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Arts & Community We will have our first night of free rock painting for kids and families on Saturday, May 4th, from 10AM to 1PM. Then, take your rock out into the community and join one of the many Facebook groups, like “Matsu Rocks”. Take part in some community fun and make some new friends in the process! It’s a great way to get outside and hit the parks or other areas you haven’t really experienced across the valley, as you find other rocks hidden by other participants.
Contributed by Sara McKinley Summer is on its way, and along with it, all the colors that Alaska has to offer. Color brings something special to life and it’s one of the reasons we love to help people paint and find their fun through art! Painting and art have always been a part of my life and it’s something that I love to share with people, each week.
We will also be providing free rock painting on June 7th, during “Music in the Park”. Come see our tent if you can’t make it to the one in May and bring your favorite rock, and we will provide the paint, brushes, and fun!
In an effort to help develop more art in the community, Paint Nights with Sara will be offering once a month, completely free rock painting! Grab your favorite rock, your family and friends, and head to Paint nights with Sara, on the Parks Highway across from SBS.
We hope you can join us outside and check out our website for more information: paintwithsara.com, or like our Facebook page, “Paint Nights with Sara”. I hope you have a beautiful summer and experience a life full of color!
Music & Entertainment Contributed by Jessica Briles Triple J Roadhouse Atonement Denied - STARTS @ 8PM Hallelujah Jones - STARTS @ 8PM Rosie's Pawn Shop - STARTS @ 8PM Cinco De Mayo - STARTS @ 8PM Cold Fusion - STARTS @ 8PM The Avery Wolves - STARTS @ 8PM Danger Money - STARTS @ 8PM Danger and Diva - STARTS @ 8PM
WE ALSO HAVE OPEN MIC EVERY THURSDAY AT 8PM! TRIPLE J ROADHOUSE 16966 W PARKS HWY, HOUSTON, AK
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4/20 4/27 5/03 5/04 5/18 5/24 5/31 6/01
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FAITH:
Connect Palmer Inc. www.ConnectPalmer.org (907) 746-9675 Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women located in downtown Palmer. Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Design, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, which a Safe and Caring place for ladies, without homes, to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs. We also offer different community assistant programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instruction. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
OTHER Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. www.mshsak.org (907) 376-2411 Dedicated to improving the health of our community, one person at a time – through affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care.The clinic is a Federally qualified Health Care Center and we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most other third-party insurances. For those who qualify, there is a sliding scale payment, based on household income. We offer early morning and evening appointments appointment. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral crisis intervention line by calling the main number: 376-2411.
PETS & ANIMALS:
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Alaska Animal Advocates www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com (907) 841-3173 Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska. In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environments, address medical concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed. We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen. In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
FAMILIES & CHILDREN:
ARTS:
Denali Family Services
Valley Arts Alliance
291 East Swanson Ave. Wasilla, AK 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org Denali Family Services provides therapeutic foster care to Alaskan children with mental health needs. If you are committed to working with a team, receiving training and implementing positive interventions to schoolage children and teens, we need your talents and skills. We are in search of professional, therapeutic foster parents who are willing to make a commitment to the children of Alaska by providing a stable home environment. For more information, please call or email our Foster Care Recruiter, Ernestina D. Olivares, at 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org.
www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types— painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media. We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Mat-Su Health Foundation
CONSERVATION:
healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863 The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers financial and strategic support to well-managed 501(c)(3) organizations that offer services and practical solutions to significant health-related problems impacting the citizens of the Mat-Su Borough. The foundation also offers academic and vocational scholarships to Mat-Su residents who wish to pursue health and wellness related careers.
COMMUNITY: Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) Charitable Foundation www.mea.coop/mea-in-the-community/round-up meacontact@mea.coop 907-761-9300 Since 2011, the MEA Charitable Foundation has given grants to fund projects impacting libraries, playgrounds, seniors, veterans, recycling, at-risk youth, and much more. In 2018, MEA Charitable Foundation reached over $1,000,000 in contributions to the community with Operation RoundUp® Program! Organizational grants are capped at $10,000, individual grants are capped at $2,500. Please remember to check our website for requirements and submit your completed application — including financials!
