Press Release

The Concord Band Presents a Winter Concert of Debut and Premier Performances

Join the Concord Band for an exciting evening of debut and premier performances at their Winter Concert on Saturday, March 8th at 8pm at 51 Walden St. in Concord. There will be a solo performance by one of the Concord Band's own trumpeters, Sam Sheeler. Sam Sheeler joined the Concord Band in 2002 after moving to Massachusetts from Pennsylvania. A talented musician, Sam plays both trumpet and double bass and has performed extensively with both professional and non-professional musical organizations. Mr. Sheeler's solo debut performance with the Concord Band will be the first movement of Oskar Bohme's Concerto in F Minor.

The Concord Band's history of commissioning new works for concert band goes back over 25 years. This year, the band will premier a new work by composer Julie Giroux called Boston Liberties. The Concord Band commissioned this four-movement suite in which each movement relates to the history of Colonial Boston. Julie Giroux was born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and was raised in Arizona and Louisiana. She has studied composition with John Williams, Bill Conti, and Gerry Goldsmith to name a few. She has composed music for the Emmy award winning mini-series North and South, as well as Dynasty, The Colbys, and for the films Karate Kid II and Broadcast News. She has been nominated for seven Emmy Awards, winning in 1992 for Outstanding Individual Achievement In Music Direction. She has also arranged for Celine Dion, Liza Minelli, Madonna, Billy Crystal, Michael Jackson, and many others. Ms. Giroux has published numerous works for professional wind ensembles, military bands, colleges and public schools.

Rounding out the evening, guest conductor William Silvester will take the podium to conduct three pieces. Dr. Silvester will conduct Robert Jager's classic Third Suite, American Variations by Jerry H. Bilik, and Robert Jager's exciting Esprit De Corps. At The College of New Jersey, Dr. Silvester conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches conducting and music education courses. He is a highly sought-after guest conductor with over 30 guest performances annually. This will be his first appearance with the Concord Band. He has also conducted the Russian Army Band, The US Army Band, The US Army Field Band, and the Marine Band at Quantico.

Tickets are $10, $5 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at the door or by calling (978) 897-9969.

The Concord Band, founded in 1959, is one of the leading community concert bands in the United States. It is well known for its innovative programming and the exceptional quality of its commissioned pieces. It presents both formal and Pops concerts throughout the year. Its summer concerts at Fruitlands Museums in Harvard, Massachusetts, are attended by more than 10,000 people each year. The band's Music Director is Dr. William G. McManus.

For additional information, contact Yvonne Dailey, Concord Band Publicity. Visit our website at www.concordband.org.