The Community Band in performance.
By Brigid Ehrmantraut
Always entertaining, the Orcas Island Community Band’s Spring Concert brought the Orcas Center stage to life on the evening of June 4.
Community Band Director Joe Babcock led the band in selections inncluding Crown Imperial (the use of the song at the Royal Wedding was unknown to Babcock until the band enlightened him before their concert), When You Wish Upon a Star, America the Beautiful (conducted at a brisk speed by associate conductor Pamela Wright), and the somewhat challenging Second Suite for Military Band in F Major by Gustav Holst.
Seconds after intermission, Pamela Wright lead the band in a zesty rendition of the fiery, Mexican Zacatecas. Wright again took the stage singing the vocals on Someone to Watch Over Me.
Two enjoyable collections of songs, Tennessee Salute and Big Band Signatures, followed, before the band wrapped up the night with fast-paced Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite. Between each number Babcock spoke about the song, the composer, and even the arranger.
The band honored graduating High School senior and flute/piccolo player Kailley Grantham. Granthamwill be majoring in music at Whitworth University in the fall.
The Orcas Island Community Band will next be performing for the 4 of July parade and Fireworks Display. If you miss them there, you can hear them at their next Holiday Concert in December.
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This is a spectacular article, Brigid! A great summary of one fabulous and heartfelt night! :)