SLV Community Band, ASU concert set

ALAMOSA – The SLV Community Band, under the direction of Dr. Kerry Hart, and the ASU Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Angela Winter, will perform a joint concert on Thursday, October 18, at 7 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium on the ASU campus. The concert will feature both bands individually on selected numbers, and will also feature the combined bands on three traditional band compositions. 

Among the unique features of this program is the world premiere of “Flatirons Fanfare” by Franklin Stroble and performed by the ASU Wind Ensemble with the composer present.  This premiere is made possible through the Artist in Residence program (AIR) at ASU.  “Stroble is the third artist in residence at ASU and the second one that is a musician,” said Winter.  “This is the first year we have had the Artist in Residency program. It brings artists to ASU from all over the country.”

In addition to the world premiere of “Flatirons Fanfare,” the ASU Wind Ensemble will perform three numbers that represent composers of diverse backgrounds (Hispanic, LGBTQ, and African-American).  These selections include “Exultation Fanfare” by Salvador Alan Jacobo,  “The Rusted Heart” by Troy Armstrong, and “Rocketship” by Kevin Day.    

The SLV Community Band will perform three selections that are more traditional: “Procession of the Nobles” by Rimsky-Korsakov, selections from the musical, “Man of La Mancha,” and “Waltz No. 2” from “Jazz Suite” by Dimitri Shostakovich. 

“The balance of the old and the new provides an attractive balance for an enjoyable concert,” Hart said.  He added, “the three combined pieces that will be performed at the end of the concert by both bands are classic band pieces that will really bring it all together.” 

The three concluding numbers are: “The Florentiner” by Julius Fucik, “Folk Dances” by Dimitri Shostakovich, and the “First Suite in Eb” by Gustav Holst.  “There’s enormous musical talent in the San Luis Valley,” Hart said.  “By collaborating, rather than competing or working in isolation, the musicians from both groups have an opportunity to broaden their horizons, and it represents the potential for greater musical and artistic endeavors for our communities throughout the Valley.”

The combined concert of the SLV Community Band and the ASU Wind Ensemble is free and open to the public.