The Wauwatosa Community Band is in concert on Tuesday evening March 31 at 7:30 PM at Longfellow Middle School in Wauwatosa (corner of 76th and North). But this one is different. The concert will be a collection of recitals of small groups from within the Wauwatosa Community Band. The different groups performing include a Brass Choir, a Woodwind Choir, the Percussion Ensemble, Trumpets and Trombones, a Trombone choir, a Tuba Quartet, a Flute quartet, a Clarinet choir, a Saxophone choir, and a woodwind and brass quintet. (Whew!)
The concert finishes with a short program from Tosa Jazz, the jazz big band arm of the Wauwatosa Community Band, will perform some new charts, never before performed in concert. The cost of the concert is $5, $3 for Seniors and Students.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Upcoming Concert - Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band
Don't forget the Knightwind Ensemble concert this Sunday March 22 at 3 PM at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Check their site for the details. If you attend, stop by and say hello. I'll be manning the ticket table.
Also next week, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band will present Music for the Young and Young at Heart on Saturday March 28th at 3 PM also in Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College. The group's director, Karen Lippert, tells me that this concert celebrates the 15th anniversary of MMCCB. Celebrating with the band, and guest conducting, will be the founding directors of the band: Dr. Patricia Backhaus, and Mr. Richard Mannisto.
The program will include pieces that reflect the life of a child - exuberance, playfulness and rest - such as Festive Overture (Shostakovich), The Teddy Bear's Picnic (Bratton), Creatures of Dreams (Barber), Joy Revisited (Tichelli), Easter Monday on the White House Lawn (Sousa), and Sleep (Whitacre).
This free concert will also include a special intermission with "Cookies & Milk", certainly a big event in a child's day!
The MMCCB always presents a fun program. And so I suggest that you take some time out of all your errands Saturday afternoon and help them celebrate their anniversary. You'll have a good time.
Also next week, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band will present Music for the Young and Young at Heart on Saturday March 28th at 3 PM also in Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College. The group's director, Karen Lippert, tells me that this concert celebrates the 15th anniversary of MMCCB. Celebrating with the band, and guest conducting, will be the founding directors of the band: Dr. Patricia Backhaus, and Mr. Richard Mannisto.
The program will include pieces that reflect the life of a child - exuberance, playfulness and rest - such as Festive Overture (Shostakovich), The Teddy Bear's Picnic (Bratton), Creatures of Dreams (Barber), Joy Revisited (Tichelli), Easter Monday on the White House Lawn (Sousa), and Sleep (Whitacre).
This free concert will also include a special intermission with "Cookies & Milk", certainly a big event in a child's day!
The MMCCB always presents a fun program. And so I suggest that you take some time out of all your errands Saturday afternoon and help them celebrate their anniversary. You'll have a good time.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Upcoming concerts and other stuff
Back in January I wrote about two of the pieces on the program to be performed by the Knightwind Ensemble on Sunday March 22 at 3 PM at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Here's some information on the feature piece, Van Gogh Portraits by Aldo Rafael Forte.
First a bit about Mr. Forte. He is Composer / Arranger for the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band stationed at Fort Langley, VA. He is also Adjunct Professor of Composition at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. He came to America at the age of nine, having been born in Cuba. His compositions are varied, having produced works for chamber orchestra, band, and orchestra.
The Van Gogh Portraits are his musical interpretations of a number of works by Van Gogh. The Potato Eaters is the first movement inspired by the dark painting of a poor peasant family eating a simple meal of potatoes. La Berceuse is a lighthearted, rollicking second movement based on portraits of the wife of Vah Gogh's postman. The Zouave, which features the percussion section, represents soldiers of North African origin, who were first brought to European awareness by Napolean. The Drawbridge was inspired by the Langiois Bridge. The Finale is a musical essay on Van Gogh's last self portrait, painted only months before his suicide. The work is very difficult to perform, but very exciting, interesting, and enjoyable.
For more information, see the Knightwind web site: http://www.knightwind.org/.
And on Sunday March 15th, Tosa Jazz is in concert at Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire, at 7 PM. I don't have any information at this time, but hope to get some details soon. More information on Tosa Jazz is at their website: http://www.arcfile.com/wcb/index.html
Finally, I received word from the Milwaukee Festival Brass that they have set the audition date for the Youth Brass Band. It is April 22. I'll have more details in the next couple of weeks. And speaking of the Milwaukee Festival Brass, I'll see you at their concert this afternoon at Wisconsin Lutheran College at 3 PM. Don't forget to bring some non-perishable food items for the Hunger Task Force!
First a bit about Mr. Forte. He is Composer / Arranger for the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band stationed at Fort Langley, VA. He is also Adjunct Professor of Composition at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. He came to America at the age of nine, having been born in Cuba. His compositions are varied, having produced works for chamber orchestra, band, and orchestra.
