Tonight the Montrose Community Band will host its fifth annual Christmas concert, which is free to the public. Tickets are not necessary and the performance will begin at 7 p.m. In addition to the band playing, members of the Zion Lutheran Church choir will also be performing.
"It is a show for all ages," said band member Herb Probasco. "It will be a really good concert. Our audiences tend to be older, but the music would appeal to children too. We are playing all kinds of pieces this year. In fact one of them is from 'The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.' A lot of the music will be recognizable."
 The Montrose Community Band will perform at 7 p.m. tonight at the Pavilion. The concert is free to the public. (Daily Press File Photo) Advertisement |
"One of our ensembles just played at the Community Thanksgiving Celebration at Friendship Hall," he added. "The theme for our concert on Monday is 'Christmas Around the World.' We will be playing some Calypso, some Russian music, Scottish, Canadian and several traditional American Christmas pieces."
Andrew King, director of music for Hotchkiss public schools, is the Community Band's director. Typically, members practice every Monday evening in the Montrose High School band room. Regular practice sessions will resume after the holidays in mid-January.
The band is always looking for new members and Probasco welcomes all interested people to come to a practice to simply watch or participate. For more information, contact Probasco at 252-0918 or visit the band's Web site at www.montroseband.com.
"Our concerts have been very well received by the public," he said. "I think this concert will really help people get into the spirit of the holidays. There is a lot of talent within the band and our ages range greatly. Now we have people as young as at least their 30s to well over 80."
The concert is sponsored by Kari and Gary Hepner of Coldwell Banker Bailey and Company. The couple decided to underwrite the event, due to its strong belief in supporting the local arts.
"Gary and I are very big supporters of local programs and the Montrose Community Band gives wonderful free concerts," Kari said. "Not only is it important to support the band but also the fact that they are providing such a wonderful and free service to the community."
Kari used to play the flute with the band and understands how wonderful performing can be, she said. She emcees the event while Gary is an usher.
"I would have to say my favorite part of the concert is when they play 'Sleigh Bells' because I just love all the extra stuff they add like the sounds of horse hooves," she added. "This concert is a great addition to the community and we feel it's very important for it to remain free so all residents can come and enjoy."
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