Community bands perform a 'Christmas Spectacular'

The Flathead Valley Community Band will join the New Horizons Band to present a “Christmas Spectacular ” Wednesday, Dec. 12, in the Red Lion Ballroom in Kalispell. The program begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Community Band is under the direction of Allen Slater and the New Horizons Band is under the direction of Eileen Alexander. The concert will consist of a variety of Christmas music. There is no admittance charge for the concert, but there will be a free-will donation to offset costs.

The concert will open with the New Horizons band playing “Still, Still, Still,” arranged by Gerald Sebesky, with special vocalist Gracey Rhodes. The band will continue with a variety of Christmas pieces including “Christmas Classique,” “Candelight Carol” and “Let it Snow!, Let it Snow!, Let it Snow!” Arranged by modern composers, these works express traditional Christmas music with enthusiasm in a modern style.

The Flathead Valley Community Band will begin its part of the concert with “A Christmas Party,” written by Harold Walters. The arrangement features familiar tunes artfully arranged in a party-like atmosphere. One of the oldest known melodies in western music is “Greensleeves.” This haunting melody is artfully arranged by Alfred Reed. The band will also perform “Cowboy Christmas,” arranged by Jeff Simmons; it’s a clever and interesting twist on traditional Christmas tunes.

Both bands will combine for the final portion of the concert. “Holiday Flutecake,” arranged by David Schaffer, will feature the flute section with several well-known Christmas tunes.

The concert will close with Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.”