American Wind Band presents ‘Adventure Awaits’ concert April 13
An “Adventure Awaits” as the American Wind Band puts on its April 13 concert where they also will be celebrating the student scholarship winners.
The adult community band based in Downers Grove promotes and encourages an understanding and appreciation of concert band literature through its performance.
They will be performing Malcolm Arnold’s “Four Scottish Dances,” selections from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” the finale from Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony, “Salvation is Created,” a Henry Mancini medley, and the rousing “The Sinfonians March.”
The concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road in Elmhurst. It is free admission but donations are welcome in support of the band.
Since 2001, the band has endeavored to inspire talented young musicians by sponsoring our scholarship competition for eighth grade and high school band musicians. The scholarships are provided to encourage private music study or attendance at a band camp of the student’s choosing. W
Samantha King (oboe) will receive the Henrietta Kowalski Memorial Scholarship of $1,900. Samantha, a junior at Glenbard East High School in Lombard, started playing oboe in third grade. She performs with the intermediate band, symphonic band, symphonic orchestra, Latin Groove Ensemble and jazz band. She currently studies with Deb Stevenson and was accepted into the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. This summer, she plans to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and also enjoys badminton and doing volunteer work.
Varun Ganesh (percussion) will receive the American Wind Band Scholarship of $1,500. Varun is a senior at Downers Grove North High School. Growing up and listening to his dad’s recordings of Indian Carnatic drums became a foundational portion of his life. He plays the Indian mridangam drum, piano and drums and performs in the pit orchestra, jazz ensemble, Wind Ensemble and is Drumline Captain in the marching band. He also performs with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. Music is truly irreplaceable in his life and is a source of joy for him.
London Jordan (French Horn) will be presented the Moore Scholarship of $1,730. London is an eighth-grade student at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School in Oak Park. She started playing the French horn out in the backyard during the pandemic with Anna Jacobson. She plays piano in the jazz band, sings in her school choir and acts in her school’s theater productions. London also performs with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. When not performing, she enjoys reading, drawing and baking and is looking forward to high school in the fall.
Aliza Castaldo (trumpet) will be presented the Joe Zid Memorial Scholarship of $1,500. Aliza is home schooled and followed in her four brother’s footsteps (all brass players) by picking up the trumpet at age 7. She takes tap dance class, performed in “Mary Poppins,” is a competitive swimmer for the Brookdale Buccaneers, and marches with the Patriot Marching Band each summer. She is also involved in vocal groups and recently joined the New Covenant Church Brass.
While Joe Zid Sr. never played a musical instrument, he was a proud band dad supporting his children’s instrumental musical pursuits. He had a great love for concert bands, 1940s Big Bands, and musicals. His family funded this scholarship in his memory.
Upcoming, the band will be performing at the Downers Grove Memorial Day services at Fishel Park. Then join them on Saturday, June 1, for the outdoor concert at 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Ave. in Downers Grove.
For more information about becoming a member, donating to the band or advertising in future programs, visit www.americanwindband.org. Questions can be sent via email to americanwindbandil@gmail.com.