WHIPPANY, N.J. (Morris County) — The Hanover Wind Symphony will help celebrate Whippany’s 350th anniversary and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary with a free patriotic concert on Flag Day.
The concert, titled “Echoes of Liberty: Celebrating Whippany’s 350th and USA’s 250th Anniversaries,” will take place Sunday, June 14, at 3 p.m. at Memorial Junior School, 61 Highland Ave., in Whippany.
The event is sponsored by the Hanover Township Cultural Arts Committee, Hanover Township Landmark Commission, Hanover Heritage Association and Hanover Township Economic Development Advisory Committee.
The program will feature music and narration highlighting key moments in Whippany’s history, including its Lenape heritage, Colonial-era iron forge industry and ties to the Revolutionary War.
“This concert celebrates the confluence of remarkable anniversaries for our nation and our community. It’s fitting, then, that it was made possible by a confluence of dedicated volunteers, musical artists, community organizations, local businesses, and the township administration. This event will truly showcase our community, both past and present,” said James R. Onorevole, Hanover Township assistant business administrator.
The concert narration was written by Hanover Wind Symphony historian Elaine Schlatter, who described the production as deeply personal.
“Preparing for this concert has turned into a labor of love. Growing up in Whippany, it’s been a trip down memory lane for me, going through the town archives of programs my mother, Terry Schlatter, worked on, going back to the 1970s. I feel like I am continuing her work,” Schlatter said.
The concert narrator will be Hanover Township Schools Superintendent Justin Toomey, who is also a trombonist with the Hanover Wind Symphony.
Adds Matthew Paterno, HWS music director, “The Hanover Wind Symphony is proud to be collaborating with the four sponsors of this terrific event. It’s exciting to celebrate the 350th anniversary of our town and the 250th anniversary of America.”
The event will also feature participation from local Scouts, who will present the colors and recognize Revolutionary War and Civil War soldiers buried in the Whippany Burying Yard.
“Our town’s 350th anniversary reminds us that the true legacy of a community is written by its people–past, present, and those still to come. I am proud as a longtime resident to call Whippany my hometown,” said concert co-chair Blanche Lopez.
Schrader adds, “Celebrating the 350th anniversary of Hanover Township’s history–the past, present, and to inspire the next generation–it’s an honor to present community events like this one. The essence of the history of Hanover Township is a template to be very proud of.”
The concert program includes patriotic and historical musical selections such as “Concord” by Clare Grundman, “American Riversongs” by Pierre LaPlante, “The Battle of Trenton” by James Hewitt and Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America.”
Admission is free and open to the public. More information about the Hanover Wind Symphony is available at hanoverwinds.org.
