Community Band and Choir concert coming up

On May 7, the Flathead Valley Community Band and the Columbia Falls Community Choir will present their “Music is in the Air” concert beginning at 7:30 pm in the Flathead High School Auditorium. The choir is directed by Steven Holte, accompanied by Dawn Hashley, and the band is directed by Allen Slater.

First on the concert will be the Columbia Falls Community Choir featuring music from their “Celebration Family and Friends” concert.  Many of the songs express caring, love, and appreciation for someone else we have met in our lives.  “In Meeting We Are Blessed” is an a cappella selection accompanied by an African drum called a Djembe.

The choir will also have two musical theatre selections. “Look to the Rainbow” is from Finian’s Rainbow. This song is introduced early in the musical by Sharon, as she recalls the advice her father gave her: to always follow her dreams and “look to the rainbow” for hope and direction. Lyrically poetic and melodically rich, the piece is a gentle ballad of optimism and idealism, capturing the show’s magical realism and heartfelt core.

 “More I Cannot Wish You” is a tender ballad from Frank Loesser’s Guys and Dolls, one of Broadway’s most enduring and beloved musicals. The song is sung by the character Arvide Abernathy, a gentle and wise older man, to his granddaughter Sarah Brown. As Sarah faces uncertainty in love, Arvide offers this song as a blessing — a father’s prayer, wishing her the kind of lasting love and joy that cannot be bought or bargained for. It’s a beautiful reminder of the quiet, generous acts of love that shape our lives.

One of the choir’s favorite songs is called “The Family We Find Along the Way.” This song expresses how we all have different types of families that play an important part of our lives. This song is accompanied by piano and cajon and is an instant earworm. 

 The band will perform selections from “My Fair Lady”, one of the most iconic and beloved musicals of the 20th century. Premiering on Broadway in 1956, the musical tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl who undergoes a transformation into a “proper lady” under the guidance of the pompous phonetics professor, Henry Higgins. The musical is filled with unforgettable songs that are both charming and emotionally resonant, including “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” and the ever-popular “With A Little Bit of Luck.”

 John Darling was commissioned by the West River Winds community band of Mandan N.D. to write “West River Jubilee”. The piece is a fitting tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the American West and Mandan, who’s town motto is “Where the west begins”. Drawing inspiration from the folk music and dances that are central to western celebrations, Darling wanted to create a work that captured the joy and spirit of community gatherings. The piece reflects his admiration for the wide-open landscapes and the resilience and optimism of the people who call the West home. This piece is dedicated to the memory of Margaret “Peggy” Schaaf.  She was a well-known and active member of the Bismark Mandan musical community but lost her life after a battle with cancer. As a part of the commission the West River Winds community band wanted to have a prominent percussion part and include the hymn “How Can I Keep From Singing?” which was played at Peggy’s funeral.  The words reflect strength and resolve in her faith as she faced the ravages of the disease that ultimately took her life.

The final event of the evening will be combined band and choir and audience singing along with a salute to “A Patriotic Celebration” which features well known American patriotic tunes, and the “Montana State Song.”

 There is no admission charge for the concert but there will be a free will offering to cover expenses.  Following the concert will be a reception on the foyer.