The Van Gogh Portraits are his musical interpretations of a number of works by Van Gogh. The Potato Eaters is the first movement inspired by the dark painting of a poor peasant family eating a simple meal of potatoes. La Berceuse is a lighthearted, rollicking second movement based on portraits of the wife of Vah Gogh's postman. The Zouave, which features the percussion section, represents soldiers of North African origin, who were first brought to European awareness by Napolean. The Drawbridge was inspired by the Langiois Bridge. The Finale is a musical essay on Van Gogh's last self portrait, painted only months before his suicide. The work is very difficult to perform, but very exciting, interesting, and enjoyable.
For more information, see the Knightwind web site: http://www.knightwind.org/.
And on Sunday March 15th, Tosa Jazz is in concert at Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire, at 7 PM. I don't have any information at this time, but hope to get some details soon. More information on Tosa Jazz is at their website: http://www.arcfile.com/wcb/index.html
Finally, I received word from the Milwaukee Festival Brass that they have set the audition date for the Youth Brass Band. It is April 22. I'll have more details in the next couple of weeks. And speaking of the Milwaukee Festival Brass, I'll see you at their concert this afternoon at Wisconsin Lutheran College at 3 PM. Don't forget to bring some non-perishable food items for the Hunger Task Force!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Milwaukee Festival Brass - Concert this Sunday
I was reminded last night that the MFB concert this Sunday at 3 PM at Wisconsin Lutheran College is also a benefit for The Hunger Task Force. Bring two or more non-perishable food items and receive a discount on admission.
So, there you have it! Take in a great concert this Sunday, get a discount on the admission, and do something good for the Hunger Task Force. Your Sunday is set!
So, there you have it! Take in a great concert this Sunday, get a discount on the admission, and do something good for the Hunger Task Force. Your Sunday is set!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
More from the Milwaukee Festival Brass
Last week I mentioned the upcoming concert by the MFB at 3 PM on March 8th at Wisconsin Lutheran College. It will be a good one, so be sure to mark your calendar. Mine is!
Today I devote the posting to two programs of the Milwaukee Festival Brass: one an ongoing program, and one that is totally new.
The program that is continuing is the High School Apprentice Program. In the past, the MFB has invited talented high school students to audition for a few selected positions in Milwaukee Festival Brass. By playing some of the concerts in the series, students gain valuable experience by sitting next to seasoned players. The current group of HSAP players view Tuesday rehearsals as one of the highlights of their week. Auditions for new applicants to the apprentice program will be held in late April. Any brass or percussion player may audition. Check the Webpage, www.mfbrass.org for more information or e-mail to Director@mfbrass.org.
If you know of a high school student that really enjoys performing brass music, this program is one you should take a close look at. What a great opportunity for students to perform with a very talented group!
The new program being offered by the MFB is The Milwaukee Festival Youth Brass. MFB is proud to announce auditions for the debut year of a full blown brass band for students from about grade 7 through high school. This Youth Band is designed to acquaint students with the fabulous repertoire of the brass band and to challenge them to extraordinary new heights of brass and percussion playing. Auditions will be held in late April. Any brass or percussion player may audition. Check the Webpage for more information or e-mail to Director@mfbrass.org.
So, congratulations to the Milwaukee Festival Brass for their innovative programs for the Milwaukee area. And be sure to attend their concert on March 8th. It will be a good one. I know I'll be there!
Today I devote the posting to two programs of the Milwaukee Festival Brass: one an ongoing program, and one that is totally new.
The program that is continuing is the High School Apprentice Program. In the past, the MFB has invited talented high school students to audition for a few selected positions in Milwaukee Festival Brass. By playing some of the concerts in the series, students gain valuable experience by sitting next to seasoned players. The current group of HSAP players view Tuesday rehearsals as one of the highlights of their week. Auditions for new applicants to the apprentice program will be held in late April. Any brass or percussion player may audition. Check the Webpage, www.mfbrass.org for more information or e-mail to Director@mfbrass.org.
If you know of a high school student that really enjoys performing brass music, this program is one you should take a close look at. What a great opportunity for students to perform with a very talented group!
The new program being offered by the MFB is The Milwaukee Festival Youth Brass. MFB is proud to announce auditions for the debut year of a full blown brass band for students from about grade 7 through high school. This Youth Band is designed to acquaint students with the fabulous repertoire of the brass band and to challenge them to extraordinary new heights of brass and percussion playing. Auditions will be held in late April. Any brass or percussion player may audition. Check the Webpage for more information or e-mail to Director@mfbrass.org.
So, congratulations to the Milwaukee Festival Brass for their innovative programs for the Milwaukee area. And be sure to attend their concert on March 8th. It will be a good one. I know I'll be there!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
News from the Milwaukee Festival Brass
The Milwaukee Festival Brass will perform their Festival concert on Sunday March 8th in the Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College, 88th and Wisconsin Avenue at 3 PM. Every March the MFB salutes one of the ethnic groups within the City of Festivals, and this year the group salutes Finland with the performance of Jean Sibelius' tone poem Finlandia.
But the MFB is also saluting our Armed Forces and Veterans, performing Henry Fillmore's Americans We, and an Armed Forces Salute.
