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Oakhurst Community Band: Free Winter Holiday Concert

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OAKHURST — The Oakhurst Community Band presents their soul-stirring Winter Holiday Concert on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. The concert will be held at Mountain Christian Center and features a special appearance by the Yosemite High School Concert Choir.

This is the 14th season for the popular group, and admission to the concert, as always, is free.

Featuring music from Rossano Galante, Gustav Holst and John Williams, along with other holiday favorites, the concert promises to bring joy to the hearts of music lovers around the mountain area.

The group is known for its policy of inclusion, made up of friends, neighbors, teachers, students, parents, kids and conceivably anyone who feels they can keep up with the pace and professionalism, along with the fun. Organized as a nonprofit in 2002, the band is supported by donations. Donors contributing $100 or more receive recognition and concert programs and the gift is tax-deductible.

Mike Corrigan is Oakhurst Community Band’s newest director, following the retirement of long-time director Randy Hyatt’s. Mike has maintained focus on continuing to draw in high school and middle school instrumentalists for the community band.

The association gives students additional experience, while supplementing the program that current YHS band director Francisco Marquez has built after stepping into Hyatt’s shoes at the school.

For more information, contact the Oakhurst Community Concert Band.

Mountain Christian Center is located at 40299 Highway 49.

Program Notes:

Beyond the Horizon — Rossano Galante
A dynamic composition of broad scope and colorful vision whose two primary themes work together to musically paint a grand picture of the Earth’s breathtakingly beautiful horizon. Highlighted by majestic brass fanfares and sweeping melodic lines.

In the Bleak Midwinter — Gustav Holst
Arranged by Robert W. Smith
With broad, expansive strokes, yet with great sensitivity and taste, Robert Smith has created a truly remarkable setting of the beautiful Holst melody. From a haunting single voice, a stunning climax is reached before giving way to a simple restatement.

Star Wars Saga — John Williams
Arranged by Stephen Bulla
Spanning four decades, the dramatic and memorable themes from the “Star Wars” movie series have become a treasured part of our musical heritage. This stunning medley features the familiar Main Title along with music long associated with Darth Vader, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and more recently Rey and Kylo Ren as well as the dramatic March of the Resistance.

Army of the Nile — Kenneth J. Alford
Directed by Pat Mierkey Edited by Frederic Fennell
Kenneth Alford’s arresting title, Army of the Nile, evokes the past with his customary and telling dedication to a time in history when British soldiers were gathered in this part of Africa.

A Most Wonder Christmas Arranged by Robert Sheldon

A holiday medley of favorites including “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Santa Claus if Comin’ to Town,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

The Eighth Candle Prayer and Dance for Hanukkah — Steve Reisteter
This challenging composition is a prayer and dance alluding to the story of Hanukkah. This work begins with an extended hymn-like section followed by an exciting dance of celebration.

All Through the Night Welsh folk song arranged by Julie Giroux
Julie Giroux is a multi-faceted composer who is just at home writing for band as she is for film and television. The Welsh folksong used in this composition dates back to the 1600’s, and over the years has had many lyrics written for its melody.

Do You Hear What I Hear?
Featuring the Yosemite High School Concert Choir

Mother Goose March On Nursery Rhymes — John Phillip Sousa
Directed by Pat Mierkey
While his own children were young Sousa elegantly created a happy patchwork march based on familiar nursery tunes. They include: Come All Ye Young Maids, I’se come to see Miss Jennie Jones, Little Jack Horner, There Is a Man in Our Town, Our Dear Doctor, and Down in the Meadow

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