Friday, December 3, 2021

Holiday Pops is Back!

Have you missed your favorite Holiday Carols?

Join the Concord Band for an evening of traditional favorites guaranteed to get you back into the holiday spirit. The evening will feature a mix of small ensembles, brass, percussion, and woodwind section pieces, and also classic holiday standards for the full band. This year will be open seating (no tables). Come early to enjoy the jazz ensemble prelude, and welcome the Band onto the music stage. The concert will also be live streamed for all to enjoy remotely. In-person admission is free with donations gratefully accepted to help us cover production costs. Mark your calendars now!

Sat Dec 11 @7:30pm Live Stream Link

Saturday, December 11 · 7:30 pm
Performing Arts Center
51 Walden Street, Concord MA

Live audience should be vaccinated and masked
Please check our Facebook page for updated information

If cancelled due to snow, concert will be Sunday, December 12 · 2:00 pm

Friday, November 26, 2021

Concord Tree Lighting

Small ensembles from the Concord Band will play holiday music at 51 Walden Performing Arts Center on Sunday, December 5th between 3:00–5:00 pm. If you are attending the Tree Lighing and Holiday Parade in Concord Center, be sure to stop by!

3:10-3:30
Woodwind Quintet
3:30-4:00
Concord Players sing carols
4:00-4:15
Clarinet Sextet
4:15-4:30
Flute Trio
4:30-4:50
Saxophone Quartet

Friday, November 12, 2021

Holiday Pops!

2021 Holiday Pops poster.

The Concord Band is back!! The full band had its first rehearsal on November 8, getting ready for a Holiday Pops concert on December 11.

The concert will start with a prelude and holiday arrangements by the jazz ensemble, followed by brass quartet and sextet, clarinet quartet, and sax quartet. Then each instrumental section will play with a holiday arrangement for woodwinds, two brass section pieces, and a percussion section number. The closing part of the concert will be the full band playing Overture to a Winter Festival that was written for the band, along with other holiday favorites including Sleigh Ride and Auld Lang Syne.

The concert will take place at 51 Walden Street in Concord at 7:30 pm and is free admission, with open audience seating (without tables, this year). If this concert is snowed out, it will be rescheduled for 2:00 pm on Sunday afternoon, December 12. Donations will be gratefully accepted. Please plan to come early, hear the jazz ensemble, and welcome back the full Concord Band!

Monday, November 1, 2021

Call for Performers

The Concord Band performs at 51 Walden Performing Arts Center.

Do you have the right stuff to perform with a highly respected wind ensemble? The Concord Band has openings in the percussion and clarinet sections. We are looking for adults with a background in performance and recent playing experience. To be admitted, players may expect to attend several rehearsals on a trial basis and gain the consent the Music Director. To request an interview, please email Music Director James O'Dell <director@concordband.org> or call 978-897-9969 and leave a voice message with your contact information.

Saturday, October 23, 2021

PRISMS 2

Fall Concert - PRISMS

The Concord Band

James O’Dell, Music Director and Conductor
Steve Barbas, Assistant Conductor

Program

Saturday, October 23, 2021 • 7:30 PM

Clarinet Sextet

David Gaylin (cl), Yvonne Wilson (cl), Jeff Leiserson (bass cl),
Karen Whitehead (cl), James Dorney (cl), Emily Ferrara (cl)

CapriceClare Grundman
Petit QuatourPhillpe Rougeron
OblivionAstor Piazzolla
Spanish FleaJulius Wechter
arr. Herb Alpert

Horn Quartet

Jean Patterson (hr), Kathryn Denney (hr), Cassandra LaRochelle (hr), Cam Owen (hr)

HornquartetteFranz Strauss
  1. Rondino a la Chasse
  2. Adagio
YesterdayLennon & McCartney
arr. Ray Thompson
Somebody to LoveFreddy Mercury
arr. Ray Thompson

Flute Quartet

Debby Franks (fl), Ellen Feldman (fl), Roberta Nicoletta (fl), Beth Holmgren (fl)

