Lake Hopatcong - The U.S. Military Academy Concert Band, regarded as one of the finest bands of its kind, will give a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28, in the Jefferson High School Auditorium, 1033 Weldon Road, in Lake Hopatcong. The event is hosted by the Jefferson Arts Committee. The U.S. Military Academy Band, the Army’s oldest active band and the oldest unit at West Point, traces its roots to the Revolutionary War. The Concert Band is a direct descendant of the small “Band of Musick” that had assembled at West Point by 1817. The modest 20-piece military band of that era has evolved into the 43-member symphonic band of today. Today’s band consists of four components: the Concert Band, the Hellcats (the drum and bugle field music unit), the Jazz Knights, and the Support Staff. These combine to form the Marching Band. Lieutenant Colonel Timothy J. Holtan assumed command of the U.S.Military Academy Band in June 2005. Lt.Col. Holtan was recently the deputy commander of the U.S. Army Field Band in Fort Meade, Md. He is a native of Bismarck, N.D., and a former school music educator in Montana. The Concert Band’s events annually attract thousands of visitors to the Academy to hear new and traditional concert band literature. The band has a history marked with several world-class performances and close associations with renowned composers. Seating for the April 28 concert is on a first-come, first-served basis. For information call 973-697-3828.