DuPage Community Concert Band Presenting Works of Sousa and Sondheim
| DuPage Community Concert Band, under the baton of Dr. Mark A. Taylor, performs an excitingly diverse program for its spring concert at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 2. “This band is a true reflection of our communities” says Taylor. “Undergraduate students, lifelong learners, college staff members, working parents, retirees, people of many neighborhoods and backgrounds – all coming together to connect with one another and create music. It’s a great privilege to be able to do this every week, and then share our work with the public.” The program will feature March: The Rifle Regiment by John Philip Sousa (1854-1932). According to an inscription on the printed music, this march, regarded as one of the “American March King’s” best works, was dedicated to the officers and men of the 3rd U.S. Infantry. Also on the program is To You, America! by William Grant Still (1895-1978). Still became the first Black composer to be commissioned by the West Point Band in 1952. That same year, he also became the first Black man to lead the band when he conducted the premiere of To You, America! at the band’s sesquicentennial celebration performance. Listeners will also enjoy Theme from The Mandalorian by Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson (b.1984); Cloudburst by Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre (b. 1970); British symphonist Ralph Vaughan Williams’ (1872-1958) Prelude on ‘Rhosymedre’; Metroplex by Robert Sheldon (b. 1954); and a medley of works by Stephen Sondheim (1930-3021). Founded in 1969, DuPage Community Concert Band touts a mission to “embrace and express all of the beauty and glory we can share through playing great music.” Concerts feature entertaining music for audiences, as well as stimulating the performer that is consistent with the representation and growth of the college and community band. Membership is open to high school graduates with windwood, brass or percussion experience or to anyone who is otherwise qualified musically to register. Call 630.942.2048 for registration information. Visit atthemac.org to learn more. |
