Just in time to mark the approaching Fourth of July holiday, the Hill Country Community Band will present a concert of American favorites.
Titled “An American Celebration,” the free concert will include the finale from the “New World Symphony” by Antonin Dvorak written during a three-year stay in New York. Dvorak was encouraged to find a unique American voice and explored African American Spirituals and Native American music and crafted the themes in the spirit of those traditions.
Frank Ticheli’s “An American Elegy,” composed as a tribute to the victims and survivors of the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, will also be performed. It was first played by the Columbine High School Band in April 2000.
The program also includes “American Salute,” a rousing rendition of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again,” arranged by Morton Gould that presents a theme from the early days of World War II.
The music of a legendary American band leader, composer and jazz ambassador, Duke Ellington is also featured in a medley arranged by Stephen Bulla. It includes songs like “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” and “Take the A Train.”
Completing the broad sketch of American music will be E. E. Bagley’s “National Emblem” march. Played many times for radio and television specials and in thousands of concerts, it has evolved to become a national favorite. John Philip Sousa referred to it as one of the top three marches in the U.S.
Leading the band is Guest Conductor Adam Miller. Family-friendly and free to attend, parents are encouraged to bring the entire family.
The concert will take place May 31 at 4 p.m., at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 RR 12.
