Sunday, December 16, 2018

The blog goes dark for a few weeks

Enjoy the season.  Enjoy the concerts and church services.  The Milwaukee Community Music page will be back in 2019. 

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Horns A Plenty Christmas 2018

A note to all of the French Horn Players:  Horns A  Plenty Christmas returns to the Fox Valley Lutheran High School on Saturday December 22.  All horn players of all abilities are welcome to join in and play Holiday music arranged for French Horn Choir.

If you have not heard a choir of French Horns, you are in for a treat.  The sound is rich and full making even the simplest of music sound glorious.

For all of you who want to play the concert, there is a quick rehearsal in the early afternoon beforehand.  If you need detailed information, please see the Horns A Plenty Christmas Facebook page to contact the director, Don Krause.  He will have all of the latest info.

Don't miss this special concert.  Take an hour away from the hustle and bustle of the preparations and enjoy the music of the season, as only a French Horn Choir can supply.

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Waukesha Area Symphonic Band

The Waukesha Area Symphonic Band will perform their Holiday Concert on Sunday December 9 at 3 PM in Shattuck Auditorium on the Carroll University Campus.  The concert will benefit the Food Pantry of Waukesha County.  Admission to the concert is $5 or a non-perishable food donation

While I do not have the program at this time, WASB promises the concert will be filled with Holiday Favorites with a twist!  So, take time from your busy schedule and enjoy the music of the season with the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band.  See the WASB web site for more details. 

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Upcoming Concert: Menominee Falls Symphony

The Menominee Falls Symphony will present Christmas Across Cultures on Saturday December 8 in the Sussex Hamilton Fine Arts Center.  The concert begins at 7:30 PM.

This year's series of concerts by the MFSO are featuring music from different cultures.  As the MFSO notes on its web page, Christmas music becomes sentimental due to its connection to our roots...the cultures our families represent.  The music featured in Christmas Across Cultures will include musical holiday treats from all over the world. 

Tickets are $15, seniors $12, and Students $6.  For more information and to purchase tickets, please see the MFSO web site.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Upcoming Concert: The Concord Chamber Orchestra

Join the Concord Chamber Orchestra on Saturday December 1 at 7 PM at the Basilica of St. Josephat for a concert of both Sacred and Secular Holiday music.  As their web site states:  Christmas in the modern day represents two faces – the deep religious event that inspires us to worship, and the joyful commercial celebration that inspires us to shop!  The concert will also feature a special guest choir to help welcome both both faces of the 2018 Holiday.

The program consists of:

  • Concerto Grosso - Steven Rosenhaus
  • Concerto Grosso (“Christmas Concerto”) - Arcangelo Corelli
  • Winter Wonderland - arr. by Calvin Custer
  • Let It Snow! - Jule Styne, arr. by Chuck Sayre
  • In the Bleak Midwinter - Gustav Holst, arr. by Robert McCashin
  • Trittico botticelliano - Ottorino Respighi
  • Featured Choral pieces to be determined
The concert is sponsored through the generosity of Affiliated Dermatologists.

Tickets are $25, Seniors $20, and Students $15.  For more information or to order tickets, please see the CCO web site.

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Kettle Moraine Symphony to honor veterans

Join the Kettle Moraine Symphony on Veterans Day, Sunday November 11, for a stirring concert Honoring Veterans, which will be held at 3 PM in the Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School’s Performing Arts Center, 3399 Division Rd., Jackson. At 2:00 there will be a pre-concert talk presented by Dr. Peter Gibeau, UWM-WC music professor and KMS principal bassist.

KMS is excited to welcome two guest performers for this concert. Cellist Madeleine Kabat of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will perform Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, written in the aftermath of World War I, and Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Gonring will narrate Aaron Copland’s stirring Lincoln Portrait.  Also included are Three Pieces from Schindler’s List from the movie score by John Williams, and Civil War Suite by Joseph Turrin.  Finally, the performance will include the presentation and retirement of colors courtesy of the American Legion Post 486 of Jackson.

A free bus will be available for senior citizens from the West Bend area. Please call Connie at 262-343-0007 for more information or to sign up to ride the bus.

