Enjoy!

Whatever Holiday you keep at this time of year, may it bring you happiness.

The next posting on New Years Day will include the Concert Calendar for the rest of the season.  See you then.

The last of the concerts

Don't forget the Milwaukee Festival Brass concert on Sunday December 18 at 3 PM.  The Schwan Concert Hall will be full of good music of the Holiday Season in the British Brass Band tradition.  My favorite is the Three Kings Swing...I'm hoping it is on the program.

But the last, and most important concerts of the Holiday Season, are the concerts that occur in your place of worship at this time of year.  Be sure to enjoy the performances, and thank the musicians who (usually) volunteer their time for these performances.  This is community music at its most basic level.  And I think it improves the overall quality of life in our area!  Enjoy!

The Holiday Home Stretch

The last of the concerts are coming up. The Menomonee Falls Symphony performs it's concert tribute to Andy Williams on the 11th at 3 PM at the Hamilton Fine Arts Center in Sussex. The Milwaukee Festival Brass will perform their concert on the 18th at 3 PM in the Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College. Be sure to take in one of these concerts, they will both be fun and relaxing.

And don't forget the Horns A Plenty Christmas Concert in Appleton at the Fox Valley Lutheran High School on the 17th. Founder Don Krause was interviewed on the Philcast at the end of November, and just this past week was presented with an award of appreciation for his efforts in generating scholarship money for French Horn students. You can see Don's award from the Philcast Picture page. If you can, stop by the Appleton Horns A Plenty Christmas concert because (with a little luck) Phil will formally present the award to Don. And finally, be sure to tune into the Philcast, or at least enjoy the fun via the PodCast links.

Updates

First, the Wauwatosa Community Band has a date for their annual Christmas concert. They will perform sounds of the season on Tuesday December 13 at 7:30 PM in the auditorium at Longfellow Middle School at the corner of 76th and North Avenue. If you are in the area, especially after some hectic shopping at Mayfair, stop by, relax, and enjoy the music. Check their web site for more details.

I have to mention that the Horns A Plenty Christmas Concert at the Marcus Center was very nice. The double octet performance was super, and it was very cool to see so many horn players on stage, from young middle school students to retirees. Bravo to all for a great concert.  Here is a link to the You Tube video of one of the pieces, Christmas Horn Spirit.

Now with that thought in mind, I'll switch gears to talk about the Philcast. Phil Cianciola, late of Milwaukee radio and producer of the PhilCast podcast, is now back on the air in Appleton on WHBY. I mention this with Horns A Plenty Christmas because the HAPC founder, Don Krause, was interviewed on the Philcast on Wednesday November 30th. You can hear that interview by going to the Philcast page on WHBY, clicking the Podcast link, and choosing the 4 PM show segment. Many thanks to Phil and his producer Reggie for helping promote HAPC as it begins to go national!

Hope you had a wonderful Holiday

I know I did. Now I get to hang the Christmas Lights, and provide some news.

First, the Suburban Concert Band Holiday concert has been moved to December 9 from December 16. Thanks to Jim S. for the heads up.

Also, members of the Knightwind Ensemble will perform at Wisconsin Memorial Park for their Holiday Open House on Saturday December 3. The open house will run from noon to 3 PM, with entertainment in the Chapel of the Chimes. The small groups from the Knightwind Ensemble will perform at 1 PM. Click here for more information.

I hope to see you at the Horns A Plenty Christmas concert at the Marcus Center on Tuesday the 29th. I'll be there taking pictures. I did learn that the HAPC concert will include a special piece of Holiday music performed by a French Horn double-octet. Wow - 16 horns! You don't want to miss that one. See you there.

Happy Thanksgiving and a Concert Preview

Before I celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday, I will be selling tickets and working the lobby at the Knightwind Ensemble concert on the 20th. Hope to see you there.

And may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!

On to the concert preview! A special performance of the Horns A Plenty Christmas will occur at 7:30 PM on Tuesday November 29 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. French Horn players from all over the area will perform Christmas and Holiday music in a free concert. The neat thing about this concert is that the proceeds generated from the concert (sales of music books and fees paid by the musicians) will provide scholarships for French Horn players. If you have not heard of Horns A Plenty Christmas, check out their web site. And take time out of your schedule to hear a wonderful concert to get you in the Holiday spirit.

And if you have a conflict on the 29th, another Horns A Plenty Christmas concert will be held in Appleton on December 17.

A look ahead to the Holiday Season

Here is the list of upcoming concerts to celebrate the Holiday Season. If you have others, send me an email or post a response.

CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY CONCERTS

November
29 - Horns A Plenty Christmas in Milwaukee, 7:30 Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

December
3 - Knightwind Ensemble small groups performing at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 1 PM
9 - Suburban Concert Band, 7:30, Nathan Hale High School
11 - Menomonee Falls Symphony, 3 PM, Sussex Hamilton PAC
16 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 6PM, Basilica of Holy Hill
17 - Horns A Plenty Christmas, 2 PM, Appleton, WI
18 - Milwaukee Festival Brass, 3 PM, Wisconsin Lutheran College

And a reminder that the final concert of the fall season is Sunday November 20 when the Knightwind Ensemble perform Masterworks for Winds at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Check the web site for a special discount on tickets while helping the Hunger Task Force.

Concert Discount to help the Hunger Task Force

Some news came in from the Knightwind Ensemble this week. They are teaming with the Hunger Task Force at their concert on Sunday November 20 at the South Milwaukee PAC. When you purchase a ticket at the door and bring in two non-perishable food items, you receive a $2 discount on that ticket. It's a great way to enjoy a wonderful concert and help the community. For more information on the Knightwind Ensemble concert, see their web site.

And speaking of the Knightwind Ensemble, a small group of players from the Ensemble will perform music in observance of Veteran's Day, beginning at 4 PM on Thursday November 10th in the Chapel of the Chimes at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 132nd and Capitol Drive.  The program is open to the public.

And I also heard from one of the Directors of the New Horizons Band in the Ozaukee / Washington / Sheboygan County area. She wants to get the word out about this group that brings the love of making music to more people, and helps bring cheer to folks who may have some challenges (nursing homes, senior centers, and the like). The Directors not only program the concerts and rehearse the group, they also give lessons to improve the performance level of the members. The band is self-funding, collecting dues from members to pay the expenses for music and such. This is a great program that deserves more than just a mention: you should check out their web site. And if you haven't picked up your instrument in 40 or more years, and would like to but just don't feel comfortable joining an established band, the New Horizons band may be just for you.

