City College’s Concert Band looks to light up the Garvin Theatre this Sunday, as it takes the stage for an exciting mix of old and new concert music.
“The Concert Band is on par with a symphony, but without strings,” said Eric Heidner, Concert Band conductor.
Audience whistling is highly encouraged in this array of concert band music. It ranges from a classic march by Edwin Franko Goldman, to contemporary masterpieces by Alfred Reed, Philip Sparke, and James Curnow, who are all composers.
In addition to these pieces, the Concert Band will also premier the recent original composition of Music Professor, Dr. Charles Wood.
Wood was the director of the Concert Band for many years before he retired three years ago. Since his retirement, he has spent much of his time composing for the band.
He describes his fourth composition for the concert band, titled “In His Honor: A Journey To The Beginning,” as “a very active and lively piece.”
“It’s just thrilling to be able to compose something and then stand in front of a live band and hear it performed,” Wood said.
Assistant Music Professor, Dr. Margaret Hontos, participating for the second time with the Concert Band, is playing her Harp on Wood’s “In His Honor.”
“His writing is wonderful,” Hontos said. “I love playing his pieces because he has a great sense of what makes certain instruments sound good, and writing to those strengths.”
The 75-member band is one-third students, and two-thirds adult-education community members.
“With an adult-ed environment, we have people coming back again and again. It’s a real joy,” Heidner said.
The show starts at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Garvin Theatre. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $6 for students and seniors.
Spring Sarenade-Concert Band
Evan Parker
May 2, 2006
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