COCC's Cascade Winds Symphonic Band will present the first concert of its 2008-09 season at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Summit High School in west Bend.
The band opens this season under the baton of its new music director, Dan Judd, who currently directs the Summit High School bands. Formerly a music teacher in Washington, Judd was elected to Washington Music Educator’s Hall of Fame and co-founded the Northwest Wind Symphony, an award-winning community band in Western Washington. He has also served as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the Northwest.
This first concert begins with Franz von Suppe’s famous “Light Cavalry Overture.” “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” will change the pace, as the band explores the rich beauty of Wagner’s piece from “Lohengrin.” Otto Schwarz’s “Roller Coaster” provides an unforgettable wild ride. Norman Dello Joio’s beautiful “Scenes from the Louvre,” which earned him an Emmy Award, will conclude the first half of the concert.
The Band will open the second half of the program with Samuel Hazo’s “Olympiada,” a spirited work featuring booming percussion, fanfare-like brass and soaring woodwinds. Jan Van der Roost’s “Spartacus” is an epic tone poem reminiscent of music from films like “Ben Hur” and requires virtuosity from each player in the ensemble. Edwin Franko Goldman’s “On the Mall” march was arguably his most popular, and allows ― nay, demands ― audience participation. Finally, Warren Barker’s very lovely arrangement of “Selections from Les Miserables” will conclude the concert.
The Cascade Winds concerts are free, open to the public and suitable for all ages. For information, visit www.cascadewinds.org or call 593-1635. Summit High School is located at 2855 NW Clearwater Drive in Bend.