AHS Bands annual spring concert May 26th
The Asheboro High School concert bands will present their final concert of the year at 7:30 pm on Thursday, May 26 in the AHS Performing Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the public. The two flagship ensembles, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band will present an eclectic selection of music, including a tribute to the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, the Asheboro premiere of Eric Whitacre’s ‘runaway’ sensation, “Ghost Train,” a medley of songs from Pixar movies and selections from classic ‘Bugs Bunny’ cartoons. Other selections include John Zdechlik’s “Chorale and Shaker Dance,” Steven Reineke’s “Fate of the Gods” and a transcription of Morten Lauridson’s brilliant and moving choral work, “O Magnum Mysterium.”
“I believe that our band program’s quality has improved each year, but I am particularly excited about the maturity our current students demonstrate. There are moments that I forget I am conducting a high school ensemble,” said Phil Homiller, co-director of bands.
Graduating band members from the Class of 2011 will be recognized and major award winners will be announced. The Joseph B. Fields Service award will honor a student who has demonstrated an exceptional and consistent level of service to the band program. Mr. Hugh Edwin “Eddie” Harrington, who taught in the Asheboro City Schools for 35 years, will assist in the presentation of three scholarship awards named in his honor to recognize musicianship and character. Dr. Diane Frost, superintendent of Asheboro City Schools and former winner of the award, will assist in presenting the John Philip Sousa award to the most outstanding band member. For the first time, the Patrick Gilmore Band Award will be presented to a senior band member. This award was established in honor of the legendary bandmaster and impresario, Patrick Gilmore, whose band performed for every president of his day, including Abraham Lincoln.
“I hope that anyone who only knows us through our marching band or who hasn’t been to an indoor concert in a while will attend. I guarantee they will be amazed at what these young people can do,” continued Homiller.
The concert begins at 7:30 pm and is open to the public.