Fall Band Spectacular presented for two nights at two venues

The Flathead Valley Community Band presents two “Fall Band Spectacular” concerts: the first Wednesday, Nov. 2, in the Flathead High School Auditorium (644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell); and the second Wednesday Nov. 9, in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center (127 Spokane Ave., Whitefish). Both programs will begin at 7:30 p.m. The band is under the direction of Allen Slater and Matt King.

The concerts will open with “Prelude to a Concert,” an original piece written by Don Lawrence, director Emeritus of the community band, who wrote the piece specifically for them. Lawrence has been a music icon in the valley — at Columbia Falls High School as its music director, founder of the Don Lawrence Jazz orchestra, establishing Brasswerks, a brass sextet, as well as several other music ensembles. This energetic piece sets the mood for the entire concert with an upbeat and rhythmical pulse.

The band will also feature a work by local composer Craig Naylor. “High Line Express” was written to give the listener the feel of the great steam engines and a ride across the Hi-Line of Montana. Lush musical lines combine to give the piece a sense of majesty.

“Of Sailors and Whales” is a massive five-movement work based on scenes from Herman Melville's literary masterpiece “Moby Dick.” Written in 1851, the book recounts the adventures of narrator Ishmael as he sails on the whaling ship Pequod under monomaniacal Captain Ahab. The piece was commissioned by and is dedicated to the California Band Directors Association, Inc., and was premiered in February 1990 by the California All-State Band, conducted by the composer.

“American Big Top” by Brian Balmages can best be described as an American circus march that meets Charles Ives. Largely based on original material, the piece weaves in small anecdotal references to a number of patriotic and popular music. The entire piece is based on the layering of melodies, harmonies, textures and rhythms.

“Four Shaker Songs” is built from four Shaker melodies — a sensuous nature song, a lively dance tune, a tender lullaby, and “Simple Gifts,” the hymn that celebrates the Shaker's love of simplicity and humility. Composer Frank Ticheli sought subtle ways to preserve their simple, straightforward beauty.

The concert also includes traditional American marches and the John Philip Sousa classic, “Fairest of the Fair.”

There is no admittance charge for the concerts but there will be a free will donation to help cover the cost of the concerts. There will be a reception in the commons following each concert.