Stephen Meyer, Music Director of the Tempe Winds and Director of Bands at Northern Arizona University, will lead this session which explores the importance of concert bands in American culture. Participants will hear about the history of military bands, including the music of John Philip Sousa, the importance of community bands, and how concert bands have helped shape and define American culture through jazz, folk, and popular music. Participants will also receive a complimentary ticket to the Tempe Winds concert on Monday, November 30 at the Tempe Center for the Arts where this music will be performed.