Community Unites for “All-American Festival Concert” to Support Music Program

In recognition of budget challenges and the financial barriers students face, Dr. Thomas Kloss, Associate Director of Athletic Bands and Coordinator for Music Education at Idaho State University, reached out to local musicians to see if he could garner interest in hosting a summer music concert to raise funds for student scholarships.

The response has been immediate and overwhelming. In a few short weeks, over 130 musicians have committed to volunteering their time and talents to perform. The event, “All-American Festival Concert” will raise funds for a new endowment dedicated to student scholarships in the music program. 

“Our community is coming together in an extraordinary display of unity and creativity to host the All-American Festival Concert,” Kloss said. “This will be a celebration of American composers and music forms and should be a great way for the community to connect and celebrate such an important part of our history.”

The All-American Festival Concert is July 6 at 7 p.m., at the Stephens Performing Arts Center, with entertainment and food available for purchase at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. 

Scheduled to take place during Fourth of July weekend, the concert will feature band and choral pieces performed by ISU alumni, students, and community musicians. The concert is a celebration of American music and will feature American compositions by John Williams, John Philip Sousa, Oscar Peterson, Aaron Copland, and conclude with the patriotic classic "Stars and Stripes Forever." The repertoire will span various genres, including marches, jazz, dixieland, and dance music, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all attendees.

In addition to ticket sales, funds will be raised through hot dog sales at the Rotunda, starting at 5:30 p.m., with food donated by Nicholas Food Service.

"It’s mind-blowing to me that this is happening," Kloss said. "We wondered if we would have enough interest, especially with students being away over the summer, but the response has been incredible."

Join us for an evening of outstanding performances and help support the future of the ISU music program. For questions regarding the event, please reach out to Dr. Thomas Kloss at (208) 282-4626, thomaskloss@isu.edu. For inquiries about additional donations, please reach out to Tabitha LaForce at (208) 282-1404, tabithalaforce@isu.edu.