Lake Wobegon® Brass Band
The Lake Wobegonâ Brass Band opens its 2009 Fall Concert Series on Friday night, October 9 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The program is sure to please and guaranteed to impress.
From Phillip Sparke’s “Harmony Music” to “A Disney Fantasy,” the band has put together a concert with a little bit of something for everyone.
“Harmony Music” puts the band through its paces when it performs this 14-minute piece, which was written for the Championship Section Finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
Then sit back, relax, and remember while the band performs such favorites as “When you Wish Upon a Star, “Whistle While You Work,” and “With a Smile and a Song” from Goff Richard’s “A Disney Fantasy.”
Forget those stereotypical impressions of the lowest of the low brass. They will fall by the wayside when the band’s talented tuba section proves that “Bugler’s Holiday,” is not just for buglers anymore. Concertgoers will come away with a new respect for this impressive instrument.
Swing era music, John Phillip Sousa marches and the lovely “Autumn Leaves” featuring trombone soloist, Dr. Mark Springer, are also included.
And there’s more. Familiar melodies dating back to Civil War times such as “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again” and “Dixie” will be performed as part of “American Civil War Fantasy.”
“Prelude on a Hymn of Praise” is based on the well-known hymn, “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the popular Dixieland tune “Thats A Plenty” will have the audience tapping their feet. “Trumpet Blues and Cantabile” features the cornet section in this Harry James original.
The band, now in its 18 season, has toured the United Kingdom on two occasions and has performed, by invitation, at a number of music educator conferences across the state. On July 4, Garrison Keillor invited the band to perform at the 35th Anniversary Celebration of A Prairie Home Companion in Avon, Minnesota. It was an honor and a privilege to do so. In 1991 Keillor gave founding members permission to name the brass band after his fictional town of Lake Wobegon.
Conductor Michael Halstenson teaches at Anoka High School and also conducts the Northern Symphony Orchestra.
Halstenson and band members invite you to attend Lake Wobegonâ Brass Band’s upcoming concert, a concert that should not be missed.
To download the band's poster, click here.