Merry Christmas

The preparations are nearly complete.  The big day approaches.  With it comes another manifestation of community music:  music at religious ceremonies.  If you attend such an event, take a moment to thank the musicians for bringing their talent to this season.  And a Blessed Christmas to all!

The blog will be back in January with a list of concerts for the second half of the season.

The last event on the calendar

The last event on the calendar of community concerts is Saturday the 21st in Appleton.  Horns A Plenty Christmas begins at 3 PM.  This HAPC concert is special because Appleton is where the concert series was founded.  For all the details, you can check last week's posting or check the Horns A Plenty Christmas web site.

Hope to see you there!

Attention Horn Players in the Fox Valley

Horns A Plenty Christmas returns to the Appleton area on Saturday December 21 at the Fox Valley Lutheran High School.  Horn students of all ages are welcome to participate.

The afternoon begins with a Master Class featuring Dan Grabois, the Horn Professor at UW-Madison.  A rehearsal for all registered horn players will begin at 2 PM to quickly go over the music.  The concert begins at 3 PM and is open to the public.  The concert will also feature guest artists James Saunders and Dan Grabois.

This is a fantastic opportunity for horn students of any talent level.  The music is easy to play, the arrangements (many done by UW-Oshkosh Horn Professor Bruce Atwell) are wonderful.  Check the Horns A Plenty Christmas web site for registration forms and all the details.

For concert attendees, the concert is fun and the guest soloists are always amazing.  And the concert is free to attend.  If you enjoy the music, please make a donation to provide scholarships to deserving horn students.  I'll be there and I hope to see you there as well.

There are also five concerts in the Milwaukee area this week.  See the blog posting of November 17 for the details.  And take some time out of the busy schedule to enjoy the music of the season!

The Holiday Music Season is here

While radio stations have been playing commercials with Christmas Music in the background, and at least one Milwaukee radio station is playing full-time Holiday music, the community music groups are preparing for their second concert of the season.  There are two concerts coming up that look very good.

The first is Saturday December 7 at 8 PM.  The Concord Chamber Orchestra will perform Hearts at the Basilica of St. Josephat, on 6th and Lincoln on Milwaukee's South Side.  Music Director Jamin Hoffman chose the name based on the concert theme for the annual choral spectacular "to celebrate both romance and the love that warms our hearts during the Christmas season!"

The concert includes music by Humperdinck, Mendelssohn, and Bach, and features the UW-Parkside Choirs, conducted by Dr. James Kinchen.  A wonderful way to begin the celebration of the season!  Tickets can be ordered from the web site or purchased at the door.

The second concert is the next afternoon, Sunday December 8 at 3 PM in the Hamilton Fine Arts Center in Sussex.  The Menomonee Falls Symphony will be joined by the adult and children choirs of Peace Lutheran Church and Academy in Caroling for Christmas.  Unfortunately, I do not have details of the program.  As with the previous concert, tickets can be ordered from the web site or purchased at the door.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you have a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving Holiday.

This holiday usually marks the beginning of individuals giving back to their community by performing in churches, senior centers, and nursing facilities throughout the season.  If you come across musicians, actors, or other artists sharing their talents with others, take a moment to stop and thank them for their efforts.  What they do, and what you do to encourage them, help make our world a better place.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Check your calendar for these upcoming concerts

The concert season is about to move into the Holiday Music season.  Because of the large number of concerts in a short amount of time, I thought it best to republish the list of concerts I have for the season.  So many concerts to attend, so little time.

All the concerts I have listed are in December.

· Sat. 7 8:00 Concord Chamber Orchestra, at the Basilica of St. Josaphat, featuring the choir from the University of Wisconsin - Parkside
· Sun. 8 3:00 Menomonee Falls Symphony, at Hamilton Fine Arts Center performing Caroling for Christmas
· Tue. 10 7:30 Wauwatosa Community Band, at Longfellow Middle School performing Holiday Music
· Fri. 13 7:30 Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Carroll University performing Holiday Music
· Sat. 14 1:00 Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at Mitchell Park Domes
· Sat. 14 7:00 Menomonee Falls Symphony, at Mount Carmel Lutheran Church (84^th and Center) performing Sing Along Messiah
· Sun. 15 2:00 Milwaukee Festival Brassat Wisconsin Lutheran College performing Holiday in Brass III
· Sun. 15 6:00 Lakeshore Symphonic Band at the Basilica at Holy Hill
· Sat. 21 TBA Horns A Plenty Christmas performance in Appleton, WI

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the commercial holiday season and enjoy some wonderful music.  It might make your holiday a bit brighter!

An upcoming concert in honor of our Veterans

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band will perform a special concert in honor of Veterans, entitled Entertaining Our Troops:  The Sweet Sounds of Home.  The concert begins at 3 PM on Sunday November 17 in the Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College, 88th and Wisconsin.

I do not have a lot of information about the concert, but I have been to MMCCB performances in the past.  They are always fun and the group is well prepared.  I know you will enjoy the concert.

The MMCCB performances are wonderful for bringing young people to experience a classical style concert for the first time, as the music is lighter the feel is more casual, and it's fun.  Also, all performances are free - great if your little one just cannot handle sitting still for more than five minutes.  A perfect afternoon for a family on a tight budget!

For more details on the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert band, please check their web site.

Waukesha Area Symphonic Band

The Waukesha Area Symphonic Band performs From Dawn To Dusk, on Saturday November 9 at 7:30 PM in Shattuck Auditorium on the campus of Carroll University.  Admission is $5 while students are free.

