Grace Orchestra Planning Tribute To John Philip Sousa
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
WINONA LAKE - The Grace Community Orchestra has something special planned Saturday for the annual children's concert.
The guest conductor is John Philip Sousa.
Actually, conductor Keith Brion will portray Sousa, from the March King's elaborately embroidered jacket down to the white gloves and a replica of Sousa's baton.
"'Sousa At The Symphony' includes typical Sousa-type programming," said Profesor Ardis Faber of Grace College. "Geared toward children, it will be nice and lively. Concert-goers don't want to miss this one."
Although known for his invigorating military march compositions, Sousa revitalized music appreciation in the United States.
At the time he became conductor of the Marine band in 1880, the only symphony orchestra then existing was the Boston Symphony.
During his career, Sousa introduced millions of Americans to the "new" music of Wagner, Verdi, Strauss, Respighi and Tschaikovsky.
The 45-plus member orchestra will provide a stars and stripes-studded, red, white, and blue Sousa concert, Faber said. The principal commodity Sousa sold was pride in America and American music.
"It will be very patriotic. There will be a slide show, an interactive section for the children and a few surprises."
Of course she wouldn't elaborate on the surprises.
One surprise is that Faber is bowing off the conductor's platform and letting Brion have his way with the group of students, community members and professional musicians.
"I'm taking care of all the details," she said.
As in a typical Sousa concert, there will be three soloists: soprano Tammie Huntington, Scott Avey on xylophone and Dr. Timothy Sanborn on trombone.
The free concert begins at 7 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium.
Brion arrives at the college today and will work the orchestra through several rehearsals.
Brion has led his popular "Sousa in Concert" performances with most of America's major and regional orchestras and in countless repeat performances. He also tours nationally with his own New Sousa Band, authorized by John Philip Sousa Inc.
Saturday's selection includes "Semper Fidelis" by Sousa; "Light Cavalry" by Franz von Shuppe, a trombone solo featuring Sanborn; "Thoughts of Love" by Pryor with the vocal solo by Huntington; "Vilia" by Lehar' and "Xylophonia" by Green featuring Avey on xylophone. [[In-content Ad]]
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WINONA LAKE - The Grace Community Orchestra has something special planned Saturday for the annual children's concert.
The guest conductor is John Philip Sousa.
Actually, conductor Keith Brion will portray Sousa, from the March King's elaborately embroidered jacket down to the white gloves and a replica of Sousa's baton.
"'Sousa At The Symphony' includes typical Sousa-type programming," said Profesor Ardis Faber of Grace College. "Geared toward children, it will be nice and lively. Concert-goers don't want to miss this one."
Although known for his invigorating military march compositions, Sousa revitalized music appreciation in the United States.
At the time he became conductor of the Marine band in 1880, the only symphony orchestra then existing was the Boston Symphony.
During his career, Sousa introduced millions of Americans to the "new" music of Wagner, Verdi, Strauss, Respighi and Tschaikovsky.
The 45-plus member orchestra will provide a stars and stripes-studded, red, white, and blue Sousa concert, Faber said. The principal commodity Sousa sold was pride in America and American music.
"It will be very patriotic. There will be a slide show, an interactive section for the children and a few surprises."
Of course she wouldn't elaborate on the surprises.
One surprise is that Faber is bowing off the conductor's platform and letting Brion have his way with the group of students, community members and professional musicians.
"I'm taking care of all the details," she said.
As in a typical Sousa concert, there will be three soloists: soprano Tammie Huntington, Scott Avey on xylophone and Dr. Timothy Sanborn on trombone.
The free concert begins at 7 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium.
Brion arrives at the college today and will work the orchestra through several rehearsals.
Brion has led his popular "Sousa in Concert" performances with most of America's major and regional orchestras and in countless repeat performances. He also tours nationally with his own New Sousa Band, authorized by John Philip Sousa Inc.
Saturday's selection includes "Semper Fidelis" by Sousa; "Light Cavalry" by Franz von Shuppe, a trombone solo featuring Sanborn; "Thoughts of Love" by Pryor with the vocal solo by Huntington; "Vilia" by Lehar' and "Xylophonia" by Green featuring Avey on xylophone. [[In-content Ad]]