Arlington Heights Community Concert Band continues holiday tradition
The Arlington Heights Community Concert Band will present its annual, free holiday concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in the auditorium of Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.
The 60 volunteer band members, ranging in age from 14 to 80-plus years old, will perform holiday favorites like "Sleigh Ride," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "All I Want for Christmas is You," "Feliz Navidad," "Festive Sounds of Hanukkah" and more.
Advance tickets are available for reservation by calling (847) 718-7702 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Remaining tickets will be available at the door.
The band was organized in late 1979, when three musicians answered a Daily Herald advertisement about forming a community band. By January of 1980, the band's eight players rehearsed in the basement of Olympic Swim Center with music borrowed from High School District 214.
As the band grew in membership, an experienced conductor was needed. A recruit from the Chicago school system, Louis Lason, conducted the band from April 1980 until his retirement in 1995. That first year, the band performed in the Arlington Heights Memorial Day and Independence Day parades and still continues this tradition as well.
The growing band has played under the direction of three other conductors: Marv Kock (1995-2006), Adam Laspada (2006-2012) and the current conductor, Mark Hengesh.
Besides the Arlington Heights Park District, the band receives support from the Village of Arlington Heights and has formed a partnership with Township High School District 214 Continuing Education for concert performance.
The band performs four indoor concerts and three or four outdoor summer concerts, where a variety of music like marches, show tunes, light classical and contemporary pieces are played.
The band continues to welcome interested musicians. Membership is open to anyone ages 14 and older who has experience playing a musical instrument. No audition is required and seat placement is at the conductor's discretion. The band members have varied skill levels, from professional musicians to former high school and college musicians.
Weekly rehearsals are from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Forrest View or local high schools.
The mission of the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band is to provide musical entertainment to the community, to provide opportunities for community members to join and be part of a musical organization, to provide for individual musical expression and growth, and to contribute to the community's music appreciation.
For details, visit www.arlingtonheightsband.org
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