Admission for all Veterans is free.  In keeping with the spirit of the performance, hats or other items of clothing that denote the branch of service are encouraged.  Ticket prices are:

  • Adults $18, 
  • Senior $15, 
  • Student $5 (w/valid ID) 
  • Family Packages: $30 (2) adults + children, $20 (1) adult + children
Tickets may be purchased at the door, online at The Kettle Moraine Symphony's web site, or by calling 262-334-3469 (please leave a message). Advance purchases can also be made at the following outlets: Horicon Bank in West Bend, and White House of Music in West Bend and Germantown.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Upcoming Concert

The Waukesha Area Symphonic Band will perform Seasons on Friday November 9 at Shattuck Auditorium on the campus of Carroll University.  The concert will begin at 7:30 and feature both contemporary music for wind band as well as some classic favorites.  The concert will feature works by Jacques Casterede, William Grant Still, Lili Boulanger, Eric Whitacre, Ron Nelson, Fergal Carroll, Rick Kirby, and Timothy Mahr.

The concert will benefit the Healing Hearts of Waukesha County  (www.healingheartsofwaukeshaco.org), who serve and support grieving children (and their families) in Waukesha County. Tickets are $10 and are available through the Healing Hearts office (262-527-1422) or at the auditorium the evening of the concert.  

The tentative program for the concert is:

Matin de Printemps..........Lili Boulanger
Summerland...................William Grant Still
Divetissement d’ete.........Jacques Casterede
October..........................Eric Whitacre 
Morning Alleluias.............Ron Nelson
-- intermission --
Winter Dances.................Fergal Carroll
A Healing Heart................Rick Kirby
Spring Divertimento.........Timothy Mahr
Be sure to mark your calendar for the first WASB concert of the year...and it's for a good cause, too!

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Next concerts: October 20

The Menominee Falls Symphony will perform The World's Many Musical Sounds at the Hamilton Fine Arts Center at Sussex Hamilton High School on October 20 at 7:30 PM.

The concert will feature music of different cultures and the different musical sounds each one has created.  Several national anthems will be featured, as well as a world anthem made up of a number of national anthems.

Returning to this concert is the opportunity to site on stage with the musicians while the performance is in progress.  This popular option is great for the younger musicians who want to see what it is really like to perform in a concert.  And you can move to different locations on the stage for different pieces (but not during the music).

For more information, please see the MFSO web site.


Also, the Lakeshore Symphonic Band will perform No Tricks, Just Treats beginning at 7 PM on the 20th at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center adjacent to Cedarburg High School.  The program includes music for Halloween as well as some evergreen favorites for symphonic band.
  • Malcolm Arnold | TAM O'SHANTER OVERTURE​
  • Gustav Holst | SECOND SUITE IN F FOR MILITARY BAND, op. 28 no. 2​
  • Patrick Doyle and John Williams | CONCERT SUITE FROM HARRY POTTER 
  • Joseph Kosma | AUTUMN LEAVES 
  • Andrew Boysen, Jr. | THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW​
  • Steven Reineke | THE WITCH AND THE SAINT​
  • Aaron Copland | DOWN A COUNTRY LANE

For more information, see the Lakeshore Symphonic Band web site.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Concert this Saturday

The Concord Chamber Orchestra will perform New // Old on Saturday October 13 at their new venue:  St. Sebastian Church, at 5400 W. Washington Blvd.  The concert begins at 7 PM.

  • Overture on Three Russian Pieces - Mily Balakirev
  • Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra - Rudolph Dolmetsch
  • In C - Terry Riley
  • Eight Pieces for Strings, Op. 44, No. 3 - Paul Hindemith
  • Concerto for Violo de Gamba in A major A9:1A - Carl Friedrich Abel
  • Water Music Suite - George Frideric Handel, arr. by Hamilton Harty
For more information or to order tickets, please visit the CCO web site.  

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Concert Calendar for the new season

Here is the Milwaukee Community Music Group concert season calendar as I have been able to assemble it.  If I missed some concerts. please drop an email and I will update the calendar.  Thanks for the help.


