“Celebrate America”
As the Hilton Head Choral Society brings its milestone 50th anniversary season to a close, it does so with a performance that captures both the spirit of celebration and the depth of remembrance. This Memorial Day weekend, the community is invited to gather for “Celebrate America.” It promises to be a powerful evening as we honor the nation’s 250th anniversary and the enduring legacy of those who have served.
Taking place on Sunday, May 24 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, this Lowcountry tradition will be more than a concert … it’s an experience rooted in patriotism, reflection, and unity. The gifted voices of the Choral Society will be complimented by a string quartet and the acclaimed Category V Brass, whose dynamic performances have become a favorite among audiences.
The annual Memorial Day concert has a rich history that dates back to 1999, when it was first introduced as the “Festival of Freedom.” That inaugural performance featured the Parris Island Brass Quintet and a program remarkably similar to what audiences enjoy today, with current member Kathy Burmeister among the performers. The tradition continued in 2000 as “A Memorial Day Tribute,” before evolving into “America Sings!,” a title that carried the event forward for more than two decades from 2001 through 2025. In 2026, the concert enters a new chapter as “Celebrate America,” reflecting both its enduring legacy and its continued commitment to honoring the nation through music.
Category V Brass from Columbia, SC
Under the direction of Artistic Director, Dr. Dustin Ousley, the program weaves together beloved patriotic music and poignant storytelling. Audiences can expect stirring renditions of classics such as The Star-Spangled Banner, Irving Berlin’s God Bless America, and the timeless We’ll Meet Again, made famous by Vera Lynn. Each piece has been thoughtfully selected to evoke both pride and reflection, celebrating the resilience and unity that define the American spirit.
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the evening, performers from the Lean Ensemble Theater will present dramatic readings of authentic letters from American service members. These first-hand accounts bring history to life, offering a powerful glimpse into the realities of war and the sacrifices made in service to our country.
Setting a tone of reverence and honor, the program will open with a Presentation of Colors by the Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue color guard. The evening will also feature a keynote address from James (Jim) F. Berl, a longtime Hilton Head resident and former Army Judge Advocate General attorney, whose service included participation in the U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and assignments in Europe.
“This is an evening that the members of the Choral Society eagerly anticipate throughout the entire season,” says Dr. Ousley. “It is a profound honor to come together in remembrance and celebration of the men and women who fought for our country with such valor to secure the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Artistic Director, Dr. Dustin Ousley
A beloved tradition for both residents and visitors of Hilton Head Island, this family-friendly concert often sees attendees dressed in red, white, and blue, united in a shared expression of gratitude and national pride.
As the final note of the Choral Society’s 50th season, “Celebrate America” stands as a fitting tribute—not only to the nation’s history, but to the power of music to bring a community together.
Tickets are available at www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. For additional information or assistance with ticket orders, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.