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544 RECYCLING: Be part of the solution. DROP OFF: The community recycling center is located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the Central Landfill. Follow the smells. HOURS: Drive through drop-off is open Tues – Fri 10:30 to 6:00 and Sat 10:00 to 3:30. Recycle cardboard, aluminum cans, magazines, this newspaper and more. Remember to REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE! ONLINE: Visit our website for more details, follow us on Facebook. To learn more, visit our classroom. Volunteer opportunities available. Make a difference in your community!
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Mat-Su Regional Adult Basic Education (Nine Star) MatsuAdultEd@ninestar.com (907) 373-7833 Mat-Su ABE provides basic education in math, language arts and English as a second language (ESL), aiming to raise student skills beyond the high-school level in order to pass tests like the GED, enter training programs or college, and advance on the job. Enrollment is open to all adult residents of Alaska, year-round. Youth Employment for ages 16-24 not in school -- get a job, keep a job, advance on the job. Nine Star 300 N Willow 373-3006 (in the MYHouse building)
FAITH: Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) www.valleyinterfaithaction.org (907) 230-1006 To address quality of life issues for all residents of the Mat-Su Borough, utilizing the faith values of our members, developing community-wide interest and mobilization around quality of life issues. Through training, leaders address community problems by providing forums for discussion, researching alternative solutions, and working as facilitators with residents and leaders for institutional change.
HOMELESS YOUTH: Mat-Su Youth Housing (MY HOUSE) myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357 MY House is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Steamdriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events. We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, Outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to Public Health and NineStar job/education services on site.
SOCIAL ADVOCACY: Wasilla Homeless-Committee www.wasillahomeless-committee.org (907) 521-2949 Wasilla Homeless-Committee is a 100% volunteer organization funded by private donations and regular fundraising events. Our sole purpose is to assist the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and others who do not meet the criteria for help that is required by other advocacy agencies in the valley. Wasilla Homeless-Committee provides case management, housing search assistance, move in assistance, job search assistance, clothing, furniture, help with transportation, and resource guidance for homeless and disenfranchised in the Mat-Su Valley. Visit our website for application, or call 907521-2949. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ wasillahomelesscommitteepage
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www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
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Theatre
Contributed by Nick McDermott AJT Presents: Emily Brown and the Thing 04/26/19 – 7:30 PM Alaska Junior Theater Discovery Theatre 621 West 6th Avenue Suite DT Something Monstrous is Keeping Emily Brown Awake! Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) presents Emily Brown and the Thing, performed by Tall Stories Theatre Company, London, on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 7:30 PM.
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Families are also invited to a Preshow Pajama Party in the Discovery Theatre lobby stating at 6:00 PM. Join us for Stories, Games, Prizes, Milk and Cookies. Bring your favorite jammies, cuddliest toy and softest blanket. You can also meet, and do a craft with, the cast of Emily Brown and the Thing at the Chugiak/Eagle River Library (12001 Business Blvd, Eagle River) on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 4:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public. Visit www.akjt.org for more information.
All Around Palmer!
Mat-Su Valley Cancer Center Presents the WLTGO Wellness Expo With Dozens of Local Vendors! at the Palmer Train Depot April 27th – 10AM to 3:00PM
Who Let the Runners Out 5K Starts @ Palmer Train Depot Registration Opens by 4:30 April 26th – 6PM to 7:30PM
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Arts & Community Contributed by Charice Chambers Dale Adler has always had a love affair with wood. In high school he took every shop class that was offered. As an adult he built his own shop. Wood was wonderful. It could be turned into strong stable lasting things. Adler was impressed, then he was introduced to the lathe, and wood took on a whole new dimension. With the help of the lathe, wood became smooth, delicate, even seductive
Contributed by Richard Estelle Palmer Museum of History & Art
Alder grew up in Eastern Montana, got into real estate, and always yearned to come to Alaska. At the urging of a friend, Alder moved his family north to Alaska. There he worked as a realty specialist for the Bureau of Indian Affaires and later with HUD. After retirement, Adler decided to expand his wood working skills. He installed a wood lathe in his shop and began playing with his new toy. He started to experiment, hone his skills and applied a variety of new ideas. Adler works exclusively in birch
Adler also believes that sanding and finishing are an integral part of any wooden lathe creation. Once his project
primary tool used for “hewing”, or squaring timbers, making flat surfaces on house logs or beams, and forming railroad ties.
involves cutting large chips from the rounded side of a log to remove wood down to a marked line where the flat surface is intended.
