Bands partner to present Christmas Spectacular concert

The Flathead Valley Community Band joins the Flathead Valley New Horizons Band for a Christmas Spectacular concert Dec. 11 at the Red Lion Ballroom in Kalispell. 

Both groups, made up of local musicians, will play a variety of Christmas music.  

The concert will open with the New Horizons band playing a number of Christmas medleys arranged by modern composers to bring a contemporary sound to traditional classics. 

The Flathead Valley Community band will begin their part of the concert with “Christmas on Broadway,” arranged by John Higgins. This arrangement features familiar Broadway tunes arranged to impart a party like atmosphere. The band will also play “Festive Christmas,” a jubilant medley of beloved holiday carols, arranged by Kenny Bierschenk. This spirited work captures the essence of the season with its vibrant orchestrations and seamless transitions between well-known melodies. Bierschenk’s arrangement features classics like “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “Deck the Halls.” 

Both groups, which are made up of local musicians, will combine for the final portion of the concert, playing pieces such as “Farewell and Procession on an Old English Carol.” Arranged by Robert Smith, the work is based on the hymn commonly known as “O Come All Ye Faithful.” “Christmas Pipes,” an original work, will also be performed. The concert concludes with Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” 

The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted to offset costs. The Community Band is under the direction of Allen Slater and Eileen Alexander is director of the New Horizons Band.