Washington, DC -- This week the Marine Band will perform its final Washington, D.C., concerts of the 2022 Summer Series, featuring two conductors: Assistant Director Maj. Ryan Nowlin and clarinetist Staff Sgt. Lucia Disano, a participant in the Marine Band’s Conductor Training Program. The program will feature a great mix of wind band favorites, including Disano’s new arrangement for band of George Walker’s beautiful Lyric for Strings.
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“George Walker’s Lyric for Strings is one of the most beautiful works for string ensemble written in the 20th century,” Disano said. “The first time I heard this piece, I knew I wanted to create a transcription which, rather than trying to emulate the sound of the string orchestra - which would result in a mediocre substitute at best - uses Walker’s beautiful harmonies to highlight the unique colors that the instruments of a wind band can create together.”
Zdechlik’s Chorale and Shaker Dance is by far his most popular and frequently performed composition, performed by thousands of professional, college, and high school bands. “In Chorale and Shaker Dance, Zdechlik adeptly weaves the melody of “Simple Gifts” with his own original chorale,” Disano explains. “This piece has had such a presence in the band community since it was composed in 1972, so it seemed fitting to have the Marine Band honor the composition’s 50th anniversary.”
Disano’s final piece to conduct on the concert is a medley by Marine Band Arranger Staff Sgt. Scott Ninmer titled The Great American Songbook. Sung by baritone vocalist, Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Bennear, the arrangement features such popular hits as “You Make Me Feel So Young,” “Night and Day,” and “Mack the Knife.”
While Disano has programmed and will conduct the second half of the concert, Maj. Nowlin will conduct the program’s first half, including Haydn Wood’s rousing Montmarte March from Paris Suite; Bruce Broughton’s majestic A Celebration Overture; and French composer Paul Dukas’ virtuosic Villanelle, featuring horn soloist Staff Sgt. Brigette Knox. Nowlin will also close out the concert with the popular, patriotic anthem America, the Beautiful.
The concert on Wednesday, Aug. 24 is free and open to the public and will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Yards Park in Washington, D.C. The concert on Thursday, Aug. 25 will take place at 7:30 p.m. in John Philip Sousa Band Hall in Washington, D.C., and requires free tickets.
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