This variety of broadaxe differs from a common woodsman’s axe in that the head is asymmetrical, formed flat on one side from the smaller “butt”, or head, to the wide blade edge, while on the other side, the head is flared to receive the handle and the blade is thickened in the middle. “Hewing”
As hinted above, our axe was manufactured by Isaiah Blood of Ballston, Saratoga Co. N.Y., sometime between 1851 and 1892. Blood’s axes were famous for their quality and highly prized throughout the country. - Palmer Museum of History & Art
is complete, he sands it, first using an eighty grit paper, then one forty, one sixty, and finally a four to twelve hundred grit. Lastly, he polishes his art pieces with orange oil or beeswax giving them a glassy finish pleasing to both hand and eye. He uses food grade oils for any bowl destined for culinary use. Adler does not limit himself to the creation of bowls, but has produced a line of twig vases and other, both decorative and useful, wood products. Many of his creations are available at the Mat-Su Senior Center Gift Shop. Open from 10am-2pm, M-F. Located at 1132 S Chugach St. in Palmer.
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If your visions of a broadaxe come associated with a hooded executioner of the middle ages, then you might think it appropriate that the one in our collection is stamped “I. Blood” on the head. However, it’s safe to say that our axe was never put to such gruesome use. Prior to common availability of sawmills for forming flattened sides on round logs, a broadaxe was the
in its infinite grains and textures. All Adler had to do was apply the proper chisel, gouge or skew to create something not only useful, but beautiful as well.
for two reasons: it is plentiful in Alaska, and it has beautiful graining. He searches for large sturdy pieces of wood that he then dries and cuts into usable slabs. Then the fun begins. Often after studying a birch piece, Adler develops drawings of what he wants to create. He is quick to add that rarely does the finished product resemble the drawing. Intrigued by the grain, color and texture of the wood, Adler lets it reveal itself to him as he works. For projects such as bowls, accepted wisdom suggests cross grain creations rather than those going with the grain as cross grain items are generally stronger and longer lasting. Adler doesn’t always follow that philosophy, as he believes the beauty of the grain dictates direction.
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Music & Community Contributed by Shyla Consalo It’s a cool and crisp Friday evening... Convalesce, a new local band formed at The Spot, brings their gear inside The Gathering Grounds Café. David Jenkins, vocalist and guitar player, starts setting up his guitar amp as new and familiar faces fill the venue. Like each first Friday from September to May, The Spot is about to begin with attentive ears and free pizza provided by Knik Pizza. However, tonight the event is better than ever, with attendance almost doubling over the last two months. “We started with a couple kids, now we’re up to 15-20 a night”, mentioned Jerry Wessling, staff member, guitar player, and local school teacher at Teeland Middle School. “We’re excited about the possibilities!” The Spot, in its second year, provides
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Contributed by Meggie Aube Summer 2019 will mark the 7th year of the Percussion in the Valley Summer Percussion Camp. This camp has become a yearly staple for local young percussionists from across the Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage. Every summer over 40 students ranging in age from 7-18 convene at Colony Middle School for a week of percussion education, music making, and fun. Students keep coming back every summer to hone their skills and make music. This year will be no different. Enrollment is now underway for the 2019 summer camp. The camp will be held again at Colony Middle School, from June 10th-14th. There are 2 sessions to accommodate different ability levels and ages. Students do not need to be percussionists to participate in camp.