Concert Announcement - Waukesha Area Symphonic Band

I just heard from one of the members of the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band.  Their fall concert is Sunday November 13 at 7:30 PM in the Shattuck Auditorium on the campus of Carroll University in Waukesha.  Entitled Pulling Out All the Stops, the concert will feature music of old masters like Rimsky-Korsakov, Percy Grainger and Alfred Reed, music of the masters of today like Delafield resident and WASB Music Director, Rick Kirby, and music from the masters of tomorrow like Richard Saucedo and Dana Wilson.  

As a special treat, three pieces will feature organist John Sheaffer who is organist at First United Methodist Church in Waukesha.

Tickets are only $5 and are available in the Shattuck Auditorium lobby on the evening of the concert. 

A different concert

Community music groups come in a number of different configurations: community bands, orchestras, church ensembles and the like. Every now and then a unique community group performs and I love to publicize it.

Such a group is the Oshkosh Horn Choir. The Choir is led by Professor Bruce Atwell at UWO and is made up of volunteer french horn players from all over eastern Wisconsin, with members driving to Oshkosh for rehearsals from as far away as Green Bay and Milwaukee. Many of these people also play in other community groups, but their love for the sound of the horn bring them together for this unique music making.

The Horn Choir's performance is at 7 PM on November 15 in the Music Hall of the Arts and Communications Center on the UWO campus. And I know that many of the musicians will gather at Fratello's after the concert. For those who may not know, Fratello's is located on the Fox River. The view in summer is spectacular. And Fratello's is the Oshkosh home of the Fox River Brewing Company. I can tell you from experience that the Scotch Ale is wonderful. After the concert, stop by and congratulate the group on the performance.

So, mark November 15 on your calendar. See you in Oshkosh. And say hi...I'll be taking pictures there!

And one more thing: it isn't often that I comment on concerts that I have attended, but I will take the space to mention the wonderful concert performed by the Menomonee Falls Symphony and the Daryl Stuermer band on SUnday the 23rd. The first half of the concert was made up of some light classics culminating with the finale of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. The second half was a symphonic presentation of the music of Genesis, performed by the Stuermer band with the backing of the orchestra. The orchestrations were tight and it was fun to see the string section playing some of the rock rhythms. All in all, an excellent concert. I would love to see Mr. Stuermer take this show on the road with other symphony orchestras, and if a CD of this music was offered, it would be in my collection right away. Great job MFSO! Great orchestrations Mr. Stuermer!

Concert Announcement - Kettle Moraine Symphony

Join the Kettle Moraine Symphony for a salute to Veterans of our armed forces on Sunday Nov. 13 at 2:30 PM at the West Bend High School Auditorium.  Veterans, their families and music lovers of all kinds will be treated to a celebration of United States servicemen and servicewomen, past and present. Local veterans groups are participating in the event which includes an honor guard, official service songs from the armed services branches, and special drum and dance features.

The program features Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, music from the television show Victory At Sea, the official songs of all the branches of the service, and a salute to the Big Bands, including Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, and others.

The KMS is also partnering with AT&T Pioneers for a Cell Phones for Soldiers drive; old cell phones brought to the concert will be recycled to provide calling cards for Wisconsin soldiers abroad.

You can find more information at the Kettle Moraine Symphony's web site.

Concert Preview: Wauwatosa Community Band

But first a reminder that the concert by the Milwaukee Festival Brass is Sunday October 23 at 3 PM in the Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College. The Halloween Theme should be a lot of fun. For more information, see their web site.

The Preview is for the Halloween Kids Concert presented by the Wauwatosa Community Band. The fun begins at 7 PM on Tuesday November 8 in the Auditorium at Longfellow Middle School, corner of 76th and North Avenue. The concert will feature music from one of my favorite movies of all time: Fantasia. Featured will be The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Paul Dukas, and Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, both of which were featured in the film. And I have to say that both are great selections for a concert this time of year.

And in celebration of the success of the Brewers this year, the band will perform the favorite Casey At the Bat.

Tickets are $5 for Adults and $3 for Seniors and Children. And stick around after the concert for the Cookie Reception sponsored by the members of the band. For more information, check out the Tosa Band web site.

Just a reminder

Best to order your tickets for the Menomonee Falls Symphony performance on Sunday October 23. The concert begins at 1 PM at the Sussex Hamilton Fine Arts Center and features rocker and Milwaukean Daryl Stuermer and his band, performing symphonic arrangements of the hits of Genesis. I wrote about this performance a few weeks back. It will be a good one.

Just a note that the concert is at 1 PM because the kickoff of the Packer game is at 3:15. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the concert and still make it home, or to your favorite place of Packer viewing.

The Menomonee Falls Symphony website has all the information. Since the seats for this concert are reserved, it is best to get yours soon.

See you there.

Concert Preview: Milwaukee Festival Brass

Join the Milwaukee Festival Brass on Sunday October 23 at Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College for their concert entitled Ghosts and Goblins. Under the baton of Dr. Martin Rowden, the MFB will present original compositions and arrangements related to the Halloween Season.

The MFB will perform two British Marches: The Black Knight by William Rimmer, and Mephistopheles by Shipley Douglas. The MFB will feature the Euphonium in a piece entitled Midnight Euphonium, and the tuba in Marley's Ghost. Also on the program is Music of the Night from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.

The MFB has been performing for many years at a high level of musicianship and entertainment. The new Director's choice in programming seems to keep that level high in both categories. Mark you calendar for an afternoon of music to welcome the first new co-director of the Milwaukee Festival Brass.

New Directors: Milwaukee Festival Brass

As you know, Dr. Patricia Backhaus completed her tenure as Music Director of the Milwaukee Festival Brass last June. The MFB now has announced two co-directors for the 2011-2012 season.

Dr. Martin Rowden of Milwaukee will direct the October 23 concert at the Schwan Concert Hall of Wisconsin Lutheran College. He is currently the Music and Arts Director for the Salvation Army's Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division. He has extensive brass band experience as a cornet player and conductor in the US and in Australia.