September
  • ·        30 at 3 PM, Kettle Moraine Symphony at the Kettle Moraine High School

October
  • ·        13 at 7PM, Concord Chamber Orchestra at St. Sebastian Church
  • ·        20 at 7:30, Menominee Falls Symphony at Hamilton Fine Arts Center
  • ·        20 at 7:30, Lakeshore Symphonic Band at Cedarburg Performing Arts Center
  • ·        27 at 7:30, Milwaukee Festival Brass at St. John’s Lutheran Church
  • ·        28 at 3PM, Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at Wisconsin Lutheran College

November
  • ·        4 at 2PM, Milwaukee Concert band at Oak Creek Community Center
  • ·        9 at 7:30, Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Carroll University
  • ·        11 at 3PM, Kettle Moraine Symphony at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
  • ·        16 at 7:30, Greenfield Concert Band at Greenfield Performing Arts Center

December
  • ·        1 at 7PM, Concord Chamber Orchestra at the Basilica of St. Josephat
  • ·        8 at 7:30, Menominee Falls Symphony at Hamilton Fine Arts Center
  • ·        9 at 2PM, Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at Southridge Shopping Center
  • ·        9 at 3PM, Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Carroll University
  • ·        9 at 6PM, Lakeshore Symphonic Band at Holy Hill

January

·        27 at 2PM, Concord Chamber Orchestra at North Shore Congregational Church
February

·        15 at 7PM, Greenfield Concert band at Greenfield Performing Arts Center
·        16 at 6:30, Menominee Falls Symphony at the Silver Spring Country Club
·        16 at TBA, Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Carroll University
·        24 at 3PM, Kettle Moraine Symphony at Stinger High School
March
  • ·        3 at 2PM, Milwaukee Concert Band at the Oak Creek Community Center
  • ·        17 at 2PM, Lakeshore Symphonic Band at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center
  • ·        23 at 7PM, Concord Chamber Orchestra at St. Sebastian Church
  • ·        24 at 3PM, Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at Wisconsin Lutheran College

April
  • ·        13 at 7:30, Menominee Falls Symphony at Hamilton Fine Arts Center

May
  • ·        3 at 7:30, Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Carroll University
  • ·        5 at 2PM, Milwaukee Concert band at Oak Creek Community Center
  • ·        5 at 3PM, Kettle Moraine Symphony at Holy Hill
  • ·        11 at 7PM, Concord Chamber Orchestra at St. Sebastian Church
  • ·        11 at 7:30, Lakeshore Symphonic Band at Cedarburg Performing Arts Center
  • ·        17 at 7PM, Greenfield Concert Band at AMP at Konkel Park
  • ·        27 at 4PM, Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band at Milwaukee County War Memorial


Sunday, September 16, 2018

A new season has begun

I apologize for not posting each week during the summer.  Sometimes other responsibilities take precedence.  As a result, I will be posting news every couple of weeks instead of every week. 

The first post of the season lists the different community music groups in the area.  If you are a musician, and you would like to play, there are groups at all talent levels that would love to have you play with them.  If you know of other groups, drop me an email and I will add them to the list.  I've organized the list by the day of the week 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. You can check their 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 folks who like both genres 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's Conductor Laureate, Rick Kirby, 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. 
All the details are on their site.

Wednesday:  The Concord Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Jamin Hoffman, rehearses at Nicolet High School and requires an audition.  See their 
web site for information.

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 becoming a member.


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.

Thursday: The Milwaukee Concert Band is another group with a long history, having been sponsored at one time by the Civic Music Association. See their web site for more information.


Thursday:  The Greenfield Concert Band is relatively new, having been in existence for only a few years.  They rehearse at Greenfield High School and do require an audition in order to place new members into the sections.  See their web site for information.

Thursday: The Greendale Village Band welcomes members of all playing abilities. They are a part of the School System in the Village of Greendale, and you can get more information from their 
web page.

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

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Racine Concert Band summer nights at the zoo

The Racine Concert Band continues its series of summer concerts at the Racine Zoo on Sunday evenings.  The July concerts will begin at 7:30.  The August concerts will begin at 7 due to the earlier setting sun.  Here's a quick summary of the upcoming concerts.

  • July 22 featuring guest conductor Don Young with Beth Kapralian on flute, 7:30.  As an added treat, Don Rosen will narrate The Pied Piper of Hamlin.
  • July 29 featuring baritone Greg Berg with Jacob Cole on xylophone, 7:30
  • August 5 featuring former Miss Wisconsin Jeanie Hatfield with Jack Niccolai, Eric Pelky, and Graham Westley on trumpets at 7:00
  • August 12 featuring tenor Edson Melendez with Adam Maegaard, Esther Wilson, Katie Matteson, and Natalie Bakken on french horns at 7:00
And this year the Racine Concert Band continues their Summer Sweepstakes Spectacular.  Enter the Racine Concert Band Quiz at each concert and be entered for special prizes from these businesses:
  • Toppers Pizza
  • Bucket's Pub
  • Salute Italian Restaurant
  • Javier's Cuisine
  • Wells Brothers Restaurant
  • The Ivanhoe
  • Infusino's
  • Jose's Blue Sombrero
  • The Yardarm
  • Buona Vita Pizza
All entries (correct or not) are entered into drawings for wonderful prizes from these great places.  The grand prize this year is a Fitbit smart fitness watch from Best Buy.  The drawings will be held after every piece of music at the August 12 concert.  Be sure to attend all of the concerts to maximize your changes in the Summer Sweepstakes Spectacular!

