Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band holiday concert

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The Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band will celebrate the holiday season with its annual Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2:30 p.m. at MUM’s Dave Finkelman Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.

“We are the first area concert that kicks off the Christmas season, so we enjoy playing all of this holiday music that gets everyone thinking about Christmas,” said Director Chris Brandenburg.

Directed by Brandenburg, conductor, and Dan Nichols, associate conductor, the concert will feature a festive selection of music, including several newer songs mixed with traditional favorites.

Special guest artist and soprano soloist, Cat Gorman will join the group on “An Irving Berlin Christmas,” a medley arranged by Warren Barker and “The Christmas Song” by Frank D. Coalfield.

The concert will open with “Star Spangled Banner” by John Higgins. Other selections in the first half of the concert will include “The Mad Major” from Kenneth J. Alford; “Russian Christmas Music” by Alfred Reed and “Minor Alterations/Christmas Through the Looking Glass” by David Lovrien.

During the second half of the performance, the band will highlight additional favorites such as “A Most Wonderful Christmas” arranged by Robert Sheldon; “Carnival!” by Julie Giroux; “Twas the Night Before Christmas” narrated by Siobahn Slone and arranged by Newell H. Long; “A Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson. Also, Santa will return this year.

“We are beginning the holiday season with a whole lot of spirit and enthusiasm,” Brandenburg said.

The concert will feature two 30-40 minute segments with an intermission. A reception in the lobby of the auditorium will follow the concert. About 600 guests attended the concert last year.

Sponsored by The Institute for Learning in Retirement/ILR Miami University and Otterbein Middletown, the group is made up of about 95 all-volunteer musicians, primarily from Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky — from as far north as Dayton to as far south as Edgewood Kentucky.

Brandenburg said the group is currently seeking additional sponsors. If individuals or corporations in the Middletown, Hamilton, West Chester and the surrounding areas are interested in supporting The Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band, they can call Mr. Brandenburg at (513) 942-2803.


How to go

What: Annual holiday concert by The Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4

Where: Dave Finkelman Auditorium, Miami University Middletown, 4200 N. University Blvd.

Cost: Free and open to the public.

More info: Go online to www.sosband.org or call (513) 942-2803.

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