Dr. Mark Taylor, from Lake Forest IL, has most recently been Associate Conductor of the University of North Texas Brass, the Director of Bands at Loyola University, as well as a long time percussionist and Board Member of the Chicago Brass Band.

In addition to these two co-directors, the MFB announced it's new Director for the Milwaukee Festival Youth Brass. He is Dr. Walter Rich of Brookfield. Dr. Rich conducts the Sheboygan Area Youth Symphony, the Oconomowoc American Legion Band, and is Principle Tubist with the Sheboygan Symphony.

To learn more of these appointments, or more about the Milwaukee Festival Brass, check out their web site. And more on the MFB October concert next week!

Season Preview: Knightwind Ensemble

I had a chance to ask the Music Director of the Knightwind Ensemble, Dr. Erik Janners, about his plans for the group's upcoming season.  Dr. Janners was kind enough to write a nice preview of the fall and spring concerts for the Ensemble.  Rather than try to interpret his information, I decided to post it directly to you.  Here is the season preview, directly from Dr. Janners.

We are very, very excited to get down to work on the music for the Knightwind Ensemble’s upcoming season! Entering my second year as music director, I feel that I really know the ensemble now, as I gained an understanding of who they are and what they do over the course of my first year. Last year finished with a "BANG!" as well, with our performance of James Barnes’ Third Symphony on our spring concert. It was a fantastic performance of a truly epic work, and one that I will always remember.

This season promises to be an improvement over last year, good as it was, with the group welcoming in several extraordinarily talented new members. Our fall concert (Nov. 20, 2011) theme is “Masterworks for Winds” and will showcase some of the most important music from the band repertoire from throughout its history. We begin with Walter Piston’s Tunbridge Fair, one of the first commissions from the American Bandmasters Association in 1950 when they began to commission prominent orchestral composers to write for the wind band. It is Piston’s only band work, and was a tremendously important composition in the early years of the serious band movement in the US in terms of convincing other composers of the worthiness of writing for band. Next we will perform Maurice Ravel’s Alborada del Gracioso, transcribed for band by Lawrence Odom. This is a real tour-de-force piece for winds, showcasing their technical brilliance and dynamic mastery. Our final piece on the first half is Karel Husa’s amazing Music for Prague 1968, which Husa wrote shortly after crushing of the “Prague Spring” movement in Czechoslovakia in 1968. This work captures all of the emotion and intensity of that time for the Czech people, and is regarded by most experts as one of the 10 most important wind band works of all time. The third movement of the work is for percussion only, and will highlight the skills of that excellent section of the Knightwind Ensemble.

The second half of our fall concert begins with Vincent Persichetti’s most important band work, Divertimento for Band. It was his first band work and dates from 1950, the same year that Tunbridge Fair was composed. The six movement of the Divertimento are like six miniatures – each is a short musical glimpse of a mood, thought or idea. Next is Philip Sparke’s Dance Movements. Commissioned by the US Air Force Band, it was premiered in 1996 and won the Sudler Prize that year as the best new band work of the year. A technical showcase for band, Dance Movements has two outer movements that frame a second movement written only for woodwinds and a third movement written only for brass. It was one of the most important works of the 1990’s and helped to introduce the British Band composers to American audiences. We close our fall concert with Shostakovich’s Folk Dances, a real crowd-pleaser and one of the most often-performed transcribed works in the repertoire. It will be a stunning showcase of a concert for sure!!!


The theme of the Knightwind Ensemble’s spring concert (April 1, 2012) is “Songs and Dances.” The concert opens with Julie Giroux’s wonderful overture To Walk With Wings, which is then followed by a masterful transcription of JS Bach’s Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor, originally for organ. The first half closes with a performance of Martin Ellerby’s Venetian Spells. Written in 1997, each of the four movements of this work pays homage to a great composer associated with the city of Venice, including Vivaldi, Stravinsky, Monteverdi, and Gabrieli.


The second half of the spring concert opens with the major work of this program, Piece of Mind for Wind Ensemble by the composer and pianist Dana Wilson. The work, also in four movements like the Ellerby, showcases the composer’s thoughts about various states of mind through music, with movement titles including Thinking, Feeling, Remembering, and Being. A truly incredible work, infused with jazz elements, eastern scales, and a shocking rhythmic intensity. Following that is Percy Grainger’s classic Colonial Song, and we close the concert with David Holsinger’s Scootin’ on Hardrock, which is subtitled “Three Short Scat-Jazzy Dances.” This is one of the most enjoyable works I know from the standpoint of sheer fun, and really will make you want to get up and dance!


So that is a look at our upcoming season! We hope that you will join us for both concerts. Tickets can be purchased online in advance through the website of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.


 
And you can learn more about the Knightwind Ensemble from their website.

Special Concert: Menomonee Falls Symphony

Some of you may have seen the listing for the Menomonee Falls Symphony concert for October 23rd at 1 PM. The MFSO will be joined by none other than Daryl Stuermer, guitarist for Genesis. His group Genesis Rewired will join the MFSO for a symphonic look at the music of Genesis.

This is a special performance, and is a Thank You to the MFSO. Earlier this summer, the MFSO assisted Mr. Stuermer and Genesis Rewired in finalizing the symphonic arrangements. Now the Band is goining the Orchestra in performing this show here at the Sussex Fine Arts Center. I may be wrong, but I predict that Mr. Stuermer and the band will take this show on tour to play with many of the country's symphony orchestras. And the neat thing about this is that the MFSO had a key role in developing the arrangements.

Be sure to reserve October 23rd to join the Menomonee Falls Symphony and Genesis Rewired for an afternoon of wonderful music, from two very different genres: symphonic and rock!

Community Music Calendar for 2011 - 2012

Here is a list of the concerts for the community bands and orchestras in and around the Milwaukee Area that I found in my search. These concerts are always fun and many are outstanding in their presentation of difficult music. We are truly blessed here in the Milwaukee area, to have so many community groups performing for our enjoyment at an extremely low cost. Be sure to mark your calendar to include as many of these concerts as you can.

There are a couple of groups that have not published their concert dates yet. As soon as I learn those dates, I'll get them listed.

