From Copland to Dusty Springfield: An Eclectic Humboldt Bay Brass Band Concert

A Londonderry Aire, a Kentucky Sunrise, a contemporary tribute to an old master, the most famous fanfare in America, and a Dusty Springfield tune—comprise just some of the eclectic program for the Humboldt Bay Brass Band spring concert on Saturday, April 11.

The program begins with Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, a familiar, stirring and emblematic work which is probably the best known fanfare in America, and was widely heard as recently as President Obama’s Inaugural celebration.

The featured work is Purcell Variations by noted brass band composer Kenneth Downie. “This piece is a major work for brass band,” said Gil Cline, conductor of the Humboldt Bay Brass Band. “It’s a roller coaster of a composition, traversing melodies and harmonies, and glued together by contemporary rhythms.” Though it does not mimic the Baroque style of composer Henry Purcell, it was written for the 300th anniversary of his death.

Also featured are Sonata Octavi Toni by late 16th century Venetian composer Giovanni Gabrieli, and The Hunt by noted British band composer Kenneth Alford. The famed Irish anthem Londonderry Aire (it’s the tune to “Danny Boy”) contrasts with the very American Kentucky Sunrise, composed by Karl King, originally for the Barnum and Bailey Circus Band. Trombonist George Epperson solos for the 1966 Dusty Springfield hit, “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.”

The concert’s second half features music of HSU's Trumpet Consort, playing copies of 1667 natural trumpets. A week later, they'll be at Stanford University to play a concert from Hoover Tower.

Humboldt Bay Brass Band plays its only spring concert on Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Gil Cline, conductor. Presented by the HSU Department of Music.

Media: Eureka Times-Standard.