News

Community Band performs 'Songs of Our Country' Sunday

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 27, 2024

The Hendersonville Community Band will present Americana: Songs of Our Country at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28, in the Blue Ridge Conference Hall at BRCC.

The program showcases The Blue Ridge Bones, a trombone ensemble led by Joe Brashier. Selections include Little Light Swing (H.D. Loes), Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb), Bohemian Rhapsody (Freddie Mercury), Amazing Grace (John Newton, Arr. Joe Brashier) and Just A Closer Walk (Arr. Rodney Miller). Brashier will also conduct Shoutin’ Liza Trombone (Henry Fillmore), a trombone specialty with full Community Band accompaniment.

HCB is grateful to the N.C. General Assembly and the Arts Council of Henderson County for awarding grants to the band. The concert is partially sponsored by the General Assembly’s Grassroots Grant, which emphasizes local talent.

Long-time Principal Conductor Winford Franklin will conduct Sousa! (Arr. Warren Barker), Variations On “America” (Charles Ives), Simple Gifts No. 4 (Frank Ticheli), Gee, Officer Krupke (Leonard Bernstein) and John Williams in Concert (Arr. Paul Lavender).

Associate Conductor Cole Hairston will conduct American Riversongs (Pierre La Plante) andYankee Doodle (Morton Gould). To wrap up a totally enjoyable afternoon, Hairston and his wife, Christina, will lead the audience in The Ultimate Patriotic Sing-Along (Jerry Brubaker).

The Ralph Campbell and Joan Tripp Scholarships for college students majoring in music education will be awarded during the concert. HCB also awards music camp scholarships to Henderson County band students. Donations, which are tax-deductible, may be made to support the scholarships at the concert or by mail.

Admission is $10 per person; the concert is free to students. Tickets are available at the Henderson County Visitors Center from band members and at the door. For more informational call 828-713-8590.