And if you have concert dates that I have missed, please email them to me and I will update the calendar and post the additions. Thanks.


OCTOBER


12 - Suburban Concert Band, 7:30 PM, Nathan Hale High School
16 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 3 PM, Cedarburg PAC
23 - Milwaukee Festival Brass, 3 PM, Wisconsin Lutheran College
23 - Menomonee Falls Symphony featuring Daryl Steurmer, 1 PM, Sussex Hamilton PAC


NOVEMBER



20 - Knightwind Ensemble, 3 PM, South Milwaukee PAC


DECEMBER

11 - Menomonee Falls Symphony, 3 PM, Sussex Hamilton PAC
16 - Suburban Concert Band, 7:30, Nathan Hale High School
16 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 6PM, Basilica of Holy Hill
18 - Milwaukee Festival Brass, 3 PM, Wisconsin Lutheran College


JANUARY


No concerts


FEBRUARY

10 and 11: Menomonee Falls Symphony Dinner Concert, 6:30 PM, Silver Spring Country Club



MARCH



4 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 3 PM, Cedarburg PAC
25 - Milwaukee Festival Brass, 3 PM, Wisconsin Lutheran College
30 - Suburban Concert Band, 7:30 PM, Nathan Hale High School


APRIL


3 - Knightwind Ensemble, 3 PM, South Milwaukee PAC


MAY


6 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 3 PM, Cedarburg PAC
11 - Suburban Concert Band, 7:30, Nathan Hale High School
15 - Milwaukee Festival Brass Youth Brass, 7 PM, Mount Mary College
20 - Milwaukee Festival Brass, 3 PM, Wisconsin Lutheran College
28 - Knightwind Ensemble, 1 PM, Wisconsin Memorial Park

If you are interested in playing in a community band...

Then this post is for you. Here is a list of some of the groups in the Milwaukee area listed by the evenings that they rehearse.

Sunday: The Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band is under the direction of Karen Lippert. They welcome all players regardless of ability and play traditional concert band music. Unfortunately, they do not have a web site at this time. If you are interested in more information, post a response or send an email and I will forward your information to the director.

Monday: The Menomonee Falls Symphony, under the direction of Mike Kamenski, rehearses on Monday evenings in Sussex at Hamilton High School. An audition is required. More information can be found at their web site.

Tuesday: The Wauwatosa Community Band, under the direction of Donna Kummer, rehearses at Longfellow Middle School. Tosa Band performs as a symphonic band and also as Tosa Jazz, so those folks that like both genre's of music may find a good fit with this group. See their web site for more information.

Tuesday: For the folks in the western suburbs, the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band also rehearses on Tuesday. The group is directed by Rick Kirby, who has also composed music for some of the concerts. Their web site also has more information.

Tuesday: The Milwaukee Festival Brass, the only British style Brass Band in the area, rehearses on Tuesday as well. This group is unique in that they have an apprentice program for high school students as well as a youth British Brass Band. All the details are on their site.

Wednesday: The Milwaukee American Legion Band is a traditional, patriotic-style community band. They are directed by Mike Van Pelt. Their site has information on their history, which is extensive, and on joining.

Wednesday: The Lakeshore Symphonic Band serves the north shore and Ozaukee County communities, performing their concerts at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center. Click here for their information.

Wednesday: The Knightwind Ensemble is the most decorated community band in the area, having been awarded the Sudler Silver Scroll from the John Phillip Sousa Foundation. The group performs very difficult music, and performs it well. As a result, auditions are required. Their web site has all the audition and history information. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a volunteer for the group.

Thursday: The Milwaukee Concert Band is another group with a long history, having been sponsored at one time by the Civic Music Association. Unfortunately, they do not have a web site. There is contact information for this group at the Wisconsin Music Group web site.

Thursday: The Suburban Concert Band is based in West Allis and is sponsored by the West Allis Rec department. Their web site has all the information.

Thursday: The Greendale Village Band welcomes members of all playing abilities. Unfortunately, they do not have a web site. However, the Wisconsin Music Group site does have contact information.

And if I missed information on your group, send me an email and I'll be sure to post it.

The end of the Summer Season

The Racine Concert Band completes its summer season for 2011 with the 1433rd free concert. The Band welcomes soprano Ami Bouterse and trumpeter Eric Weiss.

Ms. Bouterse is an accomplished performer, having sung all over the country with Theater and Opera companies. She is an Assistant Professor of Music, teaching voice and directing the Opera Workshop. Unfortunately, I do not have the selections she will perform.

Trumpeter Eric Weiss will perform The Man With The Horn. No doubt it will be a lot of fun!

And keep in mind that there will be a special prize drawing tonight after every piece performed. And your entries are from your guesses in the Racine Concert Band Quiz turned in at the other concerts. It will be a fun evening for all, and a fitting end to the summer.

Concert Preview August 21

The Summer Series for the Racine Concert band is winding down. On Sunday August 21, the Band welcomes Soprano Amie Miller. She will perform a number of selections, unfortunately they are not known at this time. However, she performed with the band last year and was a big hit.

Also on the program is a Clarinet Duet entitled Pepperino. It will feature Diane Kosmala and Graciela Baldwin.

The concert begins at 7PM. Be sure to attend and get more entries into the big prize drawing at the August 28th concert.

The Racine Summer Series Continues

Join the Racine Concert Band on Sunday August 14 when baritone Gregory Berg will join the band. Mr. Berg is an Assistant Professor of Music at Carthage College and a frequent performer in Southeast Wisconsin. He will perform serious works by Handel and Tchaikovsky, and later sing some tunes by the likes of Harold Arlen and the Gershwin Brothers.

Also on the program is the Albinoni Concerto for Two Oboes, featuring Katherine Radek and Alyssa Piela of the Band.

And it's always fun to hear the music of The Peanut Vendor!

The concert begins at 7:00. See you there.

Racine Concert Band August 7

The Racine Summer Concert Series continues on Sunday August 7 at 7 PM, 30 minutes earlier than the concerts in July. This week, the Maestro Mark Eichner will perform a trumpet solo entitled Trumpet in the Night.

Later in the program, soprano Kathryn Thorson (of the flute section) will perform some wonderful tunes including I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables.