The performance will feature Dr. Marty Robinson, who teaches Trumpet and Jazz at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.  Unfortunately, I do not have information on the music that will be performed, but I can say, in having attended WASB concerts in the past, that the evening will be a good one.

For more information on WASB and the concert, please consult the WASB web site.

Something special

If you are near the Fox Valley, or don't mind the drive to Oshkosh, there is a special concert coming up that you should consider.  On the evening of Tuesday November 12 at 7 PM in the UW Oshkosh Music Hall, Arts and Communication Building, you can hear the Oshksoh Horn Choir in concert.  This group is made up of community and student horn players under the direction of Dr. Bruce Atwell. 

The program will mix classics, jazz, and pop music, all performed by a choir of French Horns.  If you have not heard a group such as this, I highly recommend coming to the concert to experience the harmonies of the horn.  The group performs difficult music very well.  And to top it all off, there is no admission charge.

For information about the concerts in the Oshkosh Music Hall, see the Arts Calendar.  Specific questions can be sent to Dr. Bruce Atwell.

I will be there and I hope to see you there as well.

Another concert reminder

This reminder has three events on the same evening, Saturday October 26.  It will be a tough choice to make.

The first is the Menomonee Falls Symphony at the Sussex Hamilton Fine Arts Center at 7:30 PM.  They will feature two winners from their Young Artist Competition in a program entitled Russian Revolutions.  Violinist Alyssa Yank (first place winner), and soprano Karen Ann Baron, (second place winner) will perform with the Orchestra.  The feature of the concert is the Fourth Symphony of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. 

The second is a concert in the 2013-14 series by the Concord Chamber Orchestra.  Entitled Clubs, the concert will feature the Overture to Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the Symphony No. 100 (Military) – Franz Joseph Haydn.  The performance begins at 8 PM in St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church at 76th and State in Wauwatosa.

The third is a concert by the Milwaukee Festival Brass.  Entitled Road Trip!, the concert begins at 7 PM at Emanuel United Church of Christ at 10627 W Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI.  The concert was previewed in a post on September 22, so scroll down for all the details.  It should be a good one.

Check your calendar for October 26.  If it is open, pick one of these wonderful concerts and go to it!

Concert Reminder

Just a reminder this week of two concerts coming up.  The first concert is on Sunday the 20th.  The Lakeshore Symphonic Band performs at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center at 4 PM.  The program, entitled Kind Of Blue, will feature pianist Heinrich “Heinzel” Kunsmann of Cedarburg playing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.  Also, vocalist Jocely Ridgely sings Rodgers & Hart's Blue Moon.  Sounds like a fun concert.

And the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band will perform with the bands of Waukesha South High School on Tuesday the 22nd beginning at 7 PM.  I always like to attend these concerts and watch the faces of the students as they perform music that is more difficult than they are used to.  You can see the concentration as they work to keep up with the adults in the community band.

More for High School Musicians

Lots of good news for high school musicians from the Milwaukee Festival Brass:

The Milwaukee Festival Brass currently has some openings in their High School Apprentice Program.  Brass and percussion students able to perform WMSA Class A solo’s are strongly encouraged to consider this opportunity.  Rehearsals are on Tuesday at the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay (819 E Silver Spring Dr; Whitefish Bay, WI  53217)

For more information, please click on the following link: HSAP  Students/Parents should contact the HSAP coordinator, Dawn Williams, at 262-309-9333 or at dwilliams@mfbrass.org to set up an audition time and discuss the program.

Additionally, Milwaukee Festival Brass is anticipating a January 7th start up date for their youth band.  This opportunity is for any brass/percussion students with two years or more  playing experience. Please contact the Youth program coordinator, Dawn Williams, at 262-309-9333 or at dwilliams@mfbrass.org for additional information.

 

The start up of the Youth Band is very good news.  If you have young musicians, this is an opportunity to look at closely.

More on the Racine Concert Band

The Racine Concert Band has a new web site.  With the summer season completed, it is being updated for the winter season of concerts.  In the past, the RCB performed with each of the three Racine High School Bands (Horlick, Park, and Case), during the school year.  That may change this year due to the budget battles going on at City Hall.  The RCB has been partially funded through the city for the last few years, and now even that funding may be going away.

It should be noted that the Racine Concert Band is one of the most highly decorated community bands in the State of Wisconsin.  It received the prestigious Sudler Silver Scroll from the Sousa Foundation in 1996, marking it as one of the top community bands in all of North America. 

If you live in Racine, I suggest you contact your alderperson to support the Racine Concert Band during the upcoming budget battles.  The band has been growing their fundraising over the past years, and will eventually be able to be self-sufficient.  But if the City of Racine drops all funding for the band, it will be extremely difficult for RCB, or any group of this type, to continue at the same level.

I like to think that I am a realistic person, not one to over-react.  But I am very nervous about the situation with the Racine Concert Band.  We all need to show support for this wonderful group.

Concert Preview: Milwaukee Festival Brass

The Milwaukee Festival Brass opens its 2013-2014 season with a concert titled, “Road Trip.”   Conjuring up memories of excursions to destinations both far and near, this fun and enjoyable program will recall the spirit of adventure and discovery inherent in every journey.

“Road trips can bring us to the familiar, like a family cabin at the lake,” said Music Director Mark A. Taylor, “or they can enter uncharted territory, opening us up to new landscapes and new experiences.”

