The Marine Band’s summer performances begin this week on the National Mall and feature newly commissioned Capt. Bryan Sherlock making his conducting debut in his new role as Assistant Director. Sherlock was commissioned and appointed Assistant Director in a ceremony on June 1 in John Philip Sousa Band Hall at the Marine Barracks Annex in Washington, D.C. The evening performances at 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 6, and Thursday, June 7, on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol, are free and no tickets are required.

The program will begin with John Philip Sousa’s march, “Golden Jubilee,” followed by John Zdechlik’s Celebrations and Michael Daughterty’s Raise the Roof, featuring timpani soloist Staff Sgt. David Constantine performing on no fewer than five timpani.

“I started with the idea that this, my first concert with ‘The President’s Own,’ is a celebration for me, so the overture Celebrations came to mind immediately,” Sherlock said. “Of course I wanted to open my first Marine Band concert with a Sousa march, and ‘Golden Jubilee’ is one of my favorites, in addition to being a celebration of sorts. Other pieces that seemed celebratory or just fun lent themselves to the program from there.”

The second half of the concert includes Joseph Spaniola’s Escapade; Henry Fillmore’s march, “The Footlifter;” and George Gershwin’s “Fascinating Rhythm,” featuring mezzo-soprano Gunnery Sgt. Sara Sheffield. The concert will conclude with Vittorio Giannini’s Allegro con brio from Symphony No. 3.

“The music on this program covers a wide variety of styles and characters,” Sherlock said. “We have Gershwin songs, a classic wind band symphony, and even a new piece with a funk section in the middle. And the audience will certainly love the timpani concerto.”

The concerts are free but weather permitting. Concert cancellations will be announced by 6 p.m. at (202) 433-4011 and at www.facebook.com/marineband. For more information visit www.marineband.marines.mil.

Complete program and notes