  THE HEIGHTS CONCERT BAND was founded in 1978 by its conductor, Carlton R. Morris. Since that time, the band has enjoyed a reputation for presenting highly entertaining programs. A typical program includes military marches, overtures, Broadway show tunes, solos, trios and popular songs. In 1979, the band began a series of annual activities known as the "Mid-Winter Music and Arts Festival". Starting with one local high school band in a shared concert on a Sunday afternoon, the event grew over the years. In 1985, the "Seventh Annual "Mid-Winter Music and Arts Festival" was host to over twenty different groups and over 500 individual performers. All of the programs were videotaped and broadcast over KNCT-TV, Channel 46. Over the years, through the "Festival" and other activities, The Heights Concert Band has been host to many prominent soloists and conductors. These include such names as Charles P. Erwin, Assistant Conductor, The United States Marine Band, "The President's Own;" Dr. William D. Revelli, |
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| Director Emeritus, University of
Michigan Bands; Dr. Fredrick Fennell, Eastman Wind Ensenble; Dr. Leonard B. Smith,
Detroit Concert Band. Soloists have included Charles P. Erwin, who for eighteen
years before becoming Assistant Conductor, was solo cornetist with The Marine
Band; Dr. Tamas Ungar, head of the piano department, Texas Christian University;
Mr. James Erdman, former trombone soloist with the United States Marine Band. The membership of The Heights Concert Band is primarily adults; however, a few outstanding students participate as apprentice musicians. The band is a voluntary organization with members from as far away as Austin, Texas. Other communities represented are Belton, Copperas Cove, Killeen, Temple, Rogers, Troy and Lampasas. Beside programs for the "Mid-Winter Festival", The Heights Concert Band has played for the Killeen International Fair, Heart of Texas Fair in Waco, Killeen Home Builders Association, Tablerock Festival in Salado, the opening of Killeen Mall, Killeen Junior Miss Pageant, Killeen Miss Flame Pageant, a summer concert series in the Killeen Mall, programs at Ft. Hood, Killeen High School and Central Texas College. On February 3, 1991, The Heights Concert Band provided the musical foundation for "A Hats Off Salute", a tribute to the men and women serving in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. This Patriotic Program was attended by over 5,000 supporters and was hailed by all as a very successful event. The Mayor of Killeen headed a "Congratulation Committee" which visited the band and presented a letter of appreciation to Mr. Morris. The Heights Concert Band also traveled to Lampasas for a similar support program dedicated to the military effort in the Middle East. When the conflict was over the band performed at a welcome home party at Ft. Hood which was attended by over 30,000 people . Headquarters for The Heights Concert Band is in Harker Heights, Texas. Because of the proximity to Ft. Hood, many of the band members have a military connection of some kind, active duty, dependent or retired. Members have come from all over the world. The rich mixture of experience and background, the combination of student, adult, military and civilian personnel, plus uncommon dedication make The Heights Concert Band a unique organization. | ||
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