The concert will include two arrangements by noted British brass composer Goff Richards: his sparkling variations on Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home and a soulful rendition of Hoagy Carmichael’s Georgia On My Mind.  Also on the program will be a stirring transcription of Respighi’s Pines of the Appian Way from The Pines of Rome, a classic British street march by William Rimmer, and Howard Snell’s Latin-American travelogue, Postcard from Mexico.  

Framing the program will be two significant works that are recent additions to the brass band repertoire.  Rodney Newton’s Four Cities Symphony calls to mind the Victorian-era “Grand Tour” of Europe, stopping in London, Paris, Rome, and Moscow in turn.  Alan Fernie’s lushly romantic Landscape and Journey was inspired by the composer’s idyllic vacations spent in the small Swiss village of Gurtnellen, southeast of Lucerne.

The Milwaukee Festival Brass will present “Road Trip” on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 110627 West Forest Home Avenue in Hales Corners, WI.  Tickets are $12, or $9 for seniors and students.  Group rates are available.  For more information, please visit the band’s website at www.mfbrass.org.

2013-14 Community Music Calendar

Here is the calendar as I was able to build it.  If I missed some dates or I missed a group entirely, please send me the information and I will add it to the calendar and get the information out in a post.  In the meantime, find the open dates on your calendar and fill them with some of these concerts.

2013-14 Milwaukee Community Concert Calendar

October

·         Sun.  20  4:00 Lakeshore Symphonic Band at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center
·         Tue.  22  7:00 Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Waukesha South High School performing a joint concert
·         Sat.  26  7:30 Menomonee Falls Symphony at the Hamilton Fine Arts Center performing Russian Revolutions
·         Sat.  26  8:00 Concord Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
·         Sat.  26  7:00 Milwaukee Festival Brass at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Hales Corners
·         Sun.  27  3:00 Knightwind Ensemble at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center
·         Tue.  29  7:30 Wauwatosa Community Band at Longfellow Middle School performing their annual Halloween Concert

November

·         Sat.    9   7:00 Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Carroll University
·         Fri.   15   7:00 Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at St. John’s Lutheran School in Lannon, performing a joint concert
·         Sun.  17  3:00 Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at Wisconsin Lutheran College

December

·         Sat.    7  8:00 Concord Chamber Orchestra at Basilica of St. Josaphat
·         Sun.   8  3:00 Menomonee Falls Symphony at Hamilton Fine Arts Center performing Caroling for Christmas
·         Tue.  10  7:30 Wauwatosa Community Band at Longfellow Middle School performing Holiday Music
·         Fri.   13  7:30 Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Carroll University performing Holiday Music
·         Sat.  14  1:00 Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at Mitchell Park Domes
·         Sat.  14  7:00 Menomonee Falls Symphony at Mount Carmel Lutheran Church (84^th and Center) performing Sing Along Messiah
·         Sun.  15  2:00 Milwaukee Festival Brass at Wisconsin Lutheran College performing Holiday in Brass III
·         Sun. 15  6:00 Lakeshore Symphonic Band at the Basilica at Holy Hill
·         Sat.  21  TBA  Horns A Plenty Christmas performance in Appleton, WI (more to follow)

January

·         Sun.  26  1:30 Concord Chamber Orchestra at Nicolet High School performing Chamber Music

February

·         Sun.   2  3:00 Knightwind Ensemble at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center
·         Fri.  14  6:30 Menomonee Falls Symphony at Silver Spring Country Club performing Lounging with Lovers
·         Fri.  15  6:30 Menomonee Falls Symphony at Silver Spring Country Club performing Lounging with Lovers

March

·         Sun.  2  4:00 Lakeshore Symphonic Band at Cedarburg Performing Arts Center
·         Sat.   8   7:00 Milwaukee Festival Brass at Wisconsin Lutheran College performing Brass At Night
·         Tue.  18  7:30 Wauwatosa Community Band at Longfellow Middle School
·         Sat.  22  8:00 Concord Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

April

·         Sun.   6  3:00 Knightwind Ensemble at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center
·         Sun.  13 3:00 Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at Wisconsin Lutheran College

May

·         Fri.   2  7:30  Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Carroll University featuring the winner of the Concerto Competition
·         Sat.  10  7:30 Menomonee Falls Symphony at Hamilton Fine Arts Center performing with Lona Luft featuring The Music of Judy Garland
·         Sat.  10  8:00 Concord Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
·         Sun.  11  4:00 Lakeshore Symphonic Band at Cedarburg Performing Arts Center featuring the winner of the Concerto Competition
·         Sun.  18  Milwaukee Festival Brass at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Brookfield performing Impressions of Japan
·         Mon.  26  4:00 Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at Milwaukee County War Memorial performing a Memorial Day Observance
·         Mon.  26  TBA Wauwatosa Community Band performing a Memorial Day Observance

Would you like to play with a community band?

The Milwaukee metro area is very fortunate to have an active arts scene. The number of community bands and orchestras is huge compared to other areas of the country. A friend of mine moved to the South where there were two community bands in the entire state. He's glad to be back and playing every week - it is a type of relaxation he can get nowhere else.

If you have thought about getting back into playing, or you were just interested in the different groups in the area, this post is for you. I've published this information for the last few years, and I still get emails from folks new to the area looking for a group to play with. It all comes down to a simple fact:: if you live in the Milwaukee area and want to play with a community music group, there are lots of opportunities at all skill levels!