at a bar”, Michael continued. “Not to say that bars are bad, it’s just not for everyone.” free music mentorship and a place to play for those that are 25 and under and substance free. The Spot is an organization built to help battle against the substance abuse stigma that attaches itself to teens and especially musicians. The organization is modeled after the success Iceland has experienced after introducing consistent community activities for youth. “You don’t have to drink or smoke weed to have fun making music” said Michael Consalo, The Spot’s director. “I battled addiction for years and music was a huge part of my recovery.” Michael, a Human Services student at UAA’s Mat-Su College, has been working hard with local schools, coalitions like Thrive Mat-Su, Recover Alaska, and My House to provide a place for youth to play music, without being in a bar. “If you want to perform music in Wasilla or Palmer, it’s probably
Michael’s goal is to help create a more diverse music scene, one with hip hop, punk, metal, poetry, and one that is supported by the community. “Get out and pack your local music venue, we need that more than you know.” As the night continued for The Spot, multiple artists approached the mic and performed anywhere from 5-20 minutes for their peers and other patrons. Live videos were shot and can be viewed on the The Spot’s Facebook page, for those that couldn’t attend. Next month’s event will be hosted by Devon Shaw of UTN, May 3rd, from 6-9pm. In September, The Spot will be making some changes. First, the hours of The Spot will change to be more of an after-school program, with transportation being provided
Session 1 is for students in 4th-7th grade who have at least one year of musical experience and meets from 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. each day.
performer; she is experienced in all areas of percussion and this year will be focusing on steel drums with the camp students.
Session 3 is the advanced session for students entering 8th grade through those just graduated from high school. Students enrolling in this session must have at least one year of musical experience. They meet from 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. each day.
Every year, the summer camp is an excellent opportunity for local students to improve on their technique on all percussion instruments. They spend time playing music in a variety of genres, from all over the world. Most importantly of all, they make connections with students from outside their schools and create lasting bonds through music while having fun! The camp has been reaching capacity every summer, so early enrollment is highly encouraged. All of the enrollment materials and more information about the camp can be found at: www.percussioninthevalley.com and on the Percussion in the Valley Face-
Students from all sessions have the opportunity to work with amazing faculty from around Alaska and from out of state. 2019 camp faculty will include: Program Director, Dr. Meggie Aube from Palmer; Anchorage percussion professionals: Kyle Drake and Erik Chronister; featured guest faculty, Dr. Ginny Armstrong, from Iowa. Dr. Armstrong is a percussion educator and
from a couple local schools, to The Gathering Grounds on the first Friday of each month. Additionally, in an effort to be more sustainable, The Spot will be hosting a fundraiser on July 13th at Settler’s Bay Golf Course with an all ages open mic, prizes, live music, and a silent auction with authentic autographed 70s and 80s memorabilia. Finally, there may be an opportunity for The Spot to expand into Palmer, once a location and funding have been secured. The Spot is completely FREE to attend and runs from Sep-May at The Gathering Grounds Café in Wasilla, from 6-9pm on the first Friday of each month. The Spot is sponsored by Barrett & Associates Insurance, My House, MatSu Health Foundation, Thrive Mat-Su, Michael C Marketing, Make A Scene Magazine, Matanuska Music, Trich Productions, Gagnon Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Recover Alaska.
book page. For additional inquiries contact Meggie: 631-8079 or percvalley@gmail.com
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Music & Community He has performed with bands at a wide variety of gigs from school dances to state fairs and countless bars and lounges. He’s also performed as the opening act for various national touring artists during his more than 50-year career on stage in Alaska.
Contributed by Heather A. Resz Although the band Feral Cats has gone through several incarnations, each is part of the rich legacy of Palmer artist and musician Greg Gusse. Gusse, the original guitar player, named the group and is the social glue that brought its members together first in 2015, and in a new form after his passing in 2017. Julie Hopkins Feaster, Heather Resz and Kit Jones have played with the Cats since the beginning, at the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home, Primrose Retirement Community and various community events such as Art on Fire and Who Let the Girls Out.
