VGCC Community Band performs at historic outdoor movie theater

The Vance-Granville Community Band performed its first-ever Memorial Day weekend concert on May 28 at the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre in Henderson. The ensemble played on the “Moon-Glo Stage” (pictured above) in front of the movie screen before the evening’s double feature. In keeping with the holiday, the band presented several marches and patriotic numbers to celebrate and remember American heroes. The program included “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Military Salute,” and a special rendition of “Taps” performed by Dave Arner on trumpet.

The Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, originally called “The Moon-Glo” when it opened in 1949, is North Carolina’s oldest operating drive-in movie theater.

The community band is directed by VGCC music instructor Michael Stephenson and includes both students and interested citizens from the four counties of the VGCC service area (Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin) and beyond. The May 28 event marked the end of the community band’s third academic year. Rehearsals are scheduled to resume in August. New band members are always welcome and may contact Michael Stephenson at (252) 738-3346 for more information.