Courtesy photo / The woodwind section of the Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble are featured at the 2024 Jazz Education Network conference in New Orleans, La.

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The U.S. Navy Band Commodores, a premier jazz band, will present a free concert Oct. 17 at the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, 1510 N. Montgomery St.

Formed in 1969, this 18-member group continues the jazz big band legacy with some of the finest musicians in the world. The Commodores’ mission includes public concerts, national concert tours, ceremonial support in honoring veterans, jazz education classes and clinics and protocol performances for high-level military and civilian government officials.

The last time the band performed locally was in 2019, according to Scott Sheehan, director of Bands and Music Department chairperson for Hollidaysburg.

“We had a sold-out crowd in 2019. Our community loves world-class entertainment. We’re excited to be able to do this for the community and the students,” Sheehan said. “Students will have the opportunity to work with the band during the day. Just as it’s important for the students to hear and see professional musicians, this is also a great way to honor those in our own community who have served in the military.”

The program is expected to run about 90-minutes and feature jazz standards and more contemporary selections. “There is something for everybody,” Sheehan said.

Lead Petty Officer Benjamin Ford is the band’s lead trombonist. He grew up in Coatesville, Chester County, and serves as the tour manager.

“What I enjoy most about playing in the Commodores is the chance to represent the US Navy, using the best of my talents, all while performing full-time in a fantastic professional big band,” he stated in an email.

“Our concerts are an eclectic mix of traditional big band music, exciting jazz vocal arrangements and fresh new instrumental music written specifically for the Commodores,” Ford said.

New this year, tickets are only available through the band’s website, where a household maximum of six tickets can be reserved and self-printed. The site is https://usnavyband.ticketleap.com/2024-commodores-hollidaysburg/.

The Hollidaysburg auditorium has a capacity of 1,175 people, Sheehan said. On the website, people who have reserved a seat are asked to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the concert. If there are seats available, those without tickets will be given the opportunity to attend.