And don't forget to enter the Racine Concert Band Quiz, not only to win some nice prizes at the concert, but to be included in the big drawing at the last concert of the season. Any entries in the quiz at any concert this summer is included in the big prize give-away at the last concert of the season. It's the Racine Concert Band's way of saying Thank You for enjoying our music!

Concert Preview: July 31 in Racine

The series by the Racine Concert Band continues on Sunday July 31 at the Racine Zoo when the Band welcomes Soprano and former Miss Racine, Ms. Jeannie Hatfield. She will perform music from Rogers and Hart, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, and Irving Berlin. Jeannie always puts on a good show, and this should be no exception.

Also featured on the program is Alto Saxophonist Margaret Schwingle performing a Tango by Issac Albinez. And, of course, Music Director Mark Eichner will end the concert with a Sousa march. Lots of fun for the whole family.

Keep in mind that this is the last concert beginning at 7:30. In August, the concerts will begin at 7 PM due to the setting of the sun.

The last summer concert in Shorewood for 2011

This week will mark the closing of the 2011 summer season for the Shorewood Concert Band. Dr. Patricia Backhaus will present a program entitled Band Shell Classics. Dr. Pat always programs a fun concert, and this one will be no exception. I'll be there, and I hope you will be too!

And the summer season continues at the Racine Zoo on Sunday evening the 24th when the Racine Concert band welcomes mezzo-soprano Allison Hull. Ms. Hull is a faculty member at UW-Parkside who has performed with the Skylight and Florentine Opera companies in Milwaukee, and the Seattle Opera nationally. She is a frequent guest with the Racine Concert band.

Also on the program is music featuring the saxophone section.

It looks to be a wonderful concert. Hope to see you there!

The second summer season begins

Some community bands begin their summer season right after school let's out, and finishes usually in mid-July. Others begin for their community's celebration of July 4th, and run to the end of August. Such is the case in Racine, where the Racine Concert Band has begun their summer concert series. From now to the end of August, you can hear the Racine Concert Band every Sunday evening at the Racine Zoo. Check out their web site for more details.

And let me make a special mention for the concert on July 10, dedicated especially for kids - of all ages. The children's concert is always a lot of fun and well worth attending. If you are checking your calendar a week farther out, the Band will feature the Horn section on the 17th.

The concerts begin at 7:30 in July and at 7:00 in August. And, to attend the concert, there is no Zoo admission (assuming you are arriving about 7:00 for a 7:30 concert. Be advised that if you arrive mid-afternoon, you will be charged the normal admission to the Zoo, even if you stay for the concert.

Be sure to check their web site and mark a date or two, or more, on your calendar for the Racine Concert Band. I'll be at many of them. Hope to see you there.

Coming up

Not much to tell you about this week. Keep in mind that just about every community band will be performing on or around Monday July 4th. Some will be in parades, some will be performing before the fireworks, and others will be performing during the day's celebrations. Be sure to take in their concert and cheer for your fellow citizens, who are volunteering their time for your enjoyment.

Music is the best because both the performers and audience enjoy it so much. Be sure to enjoy some yourself this upcoming holiday.

Because of the holiday on the 4th, no post next Sunday.

In closing, be sure to attend the concert by the Milwaukee American Legion Band on Tuesday July 5 in Humboldt Park at the Chalet stage. It's a Milwaukee tradition!

Upcoming concert: Shorewood Concert Band and a contest

The Shorewood Concert Band performs in Atwater Park this Thursday June 23rd at 7 PM. Led by Dr. Patricia Backhaus, the group performs 4 concerts per summer in the park. This Thursday's concert theme is "water music". And this week's concert will have a guest conductor: Mr. Jamin Hoffman of the Concord Chamber Orchestra. Should be fun!

So, bring a blanket or a lawn chair and be ready for a good time. The fun begins at 7 PM. Hope to see you there.

One other thing: I have to mention a special contest held by my favorite podcast. The Philcast, the daily podcast of local personality Phil Cianciola, is giving away a week at camp to a kid in the Milwaukee area. Log on to http://thephilcast.com/ for all the details. All you have to do is send an email to Phil at phil@thephilcast.com, telling him why you nominate your camp kid. If your entry is selected, your nominee gets a free week this summer at Camp Timber-lee. What a cool offer!

And while you are there, bookmark the page and listen to all the podcasts. Great fun, and you may hear email comments from Bruce from Greenfield...that would be me. Keep up on the podcasts and you can meet Phil at the State Fair, learn about the bacon explosion, and other earth shattering things. And be sure to tell a friend. More people need to listen to this daily dose of fun! There is made-up scientific proof that road rage would be reduced if everyone listened to Phil. Cause I just made it up! So there!

The Tradition Continues

For as long as I can remember, this local community band has played a summer concert in the park. This year the tradition continues. The Milwaukee American Legion Band will perform on the Chalet stage in Humboldt Park this year on Tuesday July 5. The program begins at 6:30 with a performance by the Daley Debutantes Baton and Drum Corps. The American Legion Band, under the direction of Mike VanPelt, then follows with a traditional band concert in the park. Unfortunately, I do not have any information about the program just yet. But the Legion Band concerts are always fun and full of tradition. For instance, the band always begins with a march The Champions, which was written for the band many years ago. And the band always completes the program in the same way.

I suggest you mark July 5 on your calendar for an annual event: the summer concert by the Milwaukee American Legion Band in Humboldt Park. It's been going on for as long as I can remember!

First summer band concert

Join the Shorewood Concert Band for the first summer band concert this Saturday, June 11. The concert is a part of the Shorewood Men's Club Chicken Barbecue, held all day at Atwater Park, corner of Capitol Drive and Lake Drive in Shorewood. The Band begins its performance at 12:30 and will feature music with Wisconsin ties.

I'm looking forward to the concert, not only because it officially starts the summer band concert season, but because I love the Rupena's Chicken dinner, cooked fresh right in Atwater park. I'm going to enjoy the concert and then grab some chicken for a late lunch. The funds raised by the Men's Club go to a number of Shorewood groups, including the Concert Band.

So, see you at Atwater Park on Saturday, about 12:20 or so. Bring a lawn chair, relax, and enjoy the show. And then enjoy some chicken!

Two reminders

This Monday is Memorial Day, when we remember those who served in the military and gave their lives for our freedom. It is a day of remembrance, especially for those families immediately affected by such a sacrifice.

