For Williamsport’s popular Repasz Band, the well-known phrase “They’re playing our song” might be revised to say, “We’re playing our song” — because every concert ends with the ensemble’s signature “Repasz Band March.”
But the “our song” theme is especially apt for this year’s spring concert, which features a program of personal favorites from the group’s vast repertoire.
Founded in 1831 and now nearing its 200th anniversary, the renowned Repasz Band presents “A Few of Our Favorite Things” — a free concert slated for 7:30 p.m. on April 11 at Williamsport’s Community Arts Center.
“This show was programmed in a very unique way,” says Repasz conductor Jeff Dent. “Our members suggested over 80 ‘favorite’ band compositions in December and then voted online for their top two in 10 different categories. During our January rehearsals, we played the top selections, and then members voted for their favorites.”
In other words, adds Dent, “The entire program for this concert was selected by our own band members!”
After opening as always with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Dent will conduct Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” as well as “American Elegy,” “Ave Maria” and John Philip Sousa’s “March of the Mitten Men.”
The latter, Dent explains, is a 100-year-old tune “dedicated to the men of the Mitten/Philadelphia Trolley Company, which delivered concert-goers to Willow Grove Park, where Sousa’s band played every summer.”
Long-time Repasz officer and trombonist Nancy Eischeid says she recommended “Festive Overture,” having loved the piece since hearing it in high school under the baton of veteran miliary conductor Arnald Gabriel.
“The piece begins with a magnificent trumpet fanfare, followed by a gloriously fast-paced musical whirlwind of sound,” Eischeid explains. “I don’t remember being able to move until the overture was over. Since then, it has been my single favorite concert band piece.”
The soaring “American Elegy” was, in the words of its composer, Frank Ticheli, written “in memory of those who lost their lives at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, and to honor their survivors.”
Assistant conductor Jessica Lewis will lead the band through the march “Trombone King,” Clare Grundman’s “Concord” and a rip-roaring medley from Pixar’s 2004 hit “The Incredibles.” Lewis, who also plays trumpet in the band, has a heartfelt solo in “American Elegy.”
Associate conductor Theo Lentz takes up the baton for the Spanish march “Amparito Roca,” Ticheli’s arrangement of “Amazing Grace,” Aaron Copland’s famed “Fanfare for the Common Man” and a snappy collection of Glenn Miller tunes.
The latter includes “At Last,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000” and “Moonlight Serenade.” It was selected by veteran Repasz member and historian Linda Kibbe — because, she says, “it has been an audience-pleaser when we’ve played it before, and the band enjoys playing it too. We first performed it more than 40 years ago.”
Repasz tuba-player Jerry Eicheid says he nominated the Copland piece because “it is still as fresh, exciting, moving, soaring and powerful as the first time I heard it a very long time ago.”
The April 11 concert will also include presentation of the Repasz Band Senior Awards — given annually to one senior from each high school in Lycoming County. Winners will join the band onstage to play along with the concluding “Repasz Band March.”
The ensemble also plans an early summer concert to honor its long-time conductor Albert J. Nacinovich, who passed away in February.
More information is available at repaszband.org.
