Symphonic band presents 'The Greatest Generation'

Tom Brokaw called them "The Greatest Generation." They were the men and women born and raised in the Great Depression. They fought and won World War II. They then brought that energy and drive home, gave birth to the Baby Boomers and shaped the world of the 1950s.

At 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, in the Buffalo Grove High School Theater, the Buffalo Grove Symphonic and Jazz bands will present their 14th annual fall concert honoring this "Greatest Generation." The concert will feature music commemorating the events of those years, songs from that time or works from artists who broke out during that era.

One such group, The Andrews Sisters - LaVerne, Maxine, and Patty - were America's sweethearts during World War II. The sounds of their distinctive close harmonies and upbeat tempos made their music immediately recognizable.

Through the war years, they entertained Allied forces extensively, traveling to war zones, hospitals and armed forces bases to raise the spirits of the troops. Sunday's concert will feature three numbers made famous by the Andrews Sisters: "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (with Anyone Else but Me)," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," and "Bei Mir Bist du Schoen."

Backed by the Buffalo Grove Jazz Band, three vocalists will be recreating the sounds of the Andrews Sisters. Leah Novak will be filling in for LaVerne Andrews. She will be performing the contralto part, the lowest of the Andrews Sisters' three-part harmony.

Wendy Gohr will be singing the soprano (high) range, the part sung by the temperamental Maxine Andrews, and Sharon Lee rounds out the trio, performing the mezzo-soprano (midrange) range part sung by Patty Andrews.

Also featured on Sunday's concert will be baritone Wayne Messmer and violinist Michael Kleinerman. Messmer will be singing "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" in a vocal arrangement for Symphonic Band done for this concert by Adam Stout. Kleinerman will be performing the solo in "Theme from 'Schindler's List.'"

Tickets for "The Greatest Generation" are available at tickets.BGSB.org for $10 (service charge applies) or at the door for $12; senior and student prices are $8.

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