The fifth concert of the 158th season of the Michigan City Municipal Band (MCMB) will be held Thursday, July 2, 7:30pm, at the Guy Foreman Amphitheater in Washington Park. The concert theme is titled “America 250 – A Celebration”.
The July 2 concert repertoire will be selected from the following compositions:
Torch of Liberty March by Karl L. King, arr. by James Swearingen
Discovery 1492 An Historic Suite for Band by Robert W. Smith
On an American Spiritual by David R. Holsinger
SATCHMO! A Tribute to Louis Armstrong arr. by Ted Ricketts
Shenandoah arr. byFrank Ticheli
American Flourish by Robert W. Smith
Hoe Down from Rodeo by Aaron Copland, arr. by John Moss
Robert W. Smith (1958–2023) was an internationally renowned American composer, conductor, arranger, and educator. A graduate of Troy State University and the University of Miami, his sweeping, programmatic music made him one of the most frequently performed wind band composers in history. An active member of the American Bandmasters Association and a lifelong advocate for school music programs, his compositions remain global standards performed everywhere from middle school cafeterias to the world’s premier concert halls.
David R. Holsinger (b. 1945) is an award-winning American composer and conductor whose music is performed by wind bands, orchestras, and choirs across the globe. A graduate of Central Methodist University, Central Missouri State University, and the University of Kansas, Holsinger is a pioneer of twentieth-century wind literature, celebrated for his pioneering use of driving cross-rhythms, shifting meters, and emotional storytelling. He resides in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he continues to compose new commissions for ensembles of all proficiency levels.
Continuing its tradition of concluding each concert with a patriotic audience sing-along, the Michigan City Municipal Band will close with America, the Beautiful arr. by Carmen Dragon
All of the concerts are free, and everyone is welcome. School band members and young children are especially encouraged to attend. Parking on Lake Shore Drive is prohibited. Parking is available in the lots closest to the amphitheater, as well as the Senior Center. Entrance to the park is free with a Michigan City Park sticker; otherwise, audience members will use the new automated parking procedure (which uses a QR code).
Jeffrey Scott Doebler is the conductor of the MCMB, and Frank Gast is the assistant conductor. In 2018, Dr. Doebler was named a Distinguished Hoosier by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Dr. Doebler serves as director of music education and bands at Valparaiso University. He is a past president of the Indiana Bandmasters Association and the Indiana Music Education Association. Mr. Gast serves as director of bands at Michigan City High School.
The band’s announcer is Rick Carlson.