On Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010, the Winder-Barrow High School band program will give their “Winter Concert."
The concert will consist of several pieces that highlight all of the various parts of the band program at WBHS, including the Combined Freshman/Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, the Jazz Band and the Symphonic Band. The concert will also feature guest soloist Staff Sergeant Adam Lessard from the United States “Pershing’s Own” Army Band on euphonium.
The concert will feature both standard band works and more traditional holiday songs. Some of the pieces included on the program are First Suite in E-flat by Gustav Holst, Ride by Samuel Hazo, and Concertpiece by James Curnow, which was originally written for a trumpet solo, but will be performed by Sergeant Lessard on the euphonium. The concert will conclude with a holiday favorite, Sleigh Ride, by Leroy Anderson.
Staff Sergeant Adam Lessard grew up in Athens. Before being appointed to the “Pershing’s Own,” he earned euphonium performance degrees from the University of Georgia, the Royal Northern Conservatory in Manchester, England and the University of North Texas. As a member of the “Pershing’s Own,” Sergeant Lessard has performed many concerts for all sorts of audiences, including many United States and foreign dignitaries.
“We are thrilled about having Sergeant Lessard come and play with our Symphonic Band! It is exciting for the students because they will have the opportunity to ask a world-class musician questions and learn about his experiences in a professional band ensemble. Hopefully, if the students enjoy playing in high school band, they may see a way of turning that enjoyment into a career,” said Jason Tiller, Associate Band Director at WBHS.
The concert will be held in the gymnasium of WBHS at 6:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.