Here's the list that I have. If you have more information about other groups, send me an email and I'll add it to this post.

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. They just recently added a web site for more information.

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.   You can get more information on the concerts, and on joining the orchestra, from 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 performs very difficult music, and as a result, auditions are required. Their web site has all the audition information.

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.  I checked their web site and it does not seem to be up and running, and so I cannot pass on that information.  If anyone knows of a new web site or page, please pass it along.

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.

Attention Middle and High School Brass and Percussion musicians

I know I said there would be no post on September 1, but this information came to me.  With the school year starting, this information is important.

The Milwaukee Festival Brass is currently seeking talented musicians who are interested in playing in a brass band.  If you are a middle school or high school brass or percussion players and are looking for an enrichment opportunity, we hope you’ll consider the Milwaukee Festival Youth Brass (MFYB) or our High School Apprentice Program (HSAP).  An experience unlike any other, qualified students will perform British-style brass band literature, mentored by gifted adult musicians from our adult group.  We guarantee you won’t be counting rests – in a brass band, everyone gets a workout!  No other after-school youth ensemble program will grow your technique and musicianship faster.  And what better way to model a lifetime of musical excellence than to rehearse and perform with successful adults from every career path and walk of life who are committed to music-making at the highest level.  For more information on how to audition, please click on the following link:  Youth Opportunities.

New web site for one of our groups

Good news.  One of the local community bands, which did not have a web site, now has one.  You can get all kinds of information about the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at its new web site.  The site has photos of past performances and information about the 2013-14 season.  You can even download a PDF poster for the concert season.

For those of you thinking about joining a community band, the MMCCB rehearses on Sundays at 6 PM in the Wisconsin Lutheran High School band room (about 84th and Bluemound).  For more information on becoming a member, use the Contact Us web page to send a message to the director.

The summer season has ended.  There will be no post on September 1.  Information about playing with different groups for the next season, and the initial calendar of concerts, will post in September.  See you then.

The Racine Concert Summer Series Finale

The last concert of the summer season for the Racine Concert Band is Sunday August 25th at 7 PM.  The band will be joined by soprano Ami Bouterse.  She will perform music of Rogers and Hammerstein and Duke Ellington.  The Band will perform the Liberty Fanfare of John Williams, as well as music of Ives and Gounod.

Since this is the final concert of the series, the Summer Sweepstakes Spectacular will be awarded tonight.  For all entries in the weekly Racine Concert Band Quiz, lucky winners will be chosen for prizes from Racine restaurants, as well as the grand prize, a weekend stay at the Grand Geneva Resort.  If you have been playing along with the quiz at the concerts, you are entered into all the drawings.

I know you will enjoy the concert.  Hopefully you will win one of the prizes!

The Racine Concert Band series continues

You will want to attend the Racine Concert Band performance on Sunday August 18 when the band is joined by former Miss Racine Jeannie Hatfield.  The band will perform music of Mozart and the Emperor Waltz of Johan Strauss.  Ms. Hatfield will perform music of Cole Porter and the Gershwin Brothers.  The fun begins at 7 PM.

Concord Chamber Orchestra is wrapping up the summer season

There are two concerts to tell you about this week.  First, the Racine Concert Band continues its performances at the Racine Zoo on Sunday August 11 at 7 PM.  Mark Eichner, the groups music director, will put down his baton and pick up his trumpet for a solo performance with the group.  Assisting him on the podium will be the current business manager and former director Del Eisch.

The Concord Chamber Orchestra completes its summer series on Wednesday August 14th at Green Park in New Berlin.  The performance begins at 6:30.  If you were unable to attend the previous performances, you want to attend this one.  The summer series is always fun and well performed.

More concerts coming up

Here are a few more concerts for your enjoyment:

• Sunday August 4th at 1:30 in Lions Park in Franklin for the Concord Chamber Orchestra, as their summer concert series continues
• Sunday August 4th at 7 PM in the Racine Zoo.  The Racine Concert Band welcomes mezzo soprano Allison Hull, who will perform music of Bizet and Irving Berlin.  Ms. Hull has performed for a number of years with the band and has amazed the audiences with her immense voice.  You don't want to miss this one.
• Thursday August 8th at 6:30 at the Boerner Botanical Gardens in Whitnall Park for the Concord Chamber Orchestra (in case you could not make the concert in Franklin).

The summer concert series continues.  Enjoy!

Concord Chamber Orchestra summer concerts begin

The first concert of the summer season for the Concord Chamber Orchestra is set for this Wednesday evening July 24 at 7 PM in Wauwatosa's Rotary Pavilion at 73rd and State.  Enjoy a great summer concert in the park with light classics, show tunes, and maybe a march.  A great way to break up the hectic week!

And the CCO will also be performing one week later, July 31 at 6:30 PM in Glendale as a part of Music In The Glen.  That performance will be indoors at Glen Hills Middle School.

So wherever you might live in the Milwaukee area, there is a concert nearby this summer.  As Obie Yadgar used to say every morning on the old WFMR, "Find a Concert and go to it!"

Upcoming Concerts

The summer season is in full swing now.

The Shorewood Concert Band performs on Thursday July 18th at 7 PM in Atwater Park.  Why not take in a fun concert on a Thursday evening?

