Audience members experienced music from Hollywood’s best at the Tri-County Symphonic Band’s 15th Annual Benefit Pops Concert in “Hollywood Blockbusters” this past Sunday at Tabor Academy in Marion.
Under the direction of Philip Sanborn, now in his 11th season, the ensemble performed with great energy and skill.
The Tri-County Music Association went for the full cinematic experience, including Hollywood-themed cupcakes, buckets of fresh popcorn, and even a special visit from Disney princesses Jasmine, Belle, and Elsa. The program included selections from cartoon themes, Walt Disney films, and the scores of renowned film composer John Williams.
Now in its 55th season, the Tri-County Symphonic Band has been entertaining audiences and enriching the cultural life of Southeastern Massachusetts since 1962. The musicians come together every Tuesday evening at the Fireman Performing Arts Center to rehearse, some even travelling from as far as Connecticut and Rhode Island. They perform a variety of musical genres, from classic band repertoire to contemporary favorites. As stated in the concert program, “The primary aim of the organization has been to make live performances of quality concert band repertoire available in the community and to give musicians a chance to share their love for the art of making music.”
One of the highlights of the program was “Cartoon Symphony” arranged by Larry Clark. The work featured themes from The Flintstones, The Simpsons, The Pink Panther, and Looney Tunes to name a few, and the Tri-County Symphonic Band performed them with excellent character and whimsical style. Another memorable moment was “Disney at the Movies” arranged by John Higgins, which took the audience through the music of Disney classics, from Cinderella to The Jungle Book to Mary Poppins. With perfect charm as well as smooth transitions and great ensemble blend, the band received warm smiles from all around the audience.
Another fan-favorite from the afternoon was “Frank Sinatra Medley” arranged by Rochester’s own John Wallace, with vocals performed by New Bedford native Taylor Cormier. The medley comprised of four songs from the movies The Joker is Wild, Guys and Dolls, Pal Joey, and New York, New York. Cormier’s smooth vocals and inflection certainly did Sinatra justice.
Of course, a Hollywood-themed concert must feature the music of film composer John Williams. The Tri-County Symphonic Band performed arrangements of “Star Wars – The Marches” and “Jurassic Park Soundtrack Highlights.” And finally, no Pops concert would be complete without John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” an audience favorite and a classic finale to a successful concert.
When asked what she thought of the concert, Pat Tate of Mattapoisett said it best: “My toes are tapping and I’m enjoying it!”
All proceeds from the concert will benefit the scholarship fund of the Tri-County Music Association. This association is dedicated to “encourag[ing] our young people to pursue careers in music education or as instrumentalists by providing them an opportunity to perform and by awarding scholarships.” The association offers summer music study grants to high school students as well as college scholarships to aid students in pursuit of their musical studies. This year, the Tri-County Music Association will award a total of $12,000 in scholarships and grants.
Mia Quinlan of Mattapoisett, a 2017 recipient of the John R. Pandolfi Summer Grant and member of the Tri-County Symphonic Band, expressed her appreciation.
“I love this group of people. They’re all amazing,” said Quinlan. “They all dedicate time to either education or they have private jobs. But we all come together, we make music, and it’s a lot of fun and I enjoy it!”
Thanks to TCMA’s generosity, Quinlan will be attending the Music Institute at Rhode Island College and the Jeffrey Khamer Flute Festival this summer.
The Tri-County Music Association and the Tri-County Symphonic Band, as stated by the evening’s host, Taylor Cormier, are dedicated “to keep[ing] music live and well in the community.” As evident by the wonderful concert and outpouring of audience support, they are accomplishing this goal.
By Ashley Perry