Please keep the solemnity of the day in mind. Take a moment to honor those who gave their lives. And also honor all who served. It is because of their service that we enjoy the freedoms that we have.

I hope to see you at the Knightwind Ensemble concert at Wisconsin Memorial Park at 1 PM in the Chapel of the Chimes.

The second reminder is that Dr. Patricia Backhaus will conduct last concert as Music Director of the Milwaukee Festival Brass on Saturday June 4 at 3 PM in the Schwan Concert Hall of Wisconsin Lutheran College. It will be a memorable concert for sure, mixing Beatles music, 50's Rock and Roll, the music of Gustav Holst, and music from the Lord of the Rings. WOW! Let's fill the hall for this one!

First event of the summer

Here is a sign that summer is almost here: the first summer band concert announcement!

Announcing: The Shorewood Concert Band will perform at the Shorewood Men's Club Chicken Barbecue. It will be held at Atwater Park, corner of Lake Drive and Capitol Drive in Shorewood on Saturday June 11th. The Band concert will begin at 12:30. The Chicken Barbecue begins at 11:30 and goes to about 7 PM.

As usual, the Shorewood Concert Band, under the baton of Dr. Patricia Backhaus, will present a light program of show tunes, marches, and band favorites. This year, the program for the Chicken Barbecue is On Wisconsin: Music with Wisconsin Ties. The program will last about an hour, so come for the concert and grab some delicious chicken to take home. The money helps fund a number of groups helped by the Men's Club, and one of those groups is the Band.

Hope to see you there!

A Change for Memorial Day

There are two Memorial Day concerts this year, one in the early afternoon and one in the late afternoon. The late afternoon concert is downtown at the War Memorial Center, Wisconsin Avenue at the lake, at 5 PM, performed by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band. The MMCCB has performed at the War Memorial Center for a number of years, and always presents a nice concert. There is no admission.

The change is in regards to the early afternoon concert performed by the Knightwind Ensemble. For 21 years, the Ensemble has performed their annual Pops Concert at the Milwaukee County Zoo. This year, the concert venue has changed to the Chapel of the Chimes in Wisconsin Memorial Park, 132nd and Capitol Drive in Brookfield. This year the Ensemble will perform music of the Civil War in commemoration of its 150th anniversary. Selections include The Blue and The Gray and American Salute, a wonderful arrangement of When Johnny Comes Marching Home. And no Memorial Day concert would be complete without the Armed Forces Salute.

The concert begins at 1 PM, but you may want to arrive early. The Brookfield Civic Chorus performs a Memorial Day program at noon. You can also browse the many hallways filled with wonderful artwork. Also, Wisconsin Memorial Park will be flying 1500 U.S. Flags, called their Avenue of the Flags, beginning at 9:30 AM. This is truly an impressive site you don't want to miss.

So, be sure to take in one of the Memorial Day concerts. I'll be at the Knightwind Ensemble concert, and I hope to see you there.

Concert Preview - Menomonee Falls Symphony

The Menomonee Falls Symphony presents a whopper of a concert on Saturday evening May 21 at 7:30 PM in the Sussex Hamilton Fine Arts Center. Two major works will be performed.

The symphony will reprise The Armed Man of Karl Jenkins, a multi-movement work for chorus, soloists, and orchestra. The MFSO performed this piece a number of times at the anniversary of September 11th. The theme of the concert is the devastation of war and the need for peace. The timing of this performance is especially interesting given the events of the last few days.

The MFSO will also perform the First Symphony of Gustav Mahler. The dramatic four movement symphony is sometimes called the Titan, as Mahler originally conceived the symphony as a tone poem loosely based on the Jean Paul novel of the same name. Instead of trying to summarize such a work, I think I can best describe the symphony as dramatic and wonderful, and leave it at that. This is one you don't want to miss.

You can get more information, or order tickets, by visiting the MFSO web site.

Just a few concerts left this season

The spring concert season is nearly completed. Here's a list of upcoming concerts as I have them right now.

May 15 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, Cedarburg Performing Arts Center, 3 PM

May 15 - Milwaukee American Legion Band, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 3 PM

May 22 - Menomonee Falls Symphony performing the First Symphony of Gustav Mahler, Sussex Hamilton Fine Arts Center, 7:30 PM

May 30 - Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band, Milwaukee War Memorial Center, 5 PM


And I'll have a concert preview of the Menomonee Falls Symphony concert for you next week!

Time for reflection and an event in Oshkosh

This is the time of religious holidays: Easter and Passover are the two that come to my mind immediately because I have many good Christian and Jewish friends. If you celebrate a holiday at this time of year, I wish the very best for you.

One note for people in the Fox Valley for Tuesday evening April 26. The Oshkosh Horn Choir under the direction of Dr. Bruce Atwell will perform at the First Congregational Church in Oshkosh beginning at 7 PM. This group is made up mostly of community horn players from all over eastern Wisconsin, from Green Bay to Milwaukee. Of course, there are a few horn students of Dr. Atwell performing as well. The Choir will perform a wide variety of music for about an hour or so. There is no charge for the concert, so don't miss it.

We're in that in-between period

Not a lot of news to report on the Milwaukee Community Music scene this week. So, let me pass on a real gem of the Internet that I've been listening to since last fall. It's called The Philcast - a daily podcast you can find at OnMilwaukee.com and ThePhilcast.com. ThePhilcast is the brainchild and work of former AM News radio guy Phil Cianciola. Ever since he was shown the door at WTMJ (about a year and a half ago), he has been working on a local Internet talk show. Every show is a lot of fun...where else can you can you hear about Bacon Cologne (Wednesday's podcast, or Show-gram as Phil calls it). So I encourage you to give ThePhilcast a try. And patronize his sponsors. I would hate to see this wonderful bit of Milwaukee culture go away. One other tidbit: the Tuesday shows have a segment called Tell-A-Friend Tuesday. So be sure to call in the the Phil Phone (888-414-PHIL) and mention that you heard about the PhilCast from the Milwaukee Community Music Blog, which is written by Bruce from Greenfield (that's how they know me on the PhilCast).