4 for JazzRussell Stokes
  1. 4sail
  2. 4mulato
Sonata Pathetique: Adagio CantabileL.V. Beethoven
arr. Robert Maddox
4 for Jazz: 4merlyRussell Stokes
Sonata in D minor “Pastorale”Domenico Scarlatti
arr. Jennifer Grady
The Easy WinnersScott Joplin
arr. Doris Geller

Brass Quartet

Richard Given (tpt), James Becker (tpt), Peter Norton (trb),
Mark Vincenzes (trb), Neil Tischler (percussion)

Saturday in the ParkRobert Lamm
arr. John Groves
Canzona Sonare No. 3Giovanni Gabrieli
Barber of Seville OvertureGioacchino Rossini
arr. Craig Kaucher

Saxophone Quartet

David Southard (soprano), John Rabinowitz (alto),
Judy Piermarini (tenor), Seychelle Corbin (baritone)

Dixieland Medleyarr. Ken Abeling
Shenandoaharr. John Mills
Stephen Foster MedleyStephen Foster
arr. Bruce A. Evans
SpainChick Corea
arr. Kate Agioritis

Friday, October 22, 2021

PRISMS 1

Fall Concert - PRISMS

The Concord Band

James O’Dell, Music Director and Conductor
Steve Barbas, Assistant Conductor

Program

Friday, October 22, 2021 • 7:30 PM

Low Brass Ensemble

Peter Norton (trb), David Tweed (trb), Sam Reynolds (trb),
James Smith (euph), Mark Vincenzes (bass trb), Glenn Garvey (bass trb)

Achieved is the Glorious WorkFranz Joseph Haydn
arr. Donald Miller
On a Hymnsong of Philip BlissDavid R. Holsinger
arr. Wm Harbison
"Thaxted" Theme from JupiterGustav Holst
arr. Peter Norton
Trombumba/BossaG. W. Lotzenhiser
arr. Jeremy Welts

Woodwind Quintet

Roberta Nicoletta (fl), Carolyn Bruse (ob), David Gaylin (cl),
Kathryn Denney (hr), Nathaniel Hefferman (bsn)

Divertimento in B-flatFranz Josef Haydn
  1. Allegro con spirit
  2. Chorale St. Antoni
  3. Menuetto
  4. Rondo. Allegretto.
Five Easy DancesDenes Agay
  1. Polka
  2. Tango
  3. Bolero
  4. Waltz
  5. Rumba

Tuba/Euphonium Quartet

Evan Fisher (euph), Eric Abis (euph), Chi-Sun Chan (tuba), Kevin Kozik (tuba)

Raiders MarchJohn Williams
arr. Peter Norton
March from the 2nd Suite in FGustav Holst
arr. Werden
Come, Sweet DeathJ.S. Bach
arr. Ed Sauter
Ronde and SalterelleTielman Susato
Denis Winter
Pirates of the CaribbeanHans Zimmer/Badelt
arr. Van Duinen
El CapitanJ.P. Sousa
arr. Winston Morris

GoodReed Clarinet Quartet

Jerry Vabulas (cl), Gina DiPaoli (cl), Anne Kandra (cl), Linda Menkis (bass cl)

Symphony #1William Boyce
3 Tangos: Movements 1, 2, 3Astor Piazzolla
Perpetuum Mobile, Op. 257Johann Strauss II

Jazz Ensemble

John Rabinowitz (alto & soprano sax), Judy Piermarini (tenor sax), David Southard (bari sax),
Richard Given (tpt), Carol Messina (tpt), Ron Kwon (trb), Jake Kinney (piano),
Marvin Drake (bass), Neil Tischler (perc)

One for KenPaul Combs
Darn That DreamDe Lange/Van Heusen
arr. Tomaro
Take ThreeWillie Smith
Saint ThomasSonny Rollins
arr. Taylor

Friday, October 15, 2021

What is a Prism Concert?