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Summer concerts by the Concord Chamber Orchestra

The Concord Chamber Orchestra will be playing three free concerts this summer.  The CCO performs a nice mix of light classics and show / movie music, as well as some patriotic tunes...perfect for a summer afternoon or evening.  Bring lawn chairs, some snacks and beverages, and enjoy a wonderful respite from the busy summer schedule.

The CCO performs their first concert in New Berlin at the Library Green on Wednesday July 25th beginning at 6:30.

The CCO next appears in Glendale as a part of Brass Bell's Sundays in the Park series at the Maslowski Community Park on Bender Road.  The concert begins at 2 PM.

Finally, the concert series winds up in Franklin at the Lions Park off of Loomis Road on Sunday August 5 at 2 PM. 

Don't miss the CCO this summer.  Lots of options all over the Milwaukee area!


Sunday, July 8, 2018

Special summer concert by the Milwaukee Festival Brass

The Milwaukee Festival Brass will perform as a part of the Live at the Peck Pavilion series at the Marcus Center.  Specifically, their concert begins at 2 PM on Sunday July 22.  The seating area is covered for those extremely sunny summer days (and rainy ones, too).  Come out and enjoy the sound of MFB for the summer.

The River Edge Patio will be open for refreshments.  And best of all, the concert is free.

For more information, see the Live at the Peck Pavilion web page.

Sunday, July 1, 2018

After a short absence

We return after a short absence for things like work.

The summer concerts are in full swing now.  beginning on July 1, the Racine Concert Band begins another season of Summer Sunday Evenings at the Racine Zoo.  The concerts are free and begin at 7:30 in July and 7 PM in August.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and maybe an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. 

The Shorewood Concert Band also performs for the July 4th celebration in Shorewood.  This summer they celebrate the not-so-famous marches of John Phillip Sousa.  They will perform at Atwater Park on the 4th as well as the 19th.

And there are many other groups performing outdoors this summer.  Take in a concert or two and enjoy the music, the fun, and the wonderful Wisconsin outdoors.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

First summer concert

Don't forget the first summer concert of the season:  the Shorewood Concert Band will perform at the Shorewood Men's Club Chicken BBQ at Atwater Park on Saturday June 9 at noon.

The concert will be fun, the chicken (and ribs) will taste great, and the proceeds go to deserving organizations, including the Shorewood Concert Band.  It's a great way to enjoy a concert and have a great lunch.

I hope to see you there.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Memorial Day Observance - Concert

There are many ways to observe Memorial Day and pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom.  Besides parades and visits to cemeteries, there is a concert to attend.  The Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band will perform a concert of patriotic music at the Milwaukee War Memorial (Prospect Avenue at Wisconsin Avenue) at 4 PM on Memorial Day, Monday May 28.  The concert is free to attend and a great way to keep the spirit of the Holiday while still enjoying family and friends.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

A Tradition Continues

The summer music scene will continue one of its longest traditions.  The Milwaukee American Legion Band will perform at the Humboldt Park Chalet on Tuesday June 26.  The concert is always fun and well attended, full of patriotic music and show tunes.  Begin your Fourth of July celebration early this year at Humboldt Park.  The music begins at 6 PM.  And food trucks and vendors will can supply the dinner....or bring a picnic dinner.

And if you are interested in the other concerts in the Chill On The Hill Series, here is a nice summary from the Shepherd Express.


Sunday, May 13, 2018

First summer band concert of the year

The first concert is always the Shorewood Concert Band performing for the Shorewood Men's Club Chicken BBQ.  As always, it will be held at Atwater Park, corner of Capitol Drive and Lake Drive.  Chicken is served from 11:30 AM until 7:30 PM.  Musical entertainment goes all afternoon.

