Fox Valley band brings audiences and performers together

Enjoy a variety of talented musicians in the Fox Valley Concert Band this Sunday as they present a special gift to the community - their spring program, "A Gift of Music."

The show takes place at 3 p.m. in the Geneva High School auditorium. Admission is free.

According to the band's director, Dr. Colin Holman, choosing the music for the concert took time and careful consideration.

"The choice (of music) has to be about what is going to be interesting for the player to perform, what is going to be interesting for the audience to listen to and what is going to continue to develop the ensemble," Holman said.

While the selection of musical compositions is important, a big part of the overall performance is the connection between the musicians, explains band president and member Jennifer Souder.

"We have a community coming together (in the band)," Souder said. "We have people from all different professions, from all different ages and all different backgrounds with one goal of the same mind: to put on a show and play good music."

Band members also find that connecting to each other helps to make a stronger connection to their audience.

"We have so many different types of people," said Danielle Pepa, external vice president and band member. "We have people who are very analytical and then we have people who are really laid back. We get a lot of feedback from members during our social times."

"A Gift of Music" is one of three of the band's indoor concerts that occur throughout chillier months, but the band performs year-round. The music was chosen based on the gifts of music compositions to the band as well as the gift that music is to an audience, Holman said.

Fox Valley Concert Band was formed in 1983 as a development from a band sponsored by the St. Charles Park District. Today, there are over 75 musicians in the band with members coming from all over the Chicago suburbs.

Danielle Pepa is appreciative of the diversity the band and its music offers and the effect it has on the community.

"The music we do is not typical concert band music," said Pepa. "We don't do all marches and medleys; we do music that stretches us as ensemble. The audience connects visually with what's happening and (the music) educates the audience."

But whether one is a performer or an onlooker, arts and music play a big role in communities, said Souder, who said concerts like "A Gift of Music" are beneficial to audiences of all ages.

"I really believe that there's strong value in a community having a strong art program," said Souder. "(The band is made up of) community people entertaining community people and showcasing the talents they have individually."

Members of the band are confident that their upcoming show will be great and will be delivering on its promise of musical gifts.

"The art level of the group is so very high that I continually hear from audience members that they're surprised at how well the band plays together," Holman said. "We're a volunteer ensemble with professional aspirations."

The Fox Valley Concert Band

Algonquin: Derek Kane

Aurora: Andy Adams, Anne Hauser, Jonathan Hauser, Dan Klenke, Jan Mamminga, Laura Papale, Alyssa Rick, Kimberly Scharf, Stephen Thorson

Batavia: Kent Nicholson, Ron Orland, Janis Rogers

Carpentersville: Mary Chmiola, Meg Maenpaa

Carol Stream: Joan Moore

Dundee: Marilyn Backe, Soren Backe

Elburn: Lisa Essling, Jennifer Murphy

Elgin: Kristy Domico, Cindi Inden, Craig Johnson, Danielle Pepa, Charlie Shields, Jennifer Souder

Geneva: Cheryl Bice, Cara Drexler, Mark Hengesh, Laura Ogle, Amy Palese, Gene Peterson, Frannie Poris

Glen Ellyn: Joe Dymit, Kent Oxley, Randy Beschorner

Hanover Park: Debbie Geiger

Huntley: Hank Wintczak

Lake Zurich: Anne Allred

Lakewood: Cindy Zimmerman, Frank Zimmerman

Lisle: Cory Moyer

Maple Park: Christa Orum-Keller

Mundelein: Tom Bailey

Naperville: Laura Jelinek, Susan Tarson, Rich Clark, Matt Kokes

North Aurora: Laura Blinks, Suzi Crookshank, Carrie Huebner

Oswego: Mike LaGow, Sue Farrow, Katie Long, Amanda Mancke, Irene Trimberger, Mike Young

Plainfield: Scott Toth

Plano: Amanda Chaussey, Chris Chaussey, Chuck Schneider

St. Charles: Bob Banker, Colin Banker, Virginia Davis, Charles Moritz, Brigid Gesell

Sugar Grove: Stefanie Frazier

Sycamore: Gene Vanden Bosch

West Chicago: Carol Baker

Wheaton: Gail Sonkin, Jessica Kindschi, Jason Reiff, Glenn Arnold

Willow Springs: Beth Lyons, Jason Lyons

Winfield: Eric Rauch

Woodridge: April Enos

Yorkville: Nick Cagle, Chris Schoeny, Rick Munson, Lisa Sleezer, Rob Robbins, Kathy Higgins

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>What: </b>Fox Valley Concert Band's spring concert, "A Gift of Music"</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>When:</b> 3 p.m. Sunday, May 2</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Where:</b> Geneva High School auditorium, 416 McKinley Ave., Geneva</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Admission: </b>Free </p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Info:</b> Call (847) 695-7096</p>