2021 Fall Concert Poster

Just as a prism breaks light into its component colors, a prism concert separates the symphonic ensemble into its smaller component sections. This unique concert format is designed to engage the audience and highlight a variety of musical genres. Enjoy styles from Dixieland to classical, pop rock to jazz, and more!

Friday October 22, 7:30 pm

  • Low Brass Quintet
  • Woodwind Quintet
  • Tuba/Euphonium Quartet
  • Clarinet Quartet
  • Jazz Ensemble

Saturday October 23, 7:30 pm

  • Clarinet Sextet
  • Horn Quartet
  • Flute Quartet
  • Brass Quartet
  • Saxophone Quartet

Enjoy it Live or Live Stream

Vaccinated audience members are invited to join us live at 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord. Alternatively, you can enjoy the performance from home via Live Stream.

Please check our Facebook page for updates.
These concerts are free and open to the public.
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted.

Friday, October 8, 2021

PRISMS

Fall Concert 2021 Poster

The Concord Band will return to live performance at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord, October 22 & 23, 2021, at 7:30 pm. The new season begins with two concerts inspired by an innovative prism format. Each concert will feature a unique program of small ensembles assembled from Concord Band musicians.

Music Director Jim O’Dell will conduct two concerts, aptly titled "Prisms," which will present five different small ensembles on each night. The small groups comprise several quartets, two quintets, a sextet, and a 9-member jazz ensemble. The variety of styles and genres will appeal to all musical tastes.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Live Music During COVID

Fall Concert 2021 Poster

The Concord Band will return to live performance at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord, October 22 & 23, 2021, at 7:30 pm. The new season begins with two concerts inspired by an innovative prism format. Each concert will feature a unique program of small ensembles assembled from Concord Band musicians. The Concord Band has established guidelines and practices to ensure safe live performances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Band was able to present live music in a safe manner during the summer of 2021. Small ensembles, ranging from two to nine players, rehearsed and performed outdoors at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard and at Hastings Park in Lexington. These open-air performances were thoroughly enjoyed by the players as well as by audience members who attended.

To keep our players and audience safe, Music Director Jim O’Dell has decided to have the Fall Concerts continue to present small ensembles. With the number and variety of small ensembles within the Band, two concerts will be performed. The concerts, aptly titled "Prisms," will present five different small ensembles on each night. The small groups comprise several quartets, two quintets, a sextet, and a 9-member jazz ensemble. The variety of styles and genres will appeal to all musical tastes.

Beginning in September, small groups have been rehearsing in two shifts in separate rooms at 51 Walden or at the TriCon Church of Concord across the street. 

The Concord Band has verified that all performers are vaccinated, and we ask all audience members to be fully vaccinated or show evidence of a recent negative test. Based on current recommendations from the Massachusetts and Town of Concord Boards of Health, audience members may be required to wear face coverings. Seating will be arranged for appropriate social distancing. To reduce mingling, the 90 minute concerts will be held without intermission and there will be no post-concert reception.

In addition, the Performing Arts Center has recently installed an upper-room convection ultra-violet light active disinfection system in the main hall and lobby, HEPA professional air purifiers in lobby areas, and enhanced fresh air circulation throughout the building.

We believe these precautions and the small number of players at any one time will provide a safe environment for both audience and musicians. The Concord Band will live stream both concerts to YouTube for those who may not be comfortable attending an indoor concert. More details about the performing groups and live stream will be forthcoming. Whether in person or online, the Concord Band sincerely hopes patrons will afford the opportunity of these unique performances.

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

2021–22 Concert Season

2021–2022 Season Poster

We are pleased to announce our 2021-22 concert season. Check out our season poster and mark your calendars as the Concord Band presents a return to live music at 51 Walden!

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Community Band Challenges

Like all the community music groups in the area, The Concord Band was unable to rehearse or perform live music during most of the pandemic. Our last concert as a full ensemble with a live audience was March 2020.

