Band concert to have peace theme

 In addition to five numbers that the band will perform, chamber ensembles comprised of members of the band will be featured. They will include a clarinet choir and flute and brass ensembles.

Now in its 11th year, the band is directed by Carola Winkle.

The 11-member clarinet choir will open the concert by playing three numbers. A flute quartet directed by Don Housh will follow with “two works in one,” Winkle said. A portion of the selection will be sacred and the remainder will be ragtime.

Also early in the program, the brass ensemble directed by Dr. William Winkle will perform music by Handel and “Oh, You Beautiful Doll.”

Chadron news and sportscaster John Axtell will be the master of ceremonies for the band’s portion of the concert. The first number will be a military march by Julius Fucik. Also on the program are “Corsican Litany” by Vaclav Nelhybal. Winkle said the selection portrays a lament to the dead and the intense feelings emanating from such an event.

Another number is a symphonic suite, “Canticle of the Creatures,” by Jim Curnow. It has six short movements depicting Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Fire and Mother Earth. Based on the work of Saint Francis of Assisi, the composition illustrates a societal love of peace and respect for all creatures, Winkle said.

Dr. Russ Seger, pastor of the Congregational Church in Chadron, will narrate several poems between the movements.

On the lighter side, the band will play selections from “South Pacific” by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The Broadway musical was set during World War II.

What the director calls “the lollipop” of the evening is a light-hearted march by Karl King titled “Walking Frog.”

Winkle said the hope for peace weaves throughout each of the selections, and should speak to the audience about concerns for world peace.

Admission to the concert will be $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and youths 18 and under if the tickets are obtained in advance. All tickets at the door will be $6.