(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - "Alaska's Flag" will open the Ketchikan Community Concert Band's annual spring concert this Sunday at 3:00 p.m in the Ketchikan High School Auditorium.

Ketchikan is very fortunate to have two fine double-reed players in Kathleen Light (oboe) and Deidra Nuss (bassoon). During the performance, they will perform "Four Miniatures for Oboe and Bassoon" transcribed by David Bussick.

Ketchikan Community Concert Band

Ketchikan's own Borough Mayor, David Kiffer will be featured in "Saxpack" by Otto Schwarz, who also penned the favorite, "Man In the Ice". This piece was commissioned by the Vienna Police Orchestra in 2009. As per the requirements of the piece, Kiffer will play both alto and soprano saxophones. Kiffer teaches woodwinds and is a member of "Lush Life" and "Windjammers", both local jazz groups.

Following the opening of the concert with "Alaska's Flag" will be Hector Berlioz's "Roman Carnival Overture" from his opera "Benvenuto Cellini". This overture has been a popular favorite since its debut in 1844. The transcription was done by V.F. Safranek for concert band in 1962. Brian Balmages' "Elements" consists of a four movement "Petite Symphony" (his subtitle), depicting musically the specific elements of air, water, earth and fire. Lyrical and lush "Redemption", by Rossano Galante strives to capture the euphoria one experiences after being saved from emotional crises. The march "Them Basses" written by G.H. Huffine, a tuba player, features the tuba section with the melody throughout the piece.

"Statement" by Brent Heisinger was commissioned by the California Band Directors Association for the All-State Symphonic Honor Band in 1970. Dr. Harold Arnoldi, the guest conductor for the premier of this piece in 1970 stated " 'Statement' is one of the finest pieces of contemporary band literature written today. It reflects the turmoil of our present day society." At the time the country was in social turmoil over very serious issues including the Vietnam War, Women's LIberation, environmental destruction, and the population explosion. This piece is a musical/dramatic discourse representing the the distress/ frustration/unrest, and the emotions these stressful situations evoke.

The reason "Statement" is so unique, is that although written in 1970, it is not just about those difficult and challenging times. It is about needing and having, seeking and hopefully finding, about respecting one another and striving for peace. Heisinger develops this cycle with "uneasy calm", "unrest", "chaos", "struggle for resolution" and "peace" . . . .      

Robert Russell Bennett is a favorite composer among Broadway pit orchestras and band directors. "Suite of Old American Dances" sets the mood for a Saturday night barn dance. The band will perform three of the five movements.

"Mancini!" will feature some of the most-recognizable songs composed by Henry Mancini including "The Pink Panther", "Moon River", "Baby Elephant Walk", "Dreamsville", and "Peter Gunn".

Tickets are available at McPherson Music, Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council and Parnassus. Ages under 18 are FREE.

Refreshments will be served in the Kayhi Commons after the concert.

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Ketchikan, Alaska

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