From Verdi to bluegrass, from opera to Broadway, the Bryan College Music Department will present a "Musical Showcase" on Friday, Nov. 9, that bridges the centuries and includes a salute to America's national anthem.

The concert will feature senior music majors, Bryan ensembles and a 40-piece professional orchestra, according to Dr. Mel Wilhoit, department chairman.

Opening the program will be the orchestra, led by Wilhoit, performing "Crown Imperial," the march written in 1937 for the coronation of British King George VI, father of Queen Elizabeth. Later, the orchestra will honor the 200th anniversary of the poem "Defense of Fort McHenry," today known as "The Star- Spangled Banner," which became the U.S. national anthem in 1931.

Other selections will include "Carnival of the Animals," with words by Ogden Nash; "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," prelude to "Hansel and Gretel" and a bluegrass medley of "Billy in the Lowground" and "Squirrel Hunters."

"The Musical Showcase is exactly that -- a vehicle to showcase the abilities of our students," Wilhoit said. "Adding an orchestra makes the evening more special and broadens the variety of music we are able to present."

The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Rudd Auditorium on the Dayton, Tenn., campus.

For more information, call 423-775-2041.