And I have more information on the July concerts for the Racine Concert Band.  All concerts will be held at the Racine Zoo beginning at 7:30 on Sunday evenings in July.  The special guests include:

• Greg Berg singing music of Handel and Gershwin on July 14th
• Euphonium Soloist Paul Taylor and Trumpeter Eric Weiss on July 21
• A special Children's Concert featuring circus performer Gypsy Geoff on July 28

The RCB concerts are always fun.  And I am always surprised at the quality of the music given that the band has only one rehearsal to put the whole program together.

Another tradition continues

The Racine Concert Band begins their summer season of concerts at the Racine Zoo on Sunday July 7, this evening, at 7:30.  Because of the Holiday, the program will be a patriotic one similar to the music performed on the 4th.

I will have more information on the music for the upcoming weeks soon.  Watch for that post.  But I can tell you that the concerts in July (7, 14, 21, and 28) will all begin at 7:30 PM and the concerts in August (4, 11, 18, and 25) will begin at 7 PM.  The concerts are all free.  But keep in mind that if you arrive at the Racine Zoo in the afternoon, you will have to pay Zoo admission.  Free entrance to the Zoo for the concert begins 30 minutes prior to the concert.

And be sure to play the Racine Concert Band Quiz to be entered into the Summer Spectacular!

See you at the Racine Zoo on Sundays this summer!

Enjoy your Independence Day Celebrations

Don't forget you can start your Independence Day celebrations early with the Milwaukee American Legion Band concert at Humboldt Park on July 2 beginning at 6:30 PM.

If you are near Shorewood, you might take in the Shorewood Concert Band at Atwater Park on July 4th beginning at 6:30 PM.  If you are near Racine, the Fourth Fest Parade is in the morning and the evening celebration, featuring the Racine Concert Band, is at North Beach in the evening.

And many communities will have their own special celebrations, featuring their community music groups.  I suggest taking in one or more of these wonderful celebrations.  Enjoy the performances and support the musicians.

Summer Concerts by the Concord Chamber Orchestra

The summer concert series for the Concord Chamber Orchestra has been announced.

 Wednesday, July 24, 7 p.m. at the Rotary Performance Pavilion in Wauwatosa, 7300 Chestnut Street

Glen Hills Middle School in Glendale for Music in the Glen, Wednesday, July 31, 6:30 p.m., 2600 W. Mill Road

Franklin Lions Legend Park on Sunday, August 4 at 1 p.m., 8717 W. Drexel

Boerner Botanical Gardens on  Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m., 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners

New Berlin Library Green Park on Wednesday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m., 15105 Library Lane

The Concord Chamber Orchestra aims to make classical music accessible to everyone, and their summer music series is always fun.  Make sure you take in at least one of their concerts this season.

A Milwaukee Tradition Continues

The annual Patriotic Concert by the Milwaukee American Legion Band will be held on Tuesday July 2 at Humboldt Park, as a part of their Chill On The Hill series.  The concert begins at 6:30 and there will be refreshments available.  Have a picnic in the park while listening to a community music group that has been performing in Milwaukee as long as I can remember.  As always, there is no charge for the concert. 

What a great way to begin the Independence Day Celebration:  enjoy a picnic and the concert by the American Legion Band on Tuesday, the fireworks on Wednesday, and your local parade and fireworks on the 4th!  It doesn't get much better than that!

Did you enjoy the ribs?

The news that the Shorewood Men's Club was also offering ribs along with chicken at their annual barbecue was something I learned at the very last minute and could not update the posting for you.  If you are a ribs fan, I hope you had a chance to try it.  As always, the performance by the Shorewood Concert Band was fun.

Their next concert is on Thursday June 20th at 7 PM at Atwater Park.  If you would like more information, you can check out their web site:  http://www.shorewoodconcertband.org/.  The group is always looking for musicians and volunteers.  Send Frank an email from the web site for more information.

And two reminders

If you know of summer band schedules, send them via email to MilwaukeeCommunityMusic@yahoo.com and I will get the information posted as soon as I can.

Also, don't forget the Shorewood Men's Club Chicken Dinner this Saturday.  The Shorewood Concert Band performs at noon.  Come for the music and great food!

Concert Schedule - Racine Concert Band

The Racine Concert Band will perform in July and August this summer:

July 4 - In the Fourth Fest Parade.  Later in the evening, at North Beach as a part of the Independence Day Celebrations

July 7 - At 7:30 in the band shell at the Racine Zoo

July 14 - At 7:30 in the band shell at the Racine Zoo

July 21 - At 7:30 in the band shell at the Racine Zoo

July 28 - At 7:30 in the band shell at the Racine Zoo

August 4 - At 7:00 in the band shell at the Racine Zoo

August 11 - At 7:00 in the band shell at the Racine Zoo

August 18 - At 7:00 in the band shell at the Racine Zoo

August 25 - At 7:00 in the band shell at the Racine Zoo

This summer the Racine Concert Band will bring back the popular Racine Concert Band Quiz.  By entering the weekly quiz, you are also entered in the Summer Sweepstakes Spectacular!  Be sure to attend all the concerts and enter the quiz to increase your chances for a nice prize.  The prizes will be awarded at the August 25 concert.  While you don't have to be present to win, it sure is fun to accept the prize from Music Director Mark Eichner!  See you at the concerts!

Concert Schedule - Shorewood Concert Band

Here is the summer schedule for the Shorewood Concert Band:

June 8 - Performing at noon in Atwater Park as a part of the Shorewood Men's Club Chicken Dinner.  The Band will perform for about an hour near the flower garden.  Come and enjoy the food and music, and support some good causes.