Clarinet quartet at
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard MA.

Despite lockdowns, the band worked hard to stay engaged and keep our musical skills active while staying safe throughout the long year. We held several Zoom meetings to educate each other on various musical topics. We individually recorded and mixed a virtual premiere of a newly commissioned march, The Diamond Baton.

Woodwind quintet at
Hastings Park, Lexington MA.

This summer, we organized ourselves into a wide variety of small ensembles to play some live outdoor concerts at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, and Hastings Park Gazebo in Lexington. Unfortunately, multiple rain cancellations cut into that potential income.

Due to the lack of usual concert income and continuing costs of rent, insurance, and other unavoidable fixed costs, we anticipate being about $15,000 in the red this fiscal year. We are hoping to make up some of that shortfall through donations. We plan to return to a full season of live music starting in October at 51 Walden in Concord and would like to start that season on a firm financial footing. If you can help support us, all contributions of any amount are appreciated and tax deductible.

Friday, July 9, 2021

Summer Concerts at Hastings Park

Hastings Park Concert Poster

Members of the Concord Band are hard at work preparing for two concerts in Lexington MA. We look forward to playing for you this summer! Each concert will feature a variety of small ensembles from the Concord Band. The concerts, which are open to the public and free admission, will be at Hastings Park Gazebo on Thursdays, July 22 and 29, at 7:15 pm. Bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets as desired. (In the event of rain, the concert will be canceled.)

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Fruitlands Museum Summer Series

Fruitlands Summer Series Poster

Members of the Concord Band are hard at work preparing four concerts to be performed at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Mass. Each concert will feature a different selection of small ensembles from the Concord Band. With the reopening, all adults will need an advance reservation ticket at this link (children are free), and family groups will be able to sit together.

Bring your blanket, lawn chairs and picnic basket. There is plenty of room on the concert lawn for social distancing. All groups will have designated picnic areas. In the event of rain forcing cancellation, we will be able to rebook or refund any cancelled sales.

Fruitlands concerts are June 17, 24 and July 1, 8. We look forward to playing for you this summer!

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Video Featurette: The Diamond Baton

In 2020, Roger Cichy wrote The Diamond Baton in recognition of Dan Diamond’s 50 years of service to The Concord Band. While the band has not yet had a chance to premiere the piece as a full ensemble due to the pandemic, Roger recorded most of the players individually and combined all the audio recordings. Ken Troup provided videos of players who recorded their parts at 51 Walden and Jean Patterson overlaid these videos with the audio track. The opening video clip features Dan Diamond playing a percussion solo at a previous concert. The video of our virtual creation of The Diamond Baton is now available on the Concord Band's You Tube Channel. The Concord Band has been thrilled to be involved in such an interesting virtual project.

Video Featurette of The Diamond Baton

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Conductor's Corner

James O'Dell
Music Director

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music (Again)

As we spring forward and resume outdoor music performances, the creative musicians of the Concord Band have assembled a fantastic variety of music presented by member chamber groups. From classical to pop, jazz to Dixieland, familiar favorites and well-known gems, the hills of the Fruitlands Museum will once again come alive with music! 

Each evening program will feature three small groups presenting their "set" interspersed with informative and interesting groups presenting about the music, composers, and each ensemble. Don't miss this special opportunity to pack a picnic dinner, support live music, Fruitlands Museum, and the many talented musicians of the Concord Band!

Musically Yours,
Jim O’Dell, Music Director
The Concord Band

Friday, May 21, 2021

Summer Performances at Fruitlands Museum

Dixieland Ensemble performs
at Fruitlands Museum
There is light (and music) at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel!

This spring, the band has started to rehearse in small groups in preparation for a summer series at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard (June 17, 24 July 1, 8 @ 7:15 pm) . Each Thursday concert will feature three groups from a diverse mixture of ensembles: brass, saxophone, horn, and clarinet quartets, a flute choir, a woodwind quintet, the Concord Band Jazz Ensemble, Dixieland and German Bands, a percussion ensemble, and a nonet. There should be plenty of entertainment to appeal to all musical tastes.

