Kishwaukee Concert Band opens season Oct. 24

After 19 months of no music because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kishwaukee Concert Band will present its Season Opener Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, in the Boutell Concert Hall in the Northern Illinois University Music Building. Masks will be required.

Dave Lehman will be the conductor for the all-volunteer band that began in 2002 with many of the charter members still active in the band.

Selections in this concert include “Brighton Beach” by William Latham, which shows dynamic contrasts with unique woodwind contributions uniting in this solid march. “Ashokan Farewell” is a haunting, mournful, hopeful and beautiful composition by American Folk musician Jay Unger.

Pierre LaPlante’s “American Riversongs” is a moving tribute to an earlier time when rivers and waterways were the lifeline of our growing nation. It is an emotional, nostalgic piece. A selection from Snow Maiden by Rimsky-Korsokov, “Cortege & Fanfare” is adapted for band by Cacavas.

“Basses on a Rampage” by G.H. Huffine is a wonderful way to showcase the lower brasses and lower woodwinds with a march of their own. George M. Cohan’s “Salute to Broadway” features several of his most popular show tunes. Along the show tune line, Alan Silvestri’s Feather Theme from the “Forrest Gump-Main Title” is from the well-known film of 1994. “Buffalo Gals” from the Western Suite by William Hill is a very light and rhythmic toe-tapping piece.

“Fantasia on Lady of Spain” by Evans is a popular song composed in 1931 and became the theme song of Myron Floren, the accordionist on the Lawrence Welk Show. LeRoy Anderson’s “Clarinet Candy” is a rollicking extravaganza featuring the clarinet section that will leave both the clarinet players and the audience breathless.

Those interested in sponsoring Kishwaukee Concert Band performance, should visit kishconcertband.org. KCB is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and contributions are tax-deductible.

Parking is available in lots 3 and 14 directly south of the Music Building, and lot 4. Those are the only lots without penalties.

For more information about KCB, go to the website or ask any band member.