Empire State Review Contributor 
The Conroe Symphony Orchestra (CSO) brought the spirit of Independence Day to life on Saturday with its annual “Celebrate America” concert, held at First Methodist Conroe. The free event, which drew a full house, featured a stirring program of patriotic music under the direction of Maestro Gary Liebst, offering the community a heartfelt tribute to American heritage and military service.
The concert, which began at 2:30 p.m., opened with a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” setting the tone for an afternoon of musical celebration. The orchestra performed a selection of patriotic favorites, including “God Bless America” and “God Bless the U.S.A.,” as well as an orchestral arrangement of Toby Keith’s “American Soldier.” This year’s program also featured an updated Armed Forces Medley, incorporating the newly composed theme for the U.S. Space Force, ensuring that all branches of the military were honored.
Guest vocalist Hugh Poland, a respected community leader and musician, joined the CSO for the performance. Poland, who serves as Pastor of Discipleship at Woodridge Baptist Church in Kingwood and is the Jazz Band Director at Kingwood High School, lent his powerful voice to several pieces, including “American Soldier.” His contributions added a personal and emotional depth to the concert, resonating with the audience and enhancing the tribute to those who have served the nation.
Maestro Gary Liebst, who has led the CSO since 2021, emphasized the importance of the concert in bringing the community together. “This concert is always special to me as, like the community, I love to celebrate the birth of our nation and take … Liebst said. “I am so … have and I hope we never take … .”
The choice of venue, First Methodist Conroe, provided an air-conditioned space with excellent acoustics, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the nuances of the performance. Liebst noted the advantages of the indoor setting, stating, “An indoor performance has … .”
The “Celebrate America” concert was made possible through the support of grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the … , reflecting the CSO’s commitment to making music accessible to all members of the community. Tickets for the event were free but required for entry, and the concert quickly sold out, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for the annual tradition.
Founded in 1997, the Conroe Symphony Orchestra has been dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Conroe and the surrounding areas through high-quality musical experiences. The CSO strives to be recognized … Texas, supported through individual and corporate donations … .
The “Celebrate America” concert not only showcased the talents of the CSO and guest performers but also served as a reminder of the power of music to unite communities and honor shared values. As attendees left the venue, many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in celebration of the nation’s heritage and the freedoms enjoyed by all.