But if you stop by and pick up your chicken early, you can hear the Shorewood Concert Band perform at about noon.  It's a bit early to know the program, but the Shorewood band always comes up with a fun performance of about an hour.  And I can guarantee that the chicken (from Rupena's) is wonderful.  Stop by, enjoy the music, enjoy the chicken, and support the Shorewood Concert Band.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Concert preview - Milwaukee Festival Brass

The Milwaukee Festival Brass will present Festival City Postcards on Sunday May 20 at 3 PM at the Pius XI High School Performing Arts Center.  The concert will feature music of famous Milwaukee artists as well as music from the season of festivals.

Featured is music from Al Jarreau and the Violent Femmes.  The MFB will also feature some young up-and-coming soloists.  Finally, music of German, Irish, and Italian heritage will salute the summer festival season.

Tickets are $12, $9 for Seniors and Students.  For more information, see the MFB web site.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Concert Preview: Concord Chamber Orchestra

The Concord Chamber Orchestra will present its final concert of the season on Saturday May 12.  It is entitled A New Day, and will be performed at the Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church, one block north of North Avenue on 80th Street. 

The concert will begin at 7 PM and will celebrate the heroes who have lived and worked in our own lifetimes.  These heroes are the ones who help us to embrace humanity and remind us that, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

The program includes:



  • Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copland
  • Lt. Kijé Suite - Sergei Prokofiev
  • JFK - A Profile - Steven Rosenhaus
  • Fanfare for An Uncommon Woman - Joan Tower
  • Selections from Porgy & Bess - George Gershwin (arr. by Robert Russell Bennett)
For more information or to reserve your tickets, please see the CCO web site.

And a note from the Kettle Moraine Symphony.  They, along with the Moraine Chorus, will perform Hayden's The Creation on Sunday May 6 at 3 PM at the Basilica at Holy Hill.  For a complete description of the concert and the soloists, please see the KMSO web site.

Waukesha Area Symphonic Band concert

The Nationally recognized Waukesha Area Symphonic Band will perform in concert on Friday May 4 at 7:30 PM in Shattuck Auditorium on the campus of Carroll University.  The concert is their first since being honored by the John Phillip Sousa Foundation as a winner of the Sudler Silver Scroll.  The Scroll is awarded to top North American community bands and is the highest award a community band can receive.

The program, entitled Flights of Fancy and Fantasy,  will feature works by Vaughan Williams, Frank Ticheli, Phillip Sparke, Erica Svanoe and Jaromir Weinberger.  The program will also feature trumpeter Matthew Kellen, winner of the WASB Concerto Competition.  Matthew will be performing a Donald Hunsberger arrangement of Le Carnival de Venise

The concert will benefit Waukesha's Adaptive Community Approach Program.  See their web site for the good things they do for the Waukesha Community. 

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

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Sing Along Messiah for Spring

The Menominee Falls Symphony is bringing back the Sing Along Messiah on Sunday May 6, at 2PM, at Mount Carmel Lutheran Church at 84th and Center Streets.  They will be performing the “Easter” portion of this large oratorio, featuring four local vocal soloists. 

While the “audience” is invited (expected) to sing, non-singing audience members are also welcome! Even non-singers will have a tough time staying silent during the Hallelujah Chorus.  And if you do not have a vocal score, they will be available for purchase at the door.  


Best of all, the concert is free.  Just show up and sing, or enjoy the music.


For more information, see the MFSO web site.  


Sunday, April 15, 2018

Congratulations to the Milwaukee Festival Brass

The Milwaukee Festival Brass competed in the North American Brass Band Association Championships recently.  While they were not able to defend their title as champions of the Third Section, they did score well. 

And congratulations to Al Floeter of MFB who placed first in the Senior Low Brass Melody competition.  Also congratulations go out to MFB members David Grace and Darrel Stachelski for placing first and third respectively in the Senior High Brass Technical competition. 

And don't forget the upcoming MFB concert, Festival City Postcards, Sunday May 20 at 3 PM at the Pius XI High School Arts Center.  See the MFB web site for more information.

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Concert Preview - Menomonee Falls Symphony

The Menomonee Falls Symphony will present The British...Just Smashing, on Saturday evening April 14.  The concert begins at 7:30 in the Fine Arts Center at Sussex Hamilton High School.

