The Sun City Concert Band Charter Club will perform “Under the Big Top” this May.
Richard Chay, Concert Band Charter Club President said, “The Sun City Concert Band will perform, ‘Under the Big Top’ in May. There are two shows: Thursday, May 4, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 6, at 1 p.m. in Drendel Ballroom.”
As the title suggests, this concert paints a spirited picture of the music that takes place under a circus big top and in ‘carnival’ events. Many of the most famous selections in the program came from the array of carnivals that used to constantly crisscross the world bringing entertainment to towns large and small.
David Macaulay, band manager said, “The concert features cornetist Amy Nelson as a guest soloist.”
Amy Nelson is a native of Waukegan, Illinois, and she has lived and performed around the world. Nelson is known for her extraordinary talent playing the cornet and has performed cornet solos in a variety of venues including the Grant Park Music Festival.
Macaulay said, “Amy will be playing a very difficult piece. She will play the famed cornet solo ‘Variations on The Carnival of Venice’ by Jean Baptiste Arvan. It is the showpiece of the concert.”
Chay said, “This is a well-known arrangement, all brass players are familiar with it and appreciate the difficulty of the piece.”
Nelson will be accompanied by the Sun City Concert Band, which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. The band started in 2003 with eleven musicians, some of whom had not played for 40 years. The band now has 50 talented musicians. The band’s music director is Pam Jorgensen.
Chay said, “The concert will feature all new pieces for the band. I think the audience will really enjoy the show.”
What are some of the selections for the concert?
Macaulay said, “We are featuring circus, carnival, carousel, and related-themed music. Of course, we will be playing the familiar piece, circus theme song, ‘Entry of the Gladiators.’ There will be a Latin American carnival piece. And we will feature a Trombone piece, ‘Trombonanza.’”
Chay said, “It is a fun, lively selection. Seven trombonists will play it.”
The band will appear in uniform as well.
Chay said, “All the members will wear a red shirt with the band logo.”
Macaulay said, “There will be a ringmaster who will be narrating the concert adding color commentary to the event.”
When are the ticket sales?
Chay said, “We will be selling tickets in Prairie Lodge, outside the Reading Room on Thursday, April 27, and Friday April 28, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. And every Wednesday in April outside the Birch Room from noon to 2 p.m.”
The Band is inviting residents of Sun City to join the band. “Many of our members played an instrument in their youth and wanted to play again in retirement. If you are feeling the same, we invite you to visit us during a rehearsal. The Sun City Concert Band rehearses every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Birch Room of Prairie Lodge. Come listen to us, talk to our members, and learn about the opportunities available to you,” Macaulay said.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Concert Band, contact Dave Macaulay by email dmacaulay@mac.com.