June 20 - Performing at 7 PM in Atwater Park.  Bring a Lawn chair or blanket and enjoy about an hour of fun music.

July 4 - Performing at 6 PM as a part of the Family Day celebration.

July 18 - Performing at 7 PM in Atwater Park.  Come and enjoy the last concert of the season presented by the band.

I hope to see you at one or more of the concerts this season.

First concert of the summer season is already set

The Shorewood Men's Club always hosts the first event of the season:  their annual Chicken BBQ!  And opening the entertainment at the BBQ will be the Shorewood Concert Band.  They will perform at noon.

At 1:30 the music continues with Water Dogs Rock.  The afternoon concludes with music from the G-Rock Band.

The Men's Club supports a lot of non-profit groups, including the Shorewood Concert Band.  The chicken is supplied and cooked by Rupena's and is fabulous.  So be sure to come and enjoy the first summer band concert of the season, and either enjoy some chicken for lunch or bring some home for dinner.

Don't forget

The Concord Chamber Orchestra will perform their last concert of the season at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church on 76th and State Street in Wauwatosa at 8:00 PM on Saturday May 18.  Hope to see you there!

The last concerts of the season

The last concerts of the season are coming up.  Two are coming up quickly:

• Saturday May 11 - The Menomonee Falls Symphony presents Celebrating Mothers at 7:30 in the Hamilton Fine Arts Center in Sussex.  See the MFSO web site for more info.
• Sunday May 12 - The Milwaukee Festival Brass presents Queen For a Day at 3:00 in the Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College.  See the MFB web site for details.
• Saturday May 18 - The Concert Chamber Orchestra presents Leather, featuring Benjamin Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, at 8:00 in St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa.  See the CCO web site for details.

These all look to be very good concerts, well worth attending.

Concert Preview: Mother's Day with the Milwaukee Festival Brass

The Milwaukee Festival Brass returns to Wisconsin Lutheran College on May 12 for the grand finale concert of its 2012-2013 season, “Queen for a Day.”   This performance, being held on the annual observance of Mothers Day, will pay tribute to the loving care of mothers everywhere.

“What better way to celebrate Mothers Day,” said Music Director Mark A. Taylor, “than to bring Mom and the rest of the family to a concert of terrific music  -- all in her honor!”

The concert will highlight several soloists from among the members of the band, including soprano cornettist David Magoon playing “The Queen of the Night’s Aria” by Mozart; principal euphoniumist David Meyer performing Philip Sparke’s “Fantasy for Euphonium;” and tenor hornist Robert Mason, a member of the Milwaukee Festival Brass High School Apprentice Program, on a lovely arrangement of “Over the Rainbow.”

Many other special surprises await concertgoers, including regal brass fanfares from the lobby, a band-accompanied video presentation, band member tributes to moms, and more. 

The Milwaukee Festival Brass will present “Queen for a Day” on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Schwan Concert Hall, Wisconsin Lutheran College, 8815 West Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee, WI.  Tickets are $12, or $9 for seniors and students.  Group rates are available.  For more information, please visit the band’s website at www.mfbrass.org.

Missed yesterday's post

Sorry about missing the post yesterday.  Lot of things going on at the office.  I am working on a concert announcement that will be ready (hopefully) by Sunday.

Until then, rest assured that the concert season is winding down and there is not a lot of news to publish.  See you on Sunday.

Menomonee Falls Symphony update

I have some sad news.  The Menomonee Falls Symphony will not have Lorna Luft as a guest at their concert on May 11th.  She had to cancel because of health issues.  She recently underwent surgery for breast cancer, and is now undergoing chemotherapy.  We certainly wish her the best for a full recovery.

Maestro Michael Kamenski is now devising an updated concert program.  As soon as it is announced I will post it.  So, keep watching this site for all the details.  You can also check the MFSO web site.

And I would still mark your calendar for Saturday evening May 11th at 7:30 PM in the Hamilton Fine Arts Center in Sussex.  I suggest you take mom to dinner and then to the MFSO concert.  That is a wonderful Mother's Day gift!

Attention High School musicians

I received this information from the Milwaukee Festival Brass announcing auditions for their High School Apprentice Program.  Rather than my paraphrasing their information, here is the announcement in their own words.

The Milwaukee Festival Brass is currently seeking talented high school musicians who are interested in playing in a brass band.  An experience unlike any other, qualified students will perform within our British-style brass band, mentored by the gifted adult musicians seated next to them.  We guarantee you won’t be counting rests – in a brass band, everyone gets a workout!  No other after-school youth ensemble program will grow your technique and musicianship faster.  And what better way to build on the excellence of your high school’s music curriculum and ensure a lifetime of musical excellence than to rehearse and perform with successful adults from every career path and walk of life who are committed to music-making at the highest level?

 

Auditions will be held on each Tuesday during the months of April and May

6:00 – 7:00 (by appointment only)

United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay

(In the choir room in the lower level of the church)

819 E Silver Spring Dr

Whitefish Bay, WI  53217

 

Students/Parents should contact the HSAP coordinator, Dawn Williams, at 262-309-9333 to set up a time and discuss the audition process.

For more information, please click on the following link: HSAP

Calendar Update

I have an addition to the calendar of musical events.  The Concord Chamber Orchestra of Milwaukee will perform on Saturday evening May 18 at 8 PM at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church on 76th Street in Wauwatosa.  I will have more information about the concert in a future post.  But I do know that they will perform Benjamin Britten's Young People's Guide to the Orchestra (one of my favorites).

