ARLINGTON – The North Cascades Concert Band, featuring a clarinetist with the U.S. Marine Band “The Presidents Own”, from Washington, D.C., will perform a free concert in Arlington April 13.

The concert, with the theme “Sousa, American Spirit!”, will start at 7:30 p.m. at Arlington High School’s Byrnes Performing Arts Center, 18821 Crown Ridge Blvd. Staff Sgt. Harry Ong will be featured on “Concertino for Clarinet,” “Clarinet Concerto” and with the NCCB clarinet section performing “Clarinet Candy.” The band will feature music by George Gershwin, Henry Mancini and of course John Philip Sousa.

Director Robert Pattermann said, “It is a program that really reflects the growth and excellent musicianship of the band as well as the dynamic range and artistry of concert band music in America.”

Ong joined the Marine band in September 2003. He began his musical training at age 9, attended Roosevelt High School in Seattle. He performed with the Seattle Youth Symphony, the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra & Band, and the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra in Los Angeles. For more go to www.nccband.org.