Band Reborn as they Spring into Song
The Mt. Prospect Community Band began its 40th year and ushered in spring with a March 13 concert at Trinity United Methodist Church under new music director, Monty Adams.
Band Board President, John Reschke, welcomed the audience and thanked both them and the Mt. Prospect Park District for their continued support. The concert entitled, Spring into Song, offered a variety of selections from The Merry Wives of Windsor Overture, Musetta's Waltz from La Boheme, The Gliding Girl by John Philip Sousa and seasonal music from The Irish Suite by Leroy Anderson. Soloist, Amy Keipert, delighted the audience with her stunning soprano vocals. The concert concluded with a stirring performance of Finlandia by Jean Sibellius.
The audience of several hundred offered a standing ovation to the band comprised of 33 talented musicians, many of whom are long-time Community Band members. Supporters of The Friends of the Band, the fundraising arm of the Community Band, were present to encourage the talented musicians as they begin the journey of the next forty years. Former Mount Prospect Mayors, Gerald "Skip" Farley, Irvana Wilks and current Mayor, Arlene Juracek, were all in attendance. Mayor Juracek offered appreciation for the band's progress under Adam's direction.
Adams professional musical career and experience has spanned over 39 years. He is also conductor and music director of the Lakeside Flutes and the Ridgeville Band of Evanston. His vibrant programming and high musical standards has brought new vitality to the all of these volunteer organizations. Adams was the principal flutist and soloist with the U.S. Air Force Band and Orchestra in Washington D.C. He also performed as a regular member of several Chicago Symphony chamber ensembles for over 20 consecutive years.
The band rehearses every Monday night from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at The Mt. Prospect Park District RecPlex facility at 420 West Dempster. All interested musicians are encouraged to join the band. No auditions are necessary. Time and enthusiasm, along with proficiency on one's instrument is all that's required. Contact Cultural Arts Manager, Ann Zimmerman at (847) 640-1000 for more information.
Mark your calendars for The Musical Mondays Summer Concert series performed by the Mt. Prospect Community Band. The free series begins Monday, June 13 and runs through July 25. The band will not perform on Monday, July 4. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm and are held at the Veteran's Memorial Bandshell at Lions Park located at 411 S. Maple in Mt. Prospect. Concerts are rain or shine and concessions are available.