A packed Stephens Auditorium gave a standing ovation Saturday night after a patriotic performance by ISU instrumental groups and world-renowned vocalist Simon Estes at the “Celebrate America 2002” concert.

ISU Jazz Ensemble I, ISU Symphony Orchestra and ISU Wind Ensemble entertained the audience with several tributes to America and its composers.

The ISU Jazz Ensemble, conducted by James Bovinette, warmed up the crowd with an up-tempo pace and toe-tapping rhythm. Numerous improvisations from the group helped to express America’s original music style – jazz.

“The jazz ensemble was my favorite,” says Erin Pederson, graduate student in psychology. “They did a great job.”

The Jazz Ensemble finished up its segment of the concert with “Satin Doll,” a Duke Ellington original. Following the Jazz Ensemble, the ISU Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mark Laycock and escorted with bass-baritone Simon Estes, took stage.

Estes awed the crowd with his deep, powerful and rhythmic vibrato accompanied by the pure sound of strings and brass.

“It’s always great to hear Simon Estes,” says Kris Hovey, parent of an ISU student. “He has such a wonderful voice.”

“The main reason why I came tonight was to hear Simon Estes,” Pederson says.

The ISU Wind Ensemble, conducted by Michael Golemo, played the final segment to the concert. The first piece, “Liberty Fanfare,” composed by John Williams, featured guest narrator Eric Krohn, adjunct instructor of military science and tactics.

Krohn quoted former U.S. leaders on America’s duty to preserve liberty at all costs.

“The “Liberty Fanfare” was definitely my favorite piece of the night,” Hovey says.

“A Hymn for the Lost and the Living,” composed by Eric Ewazen, helped to remember those who lost their lives during the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

“Some people are still unsure on how to reflect on [Sept. 11, 2001],” Pederson says. “This was a nice way to reflect on it.”

Estes made one more appearance with the ISU Wind Ensemble, singing “Shenandoah” and “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” receiving several standing ovations for his personal performance.

The official march of the United States, John Phillip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” concluded the concert with the raising of Old Glory.

“The music and the raising of the flag at the end were very patriotic and a good way to finish the evening,” Hovey says.