Musical Tribute to African-Americans by Finger Lakes Concert Band

The Finger Lakes Concert Band presents its final concert of the season Sunday, June 12 at 4:00 PM with a program that features all American music with a strong focus on African-Americans. Featured in the concert is a powerful arrangement of Porgy and Bess and musical tributes to Frederick Douglass and Louis Armstrong. To Follow the North Star includes a narrative that musically reflects on Frederick Douglass’ life. Most of the melodic material is taken from African-American spirituals, hymns, and other music that relates to specific events that Douglass experienced. FLCB Director and composer of the piece, Brian Story, explains the title comes from “The North Star,” the abolitionist newspaper Douglass founded and named for the heavenly light the freedom seekers followed.The guest narrator is George Hamlin, President of Canandaigua National Bank.

Satchmo (A Tribute to Louis Armstrong), arranged by Ted Ricketts, offers a musical tribute to America's beloved artist, considered by many to be the most influential personality in the rich heritage of American popular and jazz music. Pieces featured in the tribute include: What a Wonderful World, When the Saints Go Marching In, St. Louis Blues, and Hello Dolly! Performance takes place at the Canandaigua Middle School Auditorium, 215 Granger St. Admission is $5, 18 and younger free.

The music program also includes “The Music of Jerry Goldsmith,” solid concert band marches by John Cheetham and the Dale Harpham/Sammy Nestico team, “Chorale & Shaker Dance” by John Zdechik, and an arrangement of “America, The Beautiful” by Carmen Dragon.

Brian S. Story directs the Finger Lakes Concert Band, under the umbrella of Hochstein at Canandaigua. Mr. Story is retired as Director of Bands at the Canandaigua City Middle School and currently is Director of Band at the Alternative School for Math and Science in Corning. He has published many marching band and concert band compositions under the pen name Brian Scott.