Community band gears up for summer season

• Rehearsal starts next week, first show is June 24



BROOKINGS – The Brook-ings Area Community Band has announced its schedule for the upcoming season.

The band is in its sixth season under the baton of David Reynolds, head of the Department of Music at SDSU.

Returning as assistant conductor will be Don Crowe, professor of music education at SDSU.

“I extend a cordial invitation to all musicians to participate, and to all music lovers to come and enjoy the entire series of programs,” said Reynolds. “Bring a lawn chair or a picnic blanket, and find out what summer in Brookings is all about.”

The first rehearsal of the band is slated for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, in the Christy Ballroom, Pugsley Hall, on the campus of South Dakota State University. There is still time for musicians young and old to join in on the fun, organizers say.

Themes for the upcoming season include:

n Sunday, June 24: “Far Away Places" – The band will perform music creating musical images of North American outdoor landscape, and other exotic locales.

n Sunday, July 1: “A Flag-waving Fourth" – This patriotic spectacular features lots of Sousa marches and a tribute to veterans.

n Sunday, July 8: "The Big Top Comes to Brookings" – The band’s traditional children's night concert will pay tribute to the wonders of the circus, from lop-eared elephants to pie-packing clowns.

n Sunday, July 22: “75 Years of the Pioneer Park Bandshell” – This old-fashioned band concert will feature popular selections of the past, and also mark the anniversary of this Brookings landmark.

n Sunday, July 29: “Fun in the Sun” – If you remember listening to AM radio in the ‘50s, ‘60s, or ‘70s, you will recognize many of these summertime favorites.

There will be complimentary food and snacks served at all concerts.

All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held in the band shell in Pioneer Park. In case of rain, concerts take place at 7:45 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. For more information, call Kathy Larsen at 695-0397.