Featured on the program is the Vaughn Williams Symphony number 5 in D.  Many of the musical themes in the Fifth Symphony stem from Vaughan Williams' then-unfinished operatic work, The Pilgrim's Progress. This opera, or "morality" as Vaughan Williams preferred to call it, had been in gestation for decades, and the composer had temporarily abandoned it at the time the symphony was conceived. Despite its origins, the symphony is without programmatic context, and is in the form of an extended development of musical themes taken from the morality rather than an attempt to cast it directly into symphonic form.

Also featured is pianist Elena Abend performing the Mozart Piano Concerto #24.  Ms. Abend currently serves on the piano and chamber music faculty at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee and the Lakeside Chamber Music Workshop.


For more information or to order tickets, see the MFSO web site.

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Good Luck to MFB

Let's wish good luck to the Milwaukee Festival Brass as they defend their Championship at the North American Brass Band Association Championships in Fort Wayne, Indiana this weekend. 

I will publish the (hopefully) great results as soon as they are posted.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Good news to report

Congratulations go out to the members and volunteers of the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band.  They were awarded the Sudler Silver Scroll by the John Phillip Sousa Foundation.  This award recognizes community bands in North America that consistently perform at a high level while contributing to their community.  While many bands apply each year, only a few are awarded the Scroll.  There have been a few years when no band received an award.

Bands that apply must submit documentation on their concerts, letters of recommendation from the music world as well as their community, and recordings of concert material.  Judges from across the nation then review the material and recordings to determine if any bands are to receive the award.  The process is very thorough and those that receive the award truly deserve it.

Music Director Rick Kirby accepted the award from Dr. Ron Keller at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Directors convention in Chicago.


Sunday, March 18, 2018

Concert Reminder

The Concord Chamber Orchestra will perform Gods and Mortals at the Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church on Saturday March 24 beginning at 7 PM.  You will enjoy music of Offenbach, Richard Wagner, and Sir Edward Elgar.  See the web site for more information and to order your tickets.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Another concert reminder

You don't want to miss the Concord Chamber Orchestra's presentation of Gods and Mortals on Saturday March 24 at the Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church beginning at 7 PM.  See the CCO web site for directions and tickets.

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Concert reminder

Don't miss the Brass on the Border concert at Milton High School on March 11.  Four top British style brass bands will showcase their music for the upcoming NABBA competition.  See the Milwaukee Festival Brass web site for all the details and directions.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Concert Preview: Concord Chamber Orchestra

The Concord Chamber Orchestra will perform Gods and Mortals on Saturday March 24 beginning at 7 PM at the Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church on 80th Street just north of North Avenue (2366 N 80th St.).

The CCO will pay tribute to Helen of Troy, lovers Tristan and Isolde, and Queen Elizabeth I. They will also feature cellist Viktor Brusubardis, the winner of their annual concerto competition (wherein young mortals aspire to musical greatness).

The program:


For more information or to order tickets, see the CCO web site.

The concert is sponsored in part by Brass Bell Music Store.

Sunday, February 18, 2018

More from the Milwaukee Festival Brass

First, a reminder about the upcoming concert by the Milwaukee Festival Brass on Sunday February 25 at 3 PM.  Just make your way to Pius XI High School and their performing arts hall.  Should be a good one.

And in March, the MFB will perform at Brass at the Border on Sunday March 11 at Milton High School in Milton WI.  MFB will be joined by the Madison Brass Band, the Illinois Brass Band, and the Chicago Brass Band, as all four prepare for the big competition at the North American Brass Band Association meeting in April in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Brass at the Border is an annual concert that helps each group fine tune their performances for the big competition.  And you can enjoy some great performances without the trip to Indiana.  See the MFB web site for more details.

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Concert Preview - Kettle Moraine Symphony

The Kettle Moraine Symphony will present A New American Frontier beginning at 3 PM on Sunday March 4 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Silverbrook Drive in West Bend.  A pre-concert talk describing the music will begin at 2 PM. 

American composers are celebrated in this afternoon concert of lighter musical fare. Enjoy Bugler's Holiday and Clarinet Candy, popular 1950s era compositions by Leroy Anderson, as well as Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring and The Cowboys: Overture by John Williams. Also featured is the student winner of the Moraine Area Private Music Teachers Organization's annual Concerto Competition, Senior Division. This year's winner is Elizabeth Rhinehart of Hartford, and she will perform the third movement from the Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No.2.

