Illinois Brass Band to perform in Arlington Heights
"Strike Up the Band," the familiar song by American composer George Gershwin, has been the opening number for The Illinois Brass Band as they resumed playing after the long pandemic break.
On Sunday, Aug. 15, The Illinois Brass Band will be performing a free concert at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E Euclid Ave. The performance will take place at 3 p.m. on the west lawn of the church.
Ice cream treats will be available for purchase. Concertgoers are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets. Picnic lunches are also encouraged, but no alcohol. In the event of inclement weather, the performance will move indoors.
The performance will feature light summer concert fare, including marches, show tunes, Disney selections, pop features and salutes to veterans and essential workers.
Flutist Anastasiya Squires will be a featured soloist with the band, performing "Flight of the Bumblebee" and the third movement of "Shades of Syrinx." An internationally known artist, Squires is the winner of many concerto competitions.
The 30-member, British-style brass band was stopped in its tracks at the evening rehearsal March 12, 2019. News reports poured in that sports leagues were ceasing operations, school districts closing to in-person learning, and arts organizations were canceling performances.
The Illinois Brass Band's North American Brass Band Association competition appearance was canceled, as well as the entire 2020 summer and winter performance season.
After a 14-month hiatus, the band was able to resume outdoor rehearsals, socially distanced and with bell covers. When the state of Illinois relaxed meeting guidelines, indoor rehearsals were again possible. The entire band has been fully vaccinated, a critical step to resuming operations.
The band is a 501(c) (3) recognized organization and is supported, in part, by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
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