Concert Preview - Waukesha Area Symphonic Band

Join the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band on Sunday April 17 at 7:30 PM for a concert entitled Commemoration. The concert will feature the winner of the 2011 WASB Concerto Competition, flautist Elyse Brotzman, and will benefit the Adaptive Community Approach Program of Waukesha. Ms. Brotzman is a home schooled Senior in Glendale and has been playing the flute for 10 years. She is currently studying with Judith Ormond. She is a member of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and also performs with the Milwaukee School of Engineering Symphony Orchestra. She will perform the first movement of Jacque Ibert's Concerto for Flute. Also on the program are works by Norman Dello Joio, Edward Elgar, Rick Kirby, John Williams, and a special centennial celebration performance of Gustav Holst's Second Suite in F for Military Band. As previously mentioned, the concert is a benefit for the Waukesha ACAP, which serves adults with physical disabilities in the Waukesha area. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, see the WASB web site, or call 262.370.6129.

Sad News

I received news that long time community band director Bob Awe passed away. Bob was a band director in the South Milwaukee School District, and for a long time was the director of Lake Band and the founder of the Lake Shore Wind Symphony. You can see more information here. Keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Today is the Knightwind Ensemble concert, and I am preparing to sell tickets and perform the other duties in the lobby. So, not much of a post today. Hope to see you at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. For more information, check the Knightwind Ensemble site.

Spring is here

At least on the calendar. As I write this, northern Wisconsin is under a Winter Storm Watch with a foot of snow predicted. I'm glad I go up there in the summer and not now!

And the calendar of concerts shows a few that are coming up. I wanted to bring them to your attention and convince you to attend at least one of the concerts.

There are two concerts on Sunday April 3rd. The Milwaukee Festival Brass perform at 3 PM at Wisconsin Lutheran College. The Knightwind Ensemble also performs at 3 PM but at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. If it makes a difference, I will be volunteering at the Knightwind Ensemble concert, selling tickets in the lobby before the concert. If you decide to attend, be sure to visit the Knightwind web site and print the page with the concert description, where you will receive $1 off every adult ticket in your party.

However, whichever concert of those you attend, you will enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music.

On April 17 at 7:30 PM, the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band will perform at Shattuck Auditorium at Carroll University in Waukesha. The concert will feature the winner of the February Concerto Competition.

Stay warm, think spring, and as Obie Yadgar used to say on WFMR, Find a Concert and Go To It!

Concert Announcement

I received information from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band announcing their upcoming concert. It will be held on Saturday April 2 at 7 PM in the Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College. Director Karen Lippert has chosen the concert theme Just Add Water. The concert will include a sprinkling of composers from Tchaikovsky to The Beatles. If you'd like more information, please email them at kmlippert@wi.rr.com.

There is also an interesting article online at bachelorsdegree.org reviewing 20 important benefits of music in our schools. In this time of budget cutting, these reasons are sometimes lost in the shuffle. Here is the link to the article.

Director Vacancy

I just received word that the Milwaukee Festival Brass is looking for a Music Director beginning next season. The MFB is Milwaukee's only British Style Brass Band. They have been under the direction of Dr. Patricia Backhaus for a number of years (sorry, I don't know just how many), and are much improved under her baton (and that I know from attending concerts over many years).

First, we all wish Dr. Pat the best in her new endeavors. Hopefully, I will be able to have a post in the near future with comments from Dr. Pat on those endeavors.

But the MFB needs help getting the word out to prospective brass band directors. All the details on the Music Director position, as well as the position of Music Director for the Milwaukee Festival Youth Brass (very possibly separate positions), are at the MFB web site: http://www.mfbrass.org/. If you are interested or even just curious, take a look. And if you know someone who would be interested, please pass this information on.

And one more thing: the MFB has two remaining concerts under Dr. Pat's baton: one on Sunday April 3 at 3 PM and the final concert on Saturday June 4 at 3 PM, both at Wisconsin Lutheran College. I think it would be great for Dr. Pat to receive a rousing audience for both concerts. Unfortunately, I have a conflict in April, but I've saved the June 4th date. I'll definitely be there!

Want to play in a group?

This time of year there is not a lot of news from the different community bands that I can post. A bit slow if you will. But I noticed that there are a few groups looking for members in the Milwaukee area.

I always scan the Auditions list in the Friday Journal-Sentinel Cue section just to see what is going on. Usually at this time of year, the listings are for theater groups. However, I saw listings for a number of community bands including the Milwaukee Concert Band and the Greendale Village Band. They are looking for help to finish the season as well as perform during the summer.

So, if you procrastinated and still haven't picked up the horn, you still have a chance to join a group. Take a look at the Auditions section to see if one might be right for you. You can also find out a lot about the community bands in Wisconsin by checking the Wisconsin Music Group page: http://my.execpc.com/~regent/

Time to get the chops back into playing shape!

Support music education in our schools

The week of March 6 to 10, Barnes and Noble will be supporting music education in our public schools. A portion of the proceeds of eligible sales will be donated to music education.

This is a great deal - not only do you get to do some shopping, but music education in Wisconsin gets a helping hand as well. For all the details, see this site: www.foundation4schoolmusic.org.

Time to add to your library!

Congratulations are in order

Congratulations go out to Dr. Bruce Atwell, Professor of Horn at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, for a successful Horn Day on Saturday the 19th. It was the first Horn Day at UWO, with many more to come.

Besides providing seminars on technique and performance for the attendees, there were two special events. The first was the appearance of the American Horn Quartet, one of the best chamber music groups in the world. Not only did they perform in concert in the evening, but they instructed a Master Class in the afternoon for the Horn Day attendees.

I love to see these events well attended because they promote music within the community, and allow amateur musicians to learn from the very best at an extremely low cost. What a great event for Horn students in the Oshkosh and Fox Valley areas. And I know of adults from the Milwaukee area that attended as well.

But I mentioned before that there were two special events. The second event occurred in the afternoon when the American Horn Quartet joined the Fox Valley Horn Club in a performance of the March from Raiders of the Lost Ark by John Williams. The Fox Valley Horn Club is made up of mostly middle and high school students learning the horn, with some adults to help out - especially with the bass clef parts. This arrangement of Raiders is for 12 voices, all French Horns, and it is great. If you missed seeing the performance live, it will be on YouTube very soon. And I'm sure the members of the Horn Club will remember performing with the American Horn Quartet for many years!

