Community band presents music of the 1950s in concert

Submitted by Des Plaines Park District

The Des Plaines Park District Community Concert Band will present "Midcentury Modern: A Celebration of Music from the 1950s," at 3 p.m. on Sunday March 8, in the Prairie Lakes Theater. The program features music from the '50s, during a time when band music changed from a symphonic band sound to the wind ensemble sound.

Frederick Fennell started the wind ensemble at the Eastman School of Music in the 1950s, and that set the tone for bands around the world to do the same. The wind ensemble tends to be smaller, has more distinct colors and timbres in each section, and is sometimes more "soloistic" in nature. Some of the pieces in this concert include Recorded by Sinatra arranged by Warren Barker, Air for Band by Frank Erickson, Pageant by Vincent Persichetti, and Highlights from South Pacific by Rodgers and Hammerstein arranged by Philip J. Lang.

Allen Legutki will be the guest conductor for this performance. Dr. Legutki currently serves as assistant professor of music education at Benedictine University in Lisle. He is a graduate of Illinois State University (B.M.E. and M.M.E.) and the University of Illinois (Ph.D.). Allen has been a part of the Des Plaines Community Concert Band for the past year and feels privileged to be asked to conduct this concert.

"This group of musicians is diverse, we are comprised of police officers, educators, repair technicians, financial traders, high school and college students, retired community members, and people with many other vocations," explained Legutki. "We enjoy creating music together and it is a delight to lead this talented group," he added.

The Des Plaines Park District is currently in the process of finding a permanent replacement and appreciates Dr. Legutki's willingness to step in to this role.

Tickets are available at the door: adults $8; seniors and students $5; and a family of four $15. Concerts are free for children under the age of 6.

Musicians interested in joining the Community Concert Band should contact Shelli Sarg at (847) 391-5711 or visit DPParks.org.

• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.