New Horizons Band ready to take stage
Fans of Benedictine University's New Horizons Band, take note: This year's holiday concert will be the first Saturday in December, not the second.
The band, a 40-member collection of novice musicians combined with veteran musicians who have returned to music, some after a long absence, celebrated its 10th anniversary in October.
The group traditionally presents a musical program on the second weekend in December.
Because of scheduling and space availabilities, the 2008 Holiday Concert is set for 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in St. Daniel Hall on the Benet Academy campus, said band director Maryann Flock, a Benedictine music teacher.
Flock said the 90-minute program will include carols, Christmas hymns and holiday show tunes.
"It is a nice variety of fun Christmas tunes," she said. "The brass choir is playing the more traditional Christian songs."
The full band will play a Ukrainian song, "Carol of the Bells." It also will present a playful rendition of "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth," Flock said.
The show also will include performances by select musicians from the band, including the jazz ensemble, the brass choir and the woodwind consort.
The jazz ensemble's bill includes "Frosty the Snowman" and "We Three Kings."
Alto saxophonist Tony Giugliano of Lisle, a member of the jazz ensemble, said he relishes the chance to perform with New Horizons.
"I did play, semiprofessionally, years back," he said, adding that he played at weddings at parties. "Then I gave it up for about 30 years."
When Giugliano heard about the formation of the Benedictine University New Horizons Band, one of several such bands across the country, he decided to get back into music.
"I was always a jazz fan, going way back," said the retired mechanical engineering manager. "That's what got me playing the saxophone in the first place. It's fun."
Flock, the band's conductor, said the brass choir will play "Lo, How a Rose," and "Masters in This Hall." The woodwind consort will perform "What Child Is This," also known as "Greensleeves."
Flock said the Holiday Concert is a great way for the band and the audience to celebrate the season.
"Everybody dresses up, the hall is decorated," she said. "And there's always food afterward."
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go </p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Benedictine University's New Horizons Band Holiday Concert </p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 </p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Benet Academy's St. Daniel Hall, 2200 Maple Ave., Lisle </p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $4 for adults, free for 10 and younger</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 829-6320 or <a href="http://www.ben.edu" target="new">www.ben.edu</a></p>