The Feral Cats never had a “band leader” before vocalist and guitarist
Howard and Rongstad have played together off and on for the past 30 years. But most of the time they performed separately in a pair of Alaska’s best-loved duos – the ‘Duo Sonics' and ‘Little Radio.’ Howard and Jim Lasiter formed the ‘Duo Sonics' in the 1980s. And Rongstad and Greg Mellinger performed as ‘Little Radio.’ “Greg and I could play together immediately. We just sort of compiled a list of songs that we could sing harmony and play right off the bat,” Rongstad said. “I think one of the first times Robert and I played together was when he came and played with Greg and I at some event; I’m not sure he got paid!” Always learning from each other While he has been described as Alaska’s best slide blues guitarist, Howard wears the magic his fingers conjure modestly.
“We’ve both played with musicians of varying skill levels, but mostly just to find common ground, get a bunch of songs together, and try to get paid,” Rongstad said. “And musicians are always learning from each other if they are open to it.” By comparison, Hopkins Feaster, Jones, Hein and Heather Resz are musicians with just a few years’ experience performing with their instruments. Hopkins Feaster said she learned to play music about five years ago as an older adult. She started with guitar, then moved to harp before settling on mountain dulcimer. “We’re all grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow,” Hopkins Feaster said. “It’s been great having experienced players to lead the way.” Rongstad said the experience of playing with the Cats has been
A universal language Howard and Rongstad say music is a means to communicate and collaborate on a different, more universal level. “Music, being undoubtedly the most universal of languages, is the best gift I can share a bit with other musicians and listeners,” Howard said. “I love to see folks forget their travails for a time, dance and smile. Being able to make that happen from time to time is most rewarding!” “It’s a strange and good feeling when you are in sync with other players,” Rongstad said. “It’s the carrot on the stick that you are always chasing.” Hear the Feral Cats from 2 to 3PM, April 27, at Vagabond Blues, as part of Who Let the Girls Out, and at Art On Fire, June 22, at the Museum of Transportation and Industry in Wasilla. You can also see Rongstad and Howard perform with “Judy and the Lane Changers,” with Judy Lane on keyboards and vocals and Edward Gagnon on bass. And Howard and bluesman Gary Sloan are performing around the state again this summer. The two have performed together in many bands since the 1970s. Longtime Alaskan writer Heather Resz plays fiddle and mandolin with the Feral Cats.
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In the months following Gusse’s death, the Feral Cats continued to perform, but without his musical leadership and solid guitar and vocal work, there were some very frustrating gigs. “Forgive us, City of Wasilla, for Christmas 2017,” said Hopkins Feaster who sings and plays dulcimer with the Cats.
Rod Rongstad began playing with the group. He joined in 2018, along with his wife, Sharon Hein, on hand drum and vocals. Their long-time friend and musical collaborator, guitarist Robert Howard joined along with them.
Many musicians also know Howard, now retired, for his role as the longtime official warranty person for Gibson and Martin guitars. He’s also trained a handful of apprentices since he had his first stringed instrument repair bench in 1967 at Carlson’s Music Mart & Studios in Fairbanks. “Sharing those skills has been rewarding and gone hand in hand with the making of music,” Howard said. With over 35 years on the professional music scene in Alaska, Rongstad said he “has played in most joints from the Peninsula to Talkeetna.” His lead guitar style earned him the nickname of Lightning Boy from his longtime music partner in Little Radio. Rongstad is a favorite of many local musicians for his vocals, lead guitar and overall support and service to the song.
somewhat unique in that not only are people trying to get more proficient on their instruments but also are learning to assemble a song. “I’ve always enjoyed passing on what I know, especially to those eager to learn.” Throughout his long career, Howard has taught guitar students, some of whom have gone on to perform in bands with him – such as bass guitarist Jonn Barber.
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Arts & Community Contributed by Carmen Summerfield On a recent trip to Amsterdam, I walked past a unique warehouse in the industrial area of Amsterdam Noord. The doors were open, displaying all kinds of art! So, I had to take a closer look and see what this art was all about… The warehouse belongs to the SBK, short for Stichting Beeldende Kunst (Foundation for Visual Arts). It’s a sort of “art library.” The SBK has a vast and unique collection of modern art, consisting of original works of art reflecting the various movements and periods within the Dutch history of art, ranging from oil paintings from the 1950s to works by talented contemporary photographers. The SBK stocks work by professional artists living and working in the Netherlands.
