Arlington Heights Community Concert Band Continues Holiday Tradition
Arlington Heights Community Concert Band
Continues its Annual Holiday Tradition
By Suzanne Petrie, publicity
The Arlington Heights Community Concert Band will present "Ornaments" its annual, free holiday concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 17, in the auditorium of Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.
Mike Madonia, who is also the Director of Bands at Robert Morris University of Illinois, will conduct the 70 plus volunteer band members, ranging in age from 14 to 80-plus years old. Mike chose traditional music like Jerry Herman's "We Need a Little Christmas", Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" with the famous whip clap and whinny, sing-along favorites Robert Sheldon's "A Most Wonderful Christmas" and James Swearingen's "Christmas Favorites". A special audience treat will be music set to the narration of Francis P. Church's 1897 The New York Sun editorial "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus".
Enjoy toe tapping "We Wish You A Mambo Christmas" by Erik Morales and Delvyn Case's "Rocket Sleigh", which will put to rest your concerns about how Santa delivers all those toys in one night. Other selections include "Snow Day Celebration", for every kid who knows the feeling and "Der Spielzeugmacher-Werkstatt" ("The Toymaker's Workshop").
There are many more wonderful musical holiday selections that guarantee to bring warm wonderful holiday feelings. The concert is free, however tickets are necessary as the theater has a capacity limit. Advance tickets are available for reservation by email ahccbtickets@gmail.com or by calling 847-718-7702, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door on the day of the concert
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.
The concert is free, but the band accepts donations to offset the cost of new music and outdate and broken instruments.
For details, visit www.arlingtonheightsband.org
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