Summer Pops: America 250

‍ ‍NEWS CONTACT:

Jennifer Brink, Executive Director

Phone: (518) 793-1348

E-mail: exdir@gfso.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 4, 2026

Glens Falls Symphony Announces 25th Annual July 3rd Summer Pops Concert

The Glens Falls Symphony presents the Independence Day Summer Pops Concert at Crandall Park on Friday, July 3rd, beginning at 7:30 pm. This annual family favorite event is free and open to all. The public is invited to come early, set up blankets and chairs, and enjoy food and beverages from a variety of food and beverage vendors. The concert will conclude with an impressive display of fireworks at dusk.

This year’s theme is “250 Years of American Sound.” Joining us on stage are local elected officials, including retired New York State Senator Betty Little, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Assemblyman Matt Simpson, State Senator Dan Stec, Queensbury Town Supervisor John Strough, and Glens Falls Mayor Diana Palmer. Veterans will be honored with the traditional performance of “Armed Forces Salute”, in which military veterans and their family members are invited to stand and be acknowledged during the playing of the anthem of their branch of service. The Warren County Commission for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution will have activities and information about upcoming commemorations and celebrations.

Crandall Park is located on Upper Glen Street in Glens Falls, NY, next to the YMCA. Parking is available on the surrounding streets. Be advised that there is no parking inside Crandall Park except handicapped parking with permits in the access road parking lot from Glen St. near the war memorial.

About the Glens Falls Symphony

Since Maestro Charles Peltz arrived in 2000, the fully professional Glens Falls Symphony has performed a dynamic repertoire, regularly including musical premieres and world-renowned guest artists while expanding musical offerings to include family concerts, summer pops programs, and more. The orchestra is comprised of musicians who come from all over the Northeast to perform. The Glens Falls Symphony is proud to be among the important arts and cultural organizations in the greater Glens Falls area, the smallest city in America to support a fully professional symphony orchestra.

About Chorus250

This Chorus250 welcomes amateur, professionals, and all musical ability singers from around our region to take part in contributing to this year’s summer pops performance. The Chorus250 will be conducted by Penny Schiek, retired Queensbury High School Music teacher. James Corriveau, retired Warrensburg Music teacher, is the choral coordinator. Music Director Charles Peltz states to the Glens Falls Chronicle’s managing editor Cathy DeDe, “ We wanted to provide an opportunity for the greater Glens Falls citizens to contribute to the celebration!”

Singers must be 14 years of age or older. Participants must attend at least one of the planned rehearsals on Tuesday, June 23, and or June 30 at Christ Church United Methodist, Glens Falls, 7 pm. A full-dress rehearsal will be held on Friday, July 3, at Glens Falls High School. Call time TBD.

This concert is in conjunction with the Warren County 250th Commission.

Program:

250 years of American Sound:

Star Spangled Banner - Music by John Stafford Smith Lyrics by Francis Scott Key

American Salute - Music by Morton Gould

Celebration - Arr. By: Ralph Ford

Cowboys Overture – Music by John Williams

America the Beautiful - Music by Samuel A. Ward (singalong) Lyrics by Katherine Lee Bates Orchestrated by Tom Kennedy

Can(n)ons of Freedom – Music by Chris Brubeck

Liberty Bell March – Music by John Philip Sousa

Armed Forces Salute - The Official Anthems of the U.S. Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force, & Navy, arr. Bob Lowden

- Intermission –

Born in the USA – Music by Bruce Springsteen Featuring Laura Noel

My Country ‘Tis of Thee – Music by Samuel Francis Smith (sing-along)

Melody for Orchestra – Music by Deke E. Ellington

God Bless the USA – Music by Lee Greenwood

Chester – Music by William Billings

Variations Shaker Melody - Music by Aaron Copland

This is my Country – Music by Don Raye and Al Jacobs. Featuring the Chorus250

God Bless America – Music by Irving Berlin. Featuring the Chorus 250

Stars and Stripes Forever – Music by John Philip Sousa

Tickets: FREE

Date: July 3, 2025

Pre-Concert Activities: 5:30 -7:00: Youth Art Experience with local arts organizations

Rain Location: Harding Mazzotti Arena

Antique Car Show

The audience is welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics

Food vendors are available generally from 5 pm on, through the concert.

7:30: Concert

Dusk: Fireworks – Courtesy of the Glens Falls Symphony

For more information on Summer Pops 2026, Click Here

To sign up for the Chorus250, Click Here

This Concert is sponsored by: Arrow Bank, The Lake George Area, The Rotary Club of Glens Falls, Silver Bay YMCA, The Town of Queensbury, and the City of Glens Falls.