This year you must purchase your tickets online in advance from the Trustees of the Reservations. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members, children 12 and under are free. More information is available on the Fruitlands' website. We are looking forward to seeing you all again!

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Virtual Quartet Performs Palestrina's “In Festo Transfigurationis Domini”

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Concord Band Virtual Quartet

After the Concord Band brass quintet virtual recording of Die Bänkelsängerlieder early in the pandemic, Concord Band members Peter Norton (trombone) and Cam Owen (horn) looked around for more music they could collaborate on virtually, and found a four-part hymn by the Italian Renaissance composer Giovanni da Palestrina: “In Festo Transfigurationis Domini”, arranged for three trombones and horn.

An interesting thing has happened during this pandemic year, as musicians turned from large-ensemble playing such as the band. During the fall and early spring, small ensembles have rehearsed and recorded outdoors. The winter months call for truly virtual groups, with individuals recording their parts indoors at home. With this situation has come the learning of new technology, and creative opportunities such as Peter taking on all three trombone parts. For this virtual performance we utilized an audio editor, Audacity, to bring together the different parts, and a video editor, Pinnacle Studio, to combine the finished audio, video recordings for each of the parts, background photos and other effects.

The far greater challenge than the technology, however, was working out the musical part of this project, getting away from the rigidity of the mechanics and finding a means to bring the give and take of an expressive performance, attending also to aspects of performance such as intonation and balance that come automatically and dynamically with a live performance. It took many iterations and a lot of experimentation and elbow grease!

On the music side, we take a lot of pleasure with the mixing of the four voices. This is a quiet work, rich in musical color and interest as parts come in and out. There are passages that start with the horn and dovetail to one of the trombone parts, which come through so nicely that there is only the change in timbre with the transition from horn to trombone. For us, the images forming the background should be rich in color, and soft—the grasses and early spring growth of our area.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Sicut Cervus by Giovanni da Palestrina

Peter Norton
Peter Norton
Musicians from the Concord Band have been finding ways to keep their music going. Here is a story from trombonist Peter Norton:

“During the pandemic, I have partly made up for the loss of playing live music by taking part in recording projects with the Concord Band and other groups. I was introduced to Sicut Cervus a few years ago at an event where I sang it in a group informally. I kept my copy of the music thinking it would make a good 4-part instrumental, and had entered the score into Sibelius [music scoring program], but didn't get a chance to play it with anyone before the pandemic. I was then able to transpose it on the computer to a range where I could play all four parts on trombone.  I made the recording using the [recording studio] program, Audacity. I recorded each part as a separate track, and then went back to re-record parts of it that needed more work. What made it a rewarding experience was that once I had some tracks recorded, playing new ones gave a sense of playing with other people.”

Sicut cervus is a motet for four voices by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. The motet is a setting of Psalm 42:2-3 “My soul thirsts for God,” written for four voices, soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.

Monday, January 4, 2021

Area 9 Quartet Performs Holst Second Suite

Area 9 Quartet (l. to r.): Sean Mix, Seychelle
Dunn, 
John Rabinowitz, Kangyi Liu
Some Concord Band members have been finding ways to rehearse in small ensembles while observing socially distant guidelines. Saxophonists John Rabinowitz (tenor) and Kangyi Liu (alto) recently performed the Holst Second Suite in F for Military Band outdoors with the Area 9 Saxophone Quartet. Sean Mix (soprano) and Seychelle Dunn (baritone) complete the quartet.

Area 9 also performed as guest artists with the Concord Band at our Spring Concert, "Festival de Música Española."

Second Suite in F (Op. 28, No. 2) by Gustav Holst

Area 9 Saxophone Quartet

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I. March: Morris Dance, Swansea Town, Claudy Banks
II. Song Without Words, "I'll Love My Love"
III. Song of the Blacksmith
IV. Fantasia on the Dargason