the Jazz Band.

The concert band operates under the umbrella of the Jefferson Arts Committee and performs a holiday concert at Christmas in the Village. In addition, they traditionally open the Arts Committee’s free summer gazebo concert series held at the township’s beautiful Victorian gazebo located in the Municipal complex on Weldon Road. This year, following a re-dedication of the Jefferson Township Gazebo marking its 25th anniversary, they will perform there on Friday evening, June 26 at 6:30 pm.