Belle Valley Band to perform Sunday

Season 36 begins at Imlay City High School Performing Arts Center

 

 

IMLAY CITY — The Belle Valley Community Band begins its 36th season with a concert highlighting Michigan people and places.

The October 27 concert entitled ‘Greetings from the Mitten State’ will be comprised of compositions about places in our Great Lakes State, written by people from our great state or about people who have made our state special.

‘Northern Pines March’ written by John Philip Sousa first premiered on July 26, 1931 and pays tribute to the National Music Camp (Fine Arts Academy) in Interlochen, Michigan.

It pays homage to the camp’s fine musical education of Michigan’s youth and the tranquil setting of the northwest region of the Lower Peninsula.

‘The Heart of the Morn’ by H. Owen Reed is based on the song ‘Michigan Morn’ from the folk opera of the same name.

Although born out of state, Mr. Reed’s Michigan connection is long as he was a member of the Michigan State University composition faculty from 1939 until his retirement in 1976— an illustrious career spanning nearly 40 years.

Summer would not be complete without a trip to beautiful Mackinac Island, and native composer Andrew David Perkins captures the essence perfectly with his ‘Mackinac Island Suite’.

Mr. Perkins was born in Royal Oak, received his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from MSU and continued on to gain his master’s degree in music education from the University of Michigan.Currently Mr. Perkins is the director of instrumental music for the Fenton Area Public Schools.

Samuel Hazo’s composition ‘Ride’ was inspired by a slippery drive on an icy, snow-covered road— something we Michiganders are all too familiar with.

Jerry H. Bilik, the composer of ‘Block M’ march began his musical education at Interlochen Music Academy. He is a graduate of U of M’s music education program and has been a faculty member in the music composition department at both U of M and Wayne State University.

James Curnow, the composer of ‘Fanfare and Flourishes’ was born in Port Huron Michigan and raised in Royal Oak. He has taught at all levels of instrumental music and music composition throughout his distinguished career.

‘Melodious Thunk’ was composed by David Biedenbender. Dr. Biedenbender is a graduate of Central Michigan University (BM), obtained his master’s degree (MM) as well as his doctorate degree (DMA) from U of M, and is currently a member of the faculty at MSU.

A piece entitled ‘Shadows’ by Scott Boerma is included in the program to honor the accomplishments of its composer.

Dr. Boerma received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Western Michigan University. Dr. Boerma began his music career teaching in the Novi public school system and moved on to teach at Lamphere High School in Madison Heights, Michigan.

He then served as a music educator at Eastern Michigan University’s school of music and for a time was the director of the U of M marching band.

Dr. Boerma has returned home to where it all began and is currently the Director of Bands and Professor of Music at WMU in Kalamazoo.

Steven Bryant may not have a direct connection to the ‘Mitten State’, but his composition ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ fits nicely into the Michigan requirements.

Inspired by a poem written by Robert Frost, Mr. Bryant was commissioned to write the composition as a surprise gift for MSU Professor Kevin Sedatole, in honor of his first ten years on staff at Michigan State University.

Mr. Bryant found it hard to turn down the request as his wife, Verena, was one of Mr. Sedatole’s very first students at MSU.

Currently, Kevin Sedatole is the Director of Bands and Professor of Music at MSU. Professor Sedatole serves as the administrator for the MSU College of Music which currently comprises more than 700 students.

Nine pieces of music specifically chosen to shine a light on our glorious State and the people who have contributed to its rich musical history.

Don’t miss the opportunity to pick your favorite.

The concert will be held on Sunday, October 27, starting at 3 p.m. at the Imlay City High School Performing Arts Center.

Admission is free to the public. However, free will donations are graciously accepted to help defray the cost of music and performance expenses. More information can be obtained by following the BVCB Facebook page.