Are you ready for United States’ semiquincentennial? Part four.

In preparation for July 4, 2026, the Archives and Special Collections staff are searching our collections for items related to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, previous anniversary celebrations, or the five research themes suggested by the American Association for State and Local History. (See 10-18-2024 blog post.)

During United States’ Bicentennial celebration, a University of South Dakota music composer and USD musicians were honored at the “Bicentennial Parade of American Music” in Washington DC on September 9 and 10. 1976.

The “Cantata for Percussion and Tenor” (also called the 3rd movement of “Cantata for a Dedication”) by Robert Marek was performed by the University of South Dakota Percussion Ensemble. Frank Aiello was the tenor soloist. Dennis Ondrozek was his piano accompanist.

Picture from the Vermillion Plain Talk, January 30, 1975. Left to right, Dennis Ondrozek, Frank Aiello, Courtland Swenson, Larry Torkelson, and Robert Marek.

Information from “College of Fine Arts Participates in Bicentennial Musical Event Sept. 9: Washington DC Tour Available to Alumni”, South Dakotan, July 1976 and from Michael Marek, June 18, 2025.

Archives and Special Collections has the Robert C. Marek papers. We also archive back copies of the VermillionPlain Talk and the South Dakotan.