An inspirational night of music is in store as the Atlanta Wind Symphony and the Woodland Wind Symphony present a free concert entitled “Tributes” on Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Lassiter High School Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Rd, Marietta, GA 30066). The Woodland Wind Symphony of Cartersville, Georgia, will open the program performing The Klaxon (Henry Fillmore), With Heart and Voice (David Gillingham), Tribute (Travis Cross), and selections from Lincolnshire Posy (Percy Grainger).
The second half of the program will feature the Atlanta Wind Symphony performing Mark Camphouse’s Tribute honoring women who served in the armed forces, followed by Peter Graham’s Brillante, a virtuoso euphonium solo paying homage to 19th century British brass bands and featuring guest soloist Paul Dickinson, Artist-in-Residence at Kennesaw State University. The AWS will also perform An American Elegy (Frank Ticheli) and Danse Diabolique (Joseph Hellmesberger Jr.). The concert will conclude with both groups performing together Alfred Reed’s Alleluia! Laudamus Te.
Comprised of more than 60 adult musicians ranging in experience from music educators to hobbyists, the Atlanta Wind Symphony is an all-volunteer community wind ensemble dedicated to delivering inspiring performances of quality wind band literature. The group has performed at Carnegie Hall and has received the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Silver Scroll, North America’s most prestigious award for community concert bands. Atlanta Wind Symphony Music Director David Kehler serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Kennesaw State University where he oversees all aspects of the University’s expanding band program. The concert will also feature Associate Conductor Chris Shumick. Shumick is in his seventh year as Director of Bands at Milton High School.
The Woodland Wind Symphony is part of Woodland High School’s band program which is led by Eric Willoughby and consists of the marching band, four concert bands, jazz band, and multiple chamber ensembles. Willoughby has been a music educator in Georgia for 24 years and is in his 11th year as Director of Bands at Woodland High School. Under his direction, the Woodland High School band program has received the NBA’s Program of Excellence “Blue Ribbon” Award, as well as the GMEA Exemplary Performance Award. The concert will also feature Associate Director of Bands Michael Kobito who is in his third year at Woodland High School.
The March 9 concert is free; donations will be accepted. For more information visit www.AtlantaWindSymphony.org.