Along with fireworks and the American flag, patriotic music remains a popular Independence Day tradition.

Today, Indianapolis classical musicians offer a couple of offbeat choices. A symphony program at Conner Prairie will feature music from war movies, accompanied by color guards from those particular conflicts, while an organist will play a whimsical Americana concert Downtown.

At Conner Prairie, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual July 4th weekend series, one of the orchestra's most popular draws. Last year's three-day "Yankee-Doodle Symphony" program attracted more than 21,000 concert goers, according to the ISO. This year's four-day "Star-Spangled Symphony" series began Wednesday.

At "Star-Spangled Symphony," the Indiana Sons of the American Revolution will march, as the ISO plays music from the Revolutionary-themed "The Patriot." The 19th U.S. Infantry Authentic Civil War Re-Enactors will appear while the orchestra plays the score from "Gettysburg." The finale will feature Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," complete with fireworks.

Country music

On Monument Circle, David Sinden, assistant organist at Christ Church Cathedral, will play a free concert featuring two big works that quote tunes associated with Americana.

Sinden, 25, will play Charles Ives' "Variations on 'America,'." a popular theme with variations that makes some wild demands on the organist.

"One section emulates a carousel," Sinden said. "There's another where you can really make it roar. There are sections that are fairly difficult, but once you get the hang of them, it's fun to just race through it."

Sinden will also play "American Rhapsody" by Pietro Yon, former organist at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.

"It's a very fun piece that includes a lot of famous tunes," Sinden said, "including 'Dixie,' 'Deep River' and the national anthem.

"It also contains a state song, 'Maryland, My Maryland,' which is set to the music from 'O Christmas Tree.' At the beginning, it may sound like red and green, but, hopefully, by the end, everybody will be hearing red, white and blue."

David Sinden, organist

When: Noon July 4.

Location: Christ Church Cathedral, 125 Monument Circle.

Admission: Free.

Info: (317) 636-4577, www.cccindy.org.

'Star-Spangled Symphony'

When: 8 p.m. July 3, 4 and 5

Location: Conner Prairie Amphitheater, 13400 Allisonville Road.

Tickets: $24 adults in advance, $27 at the gate; $10 for children in advance, $12 at the gate.

Info: (317) 639-4300, www.indianapolissymphony.org.