For more information, please see the Kettle Moraine Symphony web site

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Reminder: Valentines dinner concert

Be sure to make your reservations for the Valentines Dinner Concert presented by the Menominee Falls Symphony Orchestra.  The MFSO will perform with special guest Tom Anthony and his band.  It is a great night out with your special someone. 

But time is running short.  The MFSO web site has all the information for ordering your tickets.  And tickets are going fast.  Be sure to place your order before the evening is sold out. 

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Concert Preview: Milwaukee Festival Brass

The Milwaukee Festival Brass will present Formidable Brass on Sunday February 25 at 3 PM in the Performing Arts Center at Pius XI High School on North 76th Street.  The afternoon will showcase classic brass band repertoire along with recent compositions and popular items.

The program will include the Overture for Brass by the celebrated American composer Joseph Turrin.   Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s beautiful An Untold Story will be performed by principal Solo Horn Lonna Brooks.  For film buffs, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Superman movie, the MFB performs the love theme Can You Read My Mind from the John Williams score.

Finally, the MFB will be defending it's titles at the North American Brass Band Association Championships in March.  At the concert, they will perform the two pieces that they will play in competition at the championships.  You don't want to miss this one.

Come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music and help the Milwaukee Festival Brass "tune up" for the big competition in March.  Doors open at 2:30 and tickets will be available at the door.  Adults admission is $12, Seniors and Students are $9.  For more information, please visit the MFB website.  



Sunday, January 21, 2018

A Valentine's Special

The Menomonee Falls Symphony has a great idea for you and your valentine:  a dinner concert featuring the MFSO and Mr. Tom Anthony.  It will be held on Saturday February 10 at the Silver Spring Country Club.  The doors open at 6 PM.  Dinner is served beginning at 6:30, with the concert beginning after dinner but before dessert. 

Tom Anthony and his band, along with the Menomonee Falls Symphony, will present a wide variety of musical styles.  A great treat for your valentine and you will support the MFSO as well.  I believe that is called a win-win proposition. 

For more information and to make reservations, please see the MFSO web site.

Sunday, January 14, 2018

The first concert of the Spring Season

The first group to perform in 2018 is the Concord Chamber Orchestra with their annual concert of Chamber Music.  The concert will be at the North Shore Congregational Church on Santa Monica Boulevard at 2 PM on Sunday January 28th.  The concert is entitled People Power and is becoming an audience favorite.  The Orchestra will split into a number of chamber music ensembles.  Here's a great way to hear how small groups of people can make great music.

For more information or to order tickets, see the CCO web site.

Sunday, January 7, 2018

A new concert season begins

Here's the list of concerts I have for the Spring Season.  Maybe some of them will work into your schedule.  Best to put them on the calendar now! 

January
  • Sun.  28  2:00 Concord Chamber Orchestra at the North Shore Congregational Church performing Chamber Music
February

  • Sat.  10   6:30 Menomonee Falls Symphony performing a Valentine’s dinner concert at the Silver Spring Country Club
  • Fri.   16   7:00  Greenfield Concert Band at the Greenfield High School Performing Arts Center
  • Sun.  25  3:00  Milwaukee Festival Brass at Pius XI High School Performing Arts Center

March
  • Sun.   4  2:00 Milwaukee Concert Band at Nicolet High School
  • Sun.   4  3:00  Kettle Moraine Symphony at the West Bend High Schools 
  • Sun.  11  3:00  Milwaukee Festival Brass at Brass on the Border, Milton High School
  • Sat.  24  7:00  Concord Chamber Orchestra at Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church

April
  • Sat. 14  7:30 Menomonee Falls Symphony at the Sussex Hamilton Fine Arts Center

May
  • Fri.     4  7:30  Waukesha Area Symphonic Band at Carroll University
  • Sun.   6  2:00  Menomonee Falls Symphony performing the Messiah Sing-Along at Mount Carmel Lutheran Church
  • Sun.   6  3:00  Kettle Moraine Symphony at the Basilica at Holy Hill 
  • Sun.   6  2:00  Milwaukee Concert Band at the Oak Creek Community Center
  • Sat.  12  7:00  Concord Chamber Orchestra at the Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church
  • Fri.  18   7:00  Greenfield Concert band at The Amp at Konkel Park
  • Sun. 20  3:00  Milwaukee Festival Brass at Pius XI High School Performing Arts Center