From the Brass Band world of music, Alan Fernie's brass band standard American Variations will be a highlight to the concert. Rafael Petrie Davilla will be the featured soloist for Edward Gregson's Tuba Concerto and the cornet trio will dazzle you with an evergreen favorite, Leroy Anderson's Bugler's Holiday. And as always there will be a few surprises as the MFB salutes our veterans.
And if you're interested in playing with a British Style Brass Band, the Milwaukee Festival Brass is announcing their Guest Night. You can try it out to see if it works for you, and I guess they can try you out as well. All this will happen on April 7. All they ask is that you contact the band manager so they can have a folder for you (you'll have to bring a stand). RSVP to manager@mfbrass.org.
And another exciting announcement from the Milwaukee Festival Brass next week. Stay tuned.
But the MFB is also saluting our Armed Forces and Veterans, performing Henry Fillmore's Americans We, and an Armed Forces Salute.
From the Brass Band world of music, Alan Fernie's brass band standard American Variations will be a highlight to the concert. Rafael Petrie Davilla will be the featured soloist for Edward Gregson's Tuba Concerto and the cornet trio will dazzle you with an evergreen favorite, Leroy Anderson's Bugler's Holiday. And as always there will be a few surprises as the MFB salutes our veterans.
And if you're interested in playing with a British Style Brass Band, the Milwaukee Festival Brass is announcing their Guest Night. You can try it out to see if it works for you, and I guess they can try you out as well. All this will happen on April 7. All they ask is that you contact the band manager so they can have a folder for you (you'll have to bring a stand). RSVP to manager@mfbrass.org.
And another exciting announcement from the Milwaukee Festival Brass next week. Stay tuned.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A fair question, part 2
This post is a continuation of the thoughts from last week.
I've always felt that the health of a system depends on the health of the different components. When all of the components are healthy and working together, the system is healthy. In southeastern Wisconsin, the arts community is healthy. Classical music, ballet, and theater are all thriving. This is not to say that the different groups are not feeling the recession - we just received a letter from the MSO stating that while ticket sales are good, they are expecting financial problems because of slower donations from corporations. And in any recession, this is to be expected. People and corporations will reduce discretionary spending, as their total funds are reduced.
We have a good tool for funding the larger groups within the Arts community in the United Performing Arts Fund. UPAF has done a wonderful job keeping our large arts groups thriving. However, they focus on the larger groups that also employ many people. They do not have funding for amateur groups with very small budgets, groups that produce concerts or events completely with volunteers.
An aside: In working with amateur groups for many years, I believe it would be very helpful for a foundation to set aside 10 to 20 grants of no more than $500 each to fund amateur group events (local guest artists, guest conductors, etc.). However, until I win the lottery, I can only lobby for such an idea to be implemented.
So, instead, I try to help by blogging about all the different community music groups in the area, in an attempt to generate interest and attendance at those events. Once a person has attended a concert or an event, they can determine if they wish to donate to the group to keep it thriving.
The end goal is to keep the good amateur groups growing, which will bring interest in attending events by the semi-pro groups (Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha Symphony Orchestras as examples). That will in turn help boost attendance at the MSO concerts and keep our Symphony Orchestra world class. (When I travel on business, I always check to see if a classical concert is scheduled while I am in that city. I have been lucky to see a number of orchestras in a number of different cities. Our MSO is better than most of them! We are very blessed!)
And that's why I post every week!
I've always felt that the health of a system depends on the health of the different components. When all of the components are healthy and working together, the system is healthy. In southeastern Wisconsin, the arts community is healthy. Classical music, ballet, and theater are all thriving. This is not to say that the different groups are not feeling the recession - we just received a letter from the MSO stating that while ticket sales are good, they are expecting financial problems because of slower donations from corporations. And in any recession, this is to be expected. People and corporations will reduce discretionary spending, as their total funds are reduced.
We have a good tool for funding the larger groups within the Arts community in the United Performing Arts Fund. UPAF has done a wonderful job keeping our large arts groups thriving. However, they focus on the larger groups that also employ many people. They do not have funding for amateur groups with very small budgets, groups that produce concerts or events completely with volunteers.
An aside: In working with amateur groups for many years, I believe it would be very helpful for a foundation to set aside 10 to 20 grants of no more than $500 each to fund amateur group events (local guest artists, guest conductors, etc.). However, until I win the lottery, I can only lobby for such an idea to be implemented.
So, instead, I try to help by blogging about all the different community music groups in the area, in an attempt to generate interest and attendance at those events. Once a person has attended a concert or an event, they can determine if they wish to donate to the group to keep it thriving.
The end goal is to keep the good amateur groups growing, which will bring interest in attending events by the semi-pro groups (Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha Symphony Orchestras as examples). That will in turn help boost attendance at the MSO concerts and keep our Symphony Orchestra world class. (When I travel on business, I always check to see if a classical concert is scheduled while I am in that city. I have been lucky to see a number of orchestras in a number of different cities. Our MSO is better than most of them! We are very blessed!)
And that's why I post every week!
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