As I said, congratulations are definitely in order for both Dr. Atwell and for Don Krause. Well done!

Upcoming concert: Milwaukee Festival Brass

The Milwaukee Festival Brass will perform on Sunday April 3 at 3 PM in the Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College. In the early spring each year, the MFB perform their festival concert, music saluting one of the many ethnic festivals in the Milwaukee area. This year, the concert will feature music with a French flair.

The MFB is the only British Style Brass Band in the area. The instrumentation gives a unique sound to the music, especially to familiar tunes. If you have never heard a brass band performance, you will be very surprised at the difference in sound.

Included on the program are Gershwin's An American in Paris, Bizet's L'Arlesienne, a suite from the opera Carmen, and of course, the music of the can-can. Dr. Patricia Backhaus always programs at least one piece written specifically for brass band, and for this concert the MFB will perform Blitz by Derek Bourgeous.

You can also receive a discount on your tickets if you bring two or more non-perishable food items to benefit the Hunger Task Force. So you get the best of all things: help those less fortunate in our community, get a discount on your ticket, and enjoy a great concert. It doesn't get much better than that...

For more information, please see the MFB web site: www.mfbrass.org

Upcoming concert: Knightwind Ensemble

My guess is that many of you are not familiar with the music of James Barnes, from the University of Kansas. His Third Symphony will be featured by the Knightwind Ensemble at their concert on Sunday April 3rd. The theme for the concert is Music From the Heart, and the Third Symphony is exactly that!

Commissioned by the United States Air Force Band in Washington DC, Barnes composed this major new symphony for band shortly after the death of his infant daughter. Constructed in four movements, the work begins in a mood of darkest despair and bitterness, then slowly progresses all the way to a feeling of joyous reconciliation and a renewal of spirit.

The Ensemble has begun rehearsing the piece and even the early rehearsals are sounding wonderful. I suggest you mark April 3 on your calendar just to hear this piece. It will take your breath away!

And you can check their web site for more information: www.knightwind.org

Reminder

Just a note this week to mention the Dinner / Concert / Fund Raising event for the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra is coming up on February11 and 12 at the Silver Spring Country Club.

I did find out this week that the ever-popular basket raffles will be available again this year. For those of you who are not familiar with these, each section of the Orchestra donates a basket of goodies. Those who attend the dinner / concert can purchase raffle tickets for the baskets. And yes, there are separate baskets for both the Friday and Saturday events, so if you win, you get to carry it out that night!

The food is very good and the concert is always a lot of fun. It's a great way to celebrate Valentine's day with your special someone. For more information, see the MFSO web site at http://my.execpc.com/~regent/mfso.htm.

A community music resource

There is a web page devoted to all types of music groups all over Wisconsin. It's called Wisconsin Music Groups (catchy name!) and it is at this link: http://my.execpc.com/~regent/

Wisconsin Music Groups is a web site listing of different music groups in the state, maintained by Rich Regent. The list includes community bands, orchestras, choral groups, drum and bugle corps, ensembles, and just about anything else. The list includes information about rehearsals, contacts, and web links. So, if you were looking for a community music group in a certain area of Wisconsin, or you were looking for just a listing of community bands, this site will have a lot of information for you.

I suggest you stop by the Wisconsin Music Groups site and take a quick look. But don't forget about WisconsinCommunityMusic.blogspot.com. Keep visit here as well!

Fox Valley / French Horn News

For those who play the French Horn or who live near the Fox Valley, there is a special event happening on Saturday February 19th. Dr. Bruce Atwell from UW-Oshkosh has organized French Horn Day: a full day of activities for those playing the French Horn.

Students can get help preparing for solo and ensemble competitions. The attendees are invited to perform in a Horn Choir concert at 4PM. And this just in: The Fox Valley Horn Choir will perform the theme from Raiders Of the Lost Ark at the evening concert. The performance will be recorded and posted on You Tube following the concert.

Special guests for Horn Day will be the world renowned American Horn Quartet. They will conduct a master class in the afternoon, and perform in concert in the evening. They will also sit in with the Fox Valley Horn Choir for the performance of Raiders.

This is a great opportunity to hear one of the worlds best chamber ensembles. And if you have a student (or are a student) studying horn, here is a great opportunity to receive a critique on the solo or ensemble piece they/you have been working on.

For more information, or to get a registration form, here is the link: ww.uwosh.edu/music/festivals-camp-1/french-horn-day

Concert Preview - Menomonee Falls Symphony

The first post of the year is a preview of a special concert: the annual fund-raising dinner for the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra. The MFSO is one of only a few community orchestras in our area. I find that fact surprising because we have so many successful community bands in the area.

Every year, the MFSO hosts a special Valentine Dinner / Concert at the Silver Spring Country Club. This year the event will be held on two evenings: Friday February 11 and Saturday February 12. Dinner begins at 6:30 while the concert begins right after dessert is served.

This year is the 20th Season of Music Director Michael Kamenski, and the theme for the dinner / concert is Creative Expressions from Mike. The concert will feature compositions and arrangements by Mr. Kamenski, and will include favorite soloists from the past. I know you'll have a great dinner, a wonderful time, and the money you spend will go to a great cause.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit the Orchestra's Website.

Calendar for the Spring 2011

Welcome to 2011. All of the community groups get back together in the cold of winter to work on one or more concerts in the next 5 months or so. Here is the list of concerts as I have it.

January - no concerts

February - 11,12 Menomonee Falls Symphony Valentines Celebration, Dinner at 6:30, Dessert and Concert at 7:30

March
6 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 3 PM, Cedarburg Performing Arts Center

April
3 - Knightwind Ensemble, 3 PM, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (location change)
3 - Milwaukee Festival Brass, 3 PM, Wisconsin Lutheran College
17 - Waukesha Area Symphonic Band, 7:30 PM, Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll University

May
15 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 3 PM, Cedarburg Performing Arts Center
15 - Milwaukee American Legion Band, 3 PM, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center
21 - Menomonee Falls Symphony, 7:30, Sussex Hamilton Fine Arts Center
30 - Knightwind Ensemble, 1 PM, Peck Welcome Center, Milwaukee County Zoo