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The SBK was founded in 1955 by the Dutch artist Pieter Kooistra. His idealistic pursuit was to make art accessible to everyone. He used to ride through the neighbourhoods of Amsterdam on a delivery bike stacked
with works of art from his friends, spreading them around to promote art. The SBK believes that art does not always belong in a museum and that it ought to be an integral part of life, whether it be in one’s home, in public spaces or working environment. The SBK’s aim is to offer individuals and companies the possibility to rent or purchase a variety of original contemporary works of art at reasonable and affordable rates and also to help artists secure an independent income. With Access to over 40,000 works of art, all of them for rent and for sale at the SBK for less than two cappuccino’s per month. The ideal way to experiment with art. In Alaska, we have the Alaska Contemporary Art Bank, founded in 1975 by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. It was created to expose more Alaskans to high quality work by contemporary Alaskan artists through the provision of outstanding art to
public offices throughout Alaska, and to provide support to professional artists in Alaska through purchase of their work. The Alaska Contemporary Art Bank now consists of-over 700 art works in a wide variety of media, styles and subject matter. This diverse collection now provides a detailed look at the evolution of contemporary art in our isolated state, from the construction of the Alaska pipeline to the present day.
The Alaska Contemporary Art Bank is part of the Art in Public Places Program and consists of portable artwork lent for display in public spaces. Artworks are loaned to state offices throughout Alaska, including the Alaska Congressional delegation offices in Washington, D.C. Alaska State Council on the Arts 161 Klevin St, Ste 102, Anchorage 907-269-6610 www.education.alaska.gov/aksca/
Contributed by Drewcilla Holifield
Spirit of America: A Tribute to Our Armed Service Members 05/04/19 – 7:30 PM Mat-Su Concert Band Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E College Dr General: $15, Students: $7 Children Under 5 FREE www.matsuconcertband.org
Some of the finest music ever written about our nation’s veterans will take center stage at an upcoming performance by the Mat-Su Concert Band. The “Spirit of America: A Tribute to Our Armed Service Members” concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer. This concert has an admission price of $15 for general admission, $7 for students, while children under 5 get in free. Tickets are available for purchase at www. matsuconcertband.org. The band will be performing two pieces by the renowned John Williams. “Hymn to the Fallen”, written for DreamWorks Motion Pictures’ Saving Private Ryan, takes the listener on a journey through World War II.
This concert will also feature the heroic and haunting music from well-known film composer Michael
Kamen’s “Symphonic Suite” from Band of Brothers. Band of Brothers is a 2001 American war drama miniseries that follows the Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division in the U.S. Army. The music takes you on a sweeping journey through the perilous times our service members faced. The band is excited to tap into their jazzy side with “A Tribute to Harry James” arranged by Naohiro Iwai. Prior to the Second World War, Harry James was a common household name and professional trumpet player. In 1939, he had founded his own orchestra and went on to perform in many successful tours. Naohiro Iwai wrote this tribute with a trumpet solo that will be performed by the bands own Doug Shaeffer. Also on the program is the “Greatest Generation” by Julie Giroux. This piece reflects on the time period in which our World War II veterans lived. You can hear notes of Gershwin, a slow expressive section for our brave men who did not return home and concludes with lively jazz rhythms that signify the growth in our country after many returned home. There’s some extra Sousa in the mix too – much to the chagrin of the band’s dear horn players. Current director, Gleo Huyck, is a retired music educator and private instructor. Under Huyck’s baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. The band this season numbers about 70 amateur musicians who assemble every Monday night for rehearsals at Palmer High School.
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In the film, a group of American soldiers are sent on a search and rescue mission inside enemy territory. The soundtrack for this movie was short and pushed “Hymn to the Fallen” to the forefront as a memorial for all who died in the Normandy invasion. The other John Williams selection is a special arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that was written for the Rose Bowl Ceremonies in 2004.
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Music