Gleo Huyck, director of the Mat-Su Concert Band
The Mat-Su Concert Band Presents “Spring Pops!”
Contributed by Sara Bowen
This May, the Mat-Su Concert Band enters their pop culture ERA! From the epic movie soundtracks of Star Wars and Avatar, the bubblegum energy of Barbie and Taylor Swift, to the storyteller’s favorite, “Peter and the Wolf,” this evening will have something for everyone. Whether it’s sequined outfits or jedi robes, costumes are encouraged at this concert!
The “Spring Pops!” concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday May 4 at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $5 for students. Children under 5 get in free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.matsuconcertband.org.
Travel with the concert band to a galaxy far, far away with John Williams’ “Symphonic Suite from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” arranged by Jay Bocook. Then on to James Cameron’s Pandora with “Soundtrack Highlights from Avatar: The Way of Water” by Simon Franglen, arranged by Michael Brown. Both of these medleys are full of iconic melodies and soundscapes from these cinematic classics.
Rounding out our trio of movie medleys is “Barbie’s World,” arranged by Michael Brown, from the new Barbie movie! The medley includes groovy discos, like “Barbie Girl” and “Dance the Night,” the delicate melodies of “What I was Made For,” and more.
Sergie Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” is an orchestra classic that brings music and storytelling together. “Peter and the Wolf” tells its story through instrumental solos, melodic motifs, and fantastic narration by our very own Sara Saxton, flutist, and children’s librarian of the Wasilla Public Library.
Shawn Campbell, trombonist and assistant director, will direct “Legacy Overture” by Randall D. Standridge. Written in the contrasting ABA format, “Legacy Overture” bookends with a jaunty energy–music that’s meant for fireworks. At the song’s center is a slower rendition of the melody with a trumpet solo, accompanied by sweeping chords.
The flute duo is back! Sara Bowen and Sonja Dupuis from the Mat-Su Flute Choir will be performing the first two movements of “Four Reflections on Japanese Tanka Poems” by Jens Klimek. This duet is an atmospheric and contemplative piece, the melodies like a stream of running water passed between the two flutes. The close harmonies in the flutes’ timbres create a unique texture not often showcased in band literature.
The most anticipated piece of this May program (at least for our Swifties) is “Taylor Swift: Eras,” arranged by Johnnie Vinson, and will include “Anti-Hero,” “Look What You Made Me Do,” and many more from Taylor’s albums.
Whether you come for the flute duet, the cinema classics, a Sousa march, or you’re a Swiftie, this May concert promises to be an exciting evening for all. Don’t forget your friendship bracelets and costumes!
Mat-Su Concert Band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Other directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger.
Under the baton of Gleo Huyck, the band is made up of more than 60 musicians and performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. Huyck is a retired music educator and private instructor. The band rehearses every Monday night at Teeland Middle School.