The Concord Chamber Orchestra's goal is to make classical music accessible to all.  They have been performing in the Milwaukee area since 1975.  You can find more information about the CCO by visiting their web site.

As I mentioned, more on this concert in April.

A New Website

I just found out that the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band now has a web site.  You can view their information at MMCCBand.Org. 

Their next concert is Sunday March 24, the day of this posting.  In order to get the information out as quickly as possible, I posted today instead of this coming Sunday.

They MMCCB will perform music from the Circus, as their poster states they will perform Three Ring Music!  The concert begins at 3 PM in the Schwan Concert Hall of Wisconsin Lutheran College at 88th and Wisconsin Avenue.  The admission is Free!

I have attended the MMCCB performances in the past and these concert are great to expose the younger ones to music.  And given the programming for this concert, be sure to bring the little ones for an afternoon of fun and music.  And the price is good too.

Again, since this post came out early, no post on Sunday the 24th.  The next post will be on March 31.

News from the Menomonee Falls Symphony

The MFSO has begun rehearsals for their concert on Saturday evening May 11th, at 7:30 PM in the Hamilton Fine Arts Center in Sussex.  I suggest you mark it on your calendar.  The Orchestra will celebrate the music of Judy Garland, and will welcome special guest Lorna Luft. 

The MFSO web site describes the concert with Ms. Luft this way:

A celebrated live performer, stage, film and television actress, best-selling author, recording artist and Emmy nominated producer - Ms. Luft continues to triumph in every medium with critics labeling her one of the most vibrant, versatile and exciting artists on stage today. One of her most ambitious projects to date is the highly acclaimed multi-media production "Songs My Mother Taught Me--A Celebration of the Music of Judy Garland." This theatrical extravaganza melds one of the world's most familiar songbooks with personal memories of a loving daughter.


This is a show not to be missed.  Visit the MFSO web site for more information or to order tickets.

Sorry about that

I just realized I did not have a post ready to go for Sunday morning.  Of course, that is because I have little news to pass on right now.  I'm sure I'll have something for the 17th.  In fact, I'll work on it between now and then.

Congratulations are due and a new event

Just a short note to report that the Midwest Horn Workshop held in Oshkosh last week was a big success.  Congratulations are due to Dr. Bruce Atwell for organizing the weekend.  All the reports I heard were very complementary.

I also found out that one of the premier horn quartets will be visiting the Milwaukee Area to perform Guns 'N' Rosenkavalier.  The Milwaukee Opera Theater will be presenting this opera, "a rock-recital that jumps from Kate Bush to Schubert and Brahms to The Boss, confounding your expectations and celebrating that which is universal."  The performances will be the weekend of March 22 to 24 at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.  The Premier horn quartet will be none other than Genghis Barbie!

I mention this because on Saturday the 23rd, Genghis Barbie will travel to Appleton to join the Fox Valley Horn Club in a master class and performance.  I applaud the group for encouraging young horn players during their down time between performances.  Absolutely wonderful.

For more information, check out the Milwaukee Opera Theater, Genghis Barbie, and the Fox Valley Horn Club Event.

 

Lakeshore Symphonic Band Performance

The Lakeshore Symphonic Band will be performing on Sunday March 3 beginning at 4 PM at the Cedarburg PAC.  The concert will feature music of European Masters.  Unfortunately, that is all the information I have at this time.  But it sure looks intriguing!  Check the LSB web site for more information.

Concert Preview: Milwaukee Festival Brass

The Milwaukee Festival Brass will be performing A Time for Peace on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.  The concert will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church; 20275 Davidson Road; Brookfield, WI.

 

Featured on the concert is Aaron Copland's famous Fanfare for the Common Man.  Also featured is one of Gustav Holst's movements from The Planets:  Venus, the Bringer of Peace. 

 

The MFB will present a modern work by composer Karl Jenkins, l'Homme Arme (The Armed Man), a Mass for Peace.  The Benedictus movement will feature Al Floeter on the Euphonium.

 

Also on the program is a Dixieland number, a cornet feature, and the Finale from the Saint Saens Organ Symphony.  Performing the transcription by Philip Wilby, will be organist, Carol Haakenson Peterson.  I am guessing that there will be little lip left for every performer!

 

And if you bring two or more non-perishable food items, you will receive a discounted admission to the concert!

 

Tickets are available at the door.  For more information, see the Milwaukee Festival Brass web site.

MFSO Reminder

Just a reminder that the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra is hosting dinner concerts this weekend Friday and Saturday evenings.  Joining the orchestra will be Tom Anthony and his group for an evening of romantic music in the style of Las Vegas dinner shows.  This is really a neat event.  You can get more information and order tickets through the Menomonee Falls Symphony web site.

Special Event for French Horn Players

The Midwest Horn Workshop will be hosted this year by the Music department at UW-Oshkosh the weekend of February 22 to 24.  Dr. Bruce Atwell will be coordinating a weekend of master classes, competitions, exhibits, and special performances, all geared for those who play the French Horn.

Special guests this year include jazz Horn player Richard Todd, currently teaching at the University of Miami, who will perform a jazz program on Friday evening and a master class and classical recital on Saturday.  The Workshop also welcomes Bernhard Scully, currently teaching at the University of Illinois and former member of the Canadian Brass.  He will perform in recital on Friday evening and offer a master class on Saturday.  Also, a number of artists within the state will perform in recital.  And finally, the Oshkosh Horn Choir, under the direction of Bruce Atwell, will perform.

