In 1970, Willamette Valley musicians from teens to seniors in their 70s came together to share their love of music by forming the Albany Civic Band.

Thirty-six years and four name changes later, the Willamette Valley Concert Band will present its Veterans Day Pops Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in the West Albany High School cafeteria, 1130 Queen Ave. S.E.

The concert is a joint program with the West Albany High School Jazz Ensemble and is a fundraiser for the WAHS band program and the concert band.

This is the first time since the Elks Lodge in Albany was torn down in the early 1990s that the band has played for Veterans Day in Albany.

The move back to Albany stems from a partnership the band developed with Greater Albany Public Schools.

Members of the band, typically retired musicians, mentor students in the middle school band programs.

Because of this relationship, it was suggested to Director Richard Sorenson that he contact Stuart Welsch, director of the WAHS band programs, about a joint concert and holding the event at West Albany.

In the future, Sorenson hopes to also include South Albany High School's program in similar fundraisers, he said.

This year's program will feature vocalists Gale Hazel of Corvallis and Pete Butler of Lebanon, who will sing selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway musical, "South Pacific."

"(Hazel and Butler) had done it several years ago with the Corvallis band," Sorenson said. "They are just wonderful musicians and they don't just sing, they act it out."

They will also sing a portion of John Philip Sousa's "Sheridan's Ride," which depicts a Civil War battle with General Philip Sheridan leading the Union troops to victory. The selection includes a variety of sound effects, cannon fire and musketry.

Also featured on the program will be "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," the U.S. Naval Hymn, by Claude Smith and a special tribute to all six branches of the U.S. military, closing with "Stars and Stripes Forever" by Sousa.

The WAHS Jazz Ensemble portion of the program will include several big band swing tunes from the 1940s. Welsh will direct.

Individual tickets are available for $8 at Stainthorps Music in Lebanon, Mid-Valley Gems and Jewelry in Albany, Gracewinds Music in Corvallis and at the door. School-age students are admitted free with a paid adult admission.

For more information, contact Public Relations Officer Diane White at 928-7802 or visit www.willamettevalleyconcertband.org.

If you go

What: Willamette Valley Concert Band fundraiser performance with the West Albany High School Jazz Ensemble.

Where: West Albany High School cafeteria, 1130 Queen Ave. S.E.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9.

Tickets: $8. Tickets are available at Stainthorps Music in Lebanon, Mid-Valley Gems and Jewelry in Albany, Gracewinds Music in Corvallis or at the door. School-aged students are admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult admission.