May 6, 2006 – A colloquium to honor the legacy and accomplishments of Alton Augustus Adams Sr. is being planned for May 10-11 at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School auditorium. Two sessions are planned each day from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On May 12 at 8 p.m., the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band will perform a concert at the Boschulte Auditorium in recognition of bandmaster Adams' contributions to the U.S. Navy.
Adams, who died in 1997 at 103 years old, is known throughout the Virgin Islands as a bandmaster and as the composer of the "Virgin Islands March," the Virgin Islands' national anthem and the "Governor's Own" march.
Beyond the Virgin Islands, Adams is primarily known as the first black bandmaster in the U.S. Navy.
The goal of the two-day colloquium is to publicly acknowledge Adams' remarkable achievements, which extend beyond the field of music and transverse the areas of social, cultural and civic accomplishments.
The colloquium will consist of panel discussions and presentations of Adams' writings and music. Presenters and panelists will include contemporaries of Adams and those with critical knowledge of particular aspects of his legacy.
Four aspects of Adams' life are being highlighted, organized by era: 1909-1935, Adams' early accomplishments and his evolution as a Navy bandmaster; 1918-1949, education and culture – Adams as educator, music lover, teacher; 1950-1971, the hotel industry – Adams as association founder and inn keeper; and 1935-1969, 1970-1994: Adams as U.S. Navy bandmaster and composer.
Information on Adams' journalistic career will be woven through each of the four sessions.
For complimentary tickets, call 715-5680. Children under 13 are not to attend the events.
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