For more information, please check the music department web pages for UW-Oshkosh.  The link also contains the information for registration.

By the way, these workshops are geared for high school musicians as well as college and post-college musicians.  In fact, the competitions have both high school and college divisions.  And everyone I have talked to agrees that when listening and watching a master class, they always pick up one or two great tips that helps improve their playing.

And one final point:  if your registration is postmarked by February 1, you save $10 on the registration fee.  Be sure to get the form downloaded, filled out, and in the mail right away!

Have a sweet tooth? Support the Arts...

Lawrence University in Appleton is having a fund-raising event for its Academy of Music on Friday February 1 from 6:30 to 9 PM at the Warch Campus Center.  And if you enjoy desserts and auctions, this event is for you.

The event is called Tutti, the musical term for "everyone".  Admission is $30 in advance, $35 at the door for an evening of desserts, entertainment by faculty and students, silent auction items, raffles, and the like.  My favorite is the chocolates from Wilmar Chocolates of Appleton.  Not only are the chocolates decadent, inside each box is a prize.  It might be a dollar bill, or it might be a gift certificate.  But in either case, the chocolates are always wonderful! 

Proceeds from the event will help provide program support for lessons and ensembles, opportunities for teacher development, and tuition assistance to struggling families. Certainly a cause worth supporting!  You can find more information on tutti from the Lawrence University web site.  We will be there, and we hope to see you there.

The First Concert of the New Year

The first concert of 2013 will be hosted by the Menomonee Falls Symphony, on Friday and Saturday evenings, February 15 and 16.  The concerts will be a part of the MFSO Valentines Dinner Event at the Silver Spring Country Club.  Each year the MFSO hosts two evenings of dinner and music to help you celebrate Valentines Day!  Tickets include both the dinner and concert, and are $45.  The doors open at 6:30 PM both nights.

Maestro Michael Kamenski will be joined by local showman Tom Anthony and his band, and will present a romantic evening of music and stories, in a Las Vegas style dinner show.  For more information and to order tickets, please check the MFSO and Tom Anthony web sites.  You can also order tickets by calling 262-679-3905.

The tickets do go quickly, and concerts have sold out in the past.  In addition, Mr. Anthony performed with the MFSO last year at Christmastime, and the house was full.  (It was an outstanding salute to the Christmas Specials of Andy Williams.)  I expect that the Silver Spring Country Club will be full for both evenings.  Best not to wait.  Order your tickets very soon.

One additional bit of information:  Maestro Kamenski will appear on the Channel 4 TV show The Morning Blend on Thursday January 31, to talk about the dinner/concert. 

An opportunity for High School Musicians

This semester, the Milwaukee Festival Brass will continue to offer opportunities for High School Musicians to participate in their Apprentice Program.  Here's the information I received from the MFB:

The Milwaukee Festival Brass is currently seeking talented high school musicians to audition for membership in our High School Apprentice Program. An experience unlike any other, qualified students will perform within our British-style brass band, mentored by the gifted adult musicians seated next to them. 

Brass bands use a standard British instrumentation, consisting of Bb Cornets (in place of trumpets), Flugelhorns, Eb Tenor Horns (sometimes called Alto Horns – in place of French horns), Trombones, Baritones, Euphoniums, Tubas, and Percussion.  Students eligible for the High School Apprentice Program (HSAP) who normally play trumpet or French horn would be asked to switch to cornet or tenor horn.  Those auditioning, horn players in particular, should consult their band directors and private teachers regarding the differences between these instruments.  They require different mouthpieces and slightly different embouchures as well.  All of the brass musicians read treble clef with the exception of the bass trombone.  Students will be coached in new fingerings and/or clefs.

For information about audition requirements, dates and times and any other questions, please call our HSAP coordinator, Dawn Williams at (262) 309-9333 or visit www.mfbrass.org and select the Youth Opportunities link.

This is a wonderful and unique opportunity for a brass or percussion high school student.  The MFB performs a wide variety of music.  A talented high school musician can gain this type of experience in very few ways today.  I strongly encourage you to think seriously of participating.  You will not regret it.

Happy New Year

Here is the calendar of concerts I have for the spring concert season.  Lots of good ones coming up.  You might want to consider the two concerts by the Menomonee Falls Symphony.  The February concert is a dinner concert celebrating Valentines Day.  The May concert features Lorna Luft, performing the music of her mom, Judy Garland.  WOW, that will be a wonderful concert.

Enjoy.  Be sure to mark your calendar for the concerts you select.

FEBRUARY
15 and 16: Menomonee Falls Symphony Dinner Concert, 6:30 PM, Silver Spring Country Club

MARCH
3 - Milwaukee Festival Brass, 3 PM, St. John's Lutheran, Brookfield
3 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 4 PM, Cedarburg PAC

APRIL
21 - Knightwind Ensemble, 3 PM, South Milwaukee PAC

MAY
3 - Waukesha Area Symphonic Band, 7:30 PM, Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll University
5 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 3 PM, Cedarburg PAC
11- Menomonee Falls Symphony, 7:30 PM, Sussex Hamilton PAC
12 - Milwaukee Festival Brass, 3 PM, Wisconsin Lutheran College
27 - Knightwind Ensemble, 1 PM, Wisconsin Memorial Park