Hello all! I am extremely excited and honored to be participating in the Melbourne Municipal Band’s Conductor Search. When asked if I would conduct a program with the ensemble, I immediately jumped at the bit. I have had a chance to work with the gifted musicians of the MMB over the last month and it has been an absolute pleasure putting this exciting program together with them.
So, why a Sousa Style Concert? When I was asked to select a theme for this program, I thought this particular style of concert would showcase the musicians of the band. In addition, it gives both myself and the band a chance to perform a variety of works that include light classics, solo pieces, important 20th Century works, contemporary pieces being written today, and of course, marches.
The music for this program is quite challenging! The MMB will perform Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Jacques Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, William Schuman’s New England Triptych, Leondard Bernstein’s Candide, music from Fiddler on the Roof, and music from one of my favorite wind band composers, Frank Ticheli. In addition, the concert will feature two extremely talented soloists, Philip Vu and David Ewing. David Ewing has been a great friend of mine for many years and it’s a great honor to share the stage with him. Lastly, each work will be followed with an encore taken from Sousa’s march catalog.
I know you will enjoy the band’s performances on April 21st and 22nd! Every rehearsal is a treat and the musicality of this ensemble is at such a high level. I would like to thank all of the members of the band who embraced me with open arms, the Board of Directors, and the hard working volunteers. Melbourne is lucky to have a cultural gem like the Melbourne Municipal Band.
I look forward to seeing you all,
Aaron Collins
