Oklahoma History Center hosts Free Concert: The Music of George Washington’s America, October 21st

Contact: Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

Oklahoma City, OK
August 20, 2009
For Immediate Release

Come enjoy American music of the colonial, Revolutionary, and Federal periods on October 21, 2009, with David Hildebrand. Dr. Hildebrand will recreate the patriotic songs, ballads, marches, dance tunes, and theater songs known to Washington, Franklin, and other American patriots. The Oklahoma History Center will open its doors at 6:00PM for museum visitors to tour the galleries. The Music of George Washington’s America will begin at 7:00PM. Admission to the program is free and made available through a special partnership with George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens and the Oklahoma George Washington Teaching Ambassador Program.

America’s early music and history come to life with instruments including the Baroque guitar, English guitar, harpsichord, and English and German flutes. David Hildebrand will bring his musical and historical expertise to what promises to be both an entertaining and educational concert. The program highlights both the formal and less refined aspects of music associated with early America. Spoken introductions and stories will put the music and instruments into context, while highlighting connections to great people and moments in our nation’s early history.

Dr. David Hildebrand has been performing professionally since 1980, mostly in duet with his wife, Ginger, focusing on American music of the Colonial and Federal periods. David received his B.S. from Dickinson College, an M.A. in musicology from George Washington University, and his Ph.D. in Musicology from Catholic University. He teaches American music history at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. The Hildebrands’ music enlivens the soundtracks of public television documentaries like "Rediscovering George Washington," and "Liberty! - the American Revolution."

This program is free to the public and seating is available on a first come basis. The program is sponsored by the Oklahoma History Center, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, The Oklahoma George Washington Teaching Ambassador Program, Oklahoma A+ Schools, The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, and through a special grant provided by the Kirkpatrick Foundation.

For more information contact Jason Harris at 405-522-0785 or by email at jharris@okhistory.org or visit our website at www.okhistory.org.