The Greenwich High School Band, under the direction of John Yoon and Jason Polise, will perform a Fall Concert, Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m., at GHS Performing Arts Center, 10 Hillside Rd.
The performance begins when the Jazz Ensemble takes the stage to perform This I Dig of You by Hank Mobley and Mike Tomaro. This classic jazz piece has an up-tempo swing chart and is solid from beginning to end, making it a great concert opener or closer. The next piece is Blackbird by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Perhaps one of the Beatles’ lesser-known tunes, Blackbird, remains one of their most creative and memorable. Mike Tomaro’s smooth arrangement uses a blend of light funk along with a brief samba section to create a truly outstanding effect. The last piece the Jazz Ensemble will perform is Just Friends by John Klenner and Sam M. Lewis. This superb chart has a trombone section feature with a samba groove.
Next the Concert Band will perform Call of the Wild by Brain Balmages. This piece is a musical portrayal inspired by the novel of the same name by author Jack London. The brass fanfares are accented passages and heroic melodies.
The Symphony Band will begin with Hill Country Holiday by Karl L. King. This spirited piece by popular composer Robert Sheldon defines the essence of “Americana” and the Western frontier through engaging melodies, colorful orchestration and interesting rhythms. The second piece, Joy Revisited by Frank Ticheli, was inspired by the birth of the composer’s first child. The main melody and overall mood of the work are pure joy.
During intermission, snacks will be available in the lobby. CD’s of past concerts will also be available for purchase. All proceeds help support the Band Program.
After the break, the Wind Ensemble will perform Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo by Malcolm Arnold. This arrangement has a breezy, folk-like quality. The audience will be delighted by the next composition: the whimsical Bayou Breakdown by Brant Karrick. On a Hymn song of Philip Bliss by David R. Holsinger is a different kind of piece, a radical departure of style from this composer. The final selection will be Mambo from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein, one of the greatest musicals of all time.
The Band’s next program will be their Holiday Concert, which will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. in the GHS PAC. It will be a night of Holiday Music favorites for audiences of all ages. Admission to these and other Band concerts are free of charge; however, donations to the GHS Band Program are very much appreciated.
