ORION TWP, Mich. – On Thursday, June 27, the Lake Orion High School Concert Band performed on the stage of the Wildwood Amphitheatre to a large crowd consisting of friends, family and music enthusiasts alike.
Band Director Michael Steele welcomed audience members to their “9th Annual ‘Starry Night’ Concert,” which took the listeners into fantastical yet familiar worlds.
Steele addressing the large crowd – Photo by ONTV
The band, which is comprised entirely of current Lake Orion High School students, played classics such as “Lawrence of Arabia” by Maurice Jarre and recognizable tunes like “Summer of ’69 (The Music of Woodstock),” arranged by Ted Rickets, “Eighties Flashback,” arranged by Paul Martha, and “A Tribute to Dave Brubeck,” arranged by Patrick Roszell.
The band opened the concert with “King Cotton March” by John Phillip Sousa, a playful and triumphant track that set the tone for the entire night.
After the first song, Steele took the microphone and gave his gratitude to the LOHS Concert Band members for their dedication to art and music.
“I’m indebted to these guys for giving up their time and for putting in their immense energy and their great talent and I think you’re really going to enjoy tonight’s performance,” Steele said.
The show was about an hour plus a brief intermission right before “Lawrence of Arabia,” which ended up being a good choice since it is such a long-winded, epic and taxing track to play.
Many different soloists were given their time to shine at Wildwood, Saxophone, Trumpet and Oboe (to name a few) were brought center stage to display their prowess.
Overall, the LOHS Concert Band’s Wildwood concert was a blast to hear and experience, you can find the full Wildwood video along with other free concerts on ONTV’s YouTube page: youtube.com/user/orionontv. As well as, orionontv.org/watch.
Trumpet soloist – Photo by ONTV
The next free Wildwood concert will be 50 Amp Fuse, playing pop hits July 11 at 7 p.m.
For more information on the LOHS Concert Band, visit their Facebook page or their website at lakeorionschools.org/high-school-home/departments/fine-and-performing-arts/band.