Flathead Valley Community Band showcases Broadway hits

The Flathead Valley Community Band will take its audience through A Night on Broadway with its concert on March 19. 

The band, directed by Allen Slater, will perform pieces from “The Sound of Music," composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Premiering on Broadway in 1959, the musical tells the story of Maria, a young nun who becomes a governess for the von Trapp family in Austria as the country faces the threat of Nazi occupation. The show is filled with some of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most iconic and timeless songs, including "Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," and the title song. The music evokes a sense of joy, hope, and love — universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences. 

The band will also perform songs from “Les Misérables” composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg. “Les Misérables” has become one of the most beloved and enduring musicals since its premiere in 1980. This arrangement by Warren Barker takes the listener on a musical journey through several key moments from the show, featuring some of its most memorable and evocative songs.  

Following the opening section which has “At the End of the Day,” is a stirring rendition of the haunting ballad, “I Dreamed a Dream," sung by the character Fantine, who expresses her heartbreak and hopelessness. This is followed by the lighthearted “Master of the House” before moving into "On My Own," one of the musical's signature songs, which captures the loneliness and longing of the character Éponine. The centerpiece of Barker's arrangement is the powerful "Do You Hear the People Sing?" the anthem of the revolutionaries. The rhythmic drive and soaring melodies evoke the spirit of revolt and the hope for a better future. 

"My Fair Lady” by Alan Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, premiered on Broadway in 1956 and tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl who undergoes a transformation into a "proper lady" under the guidance of the pompous phonetics professor, Henry Higgins. The musical is filled with charming and emotionally resonant songs, including "I Could Have Danced All Night," "On the Street Where You Live," "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," and "With A Little Bit of Luck." 

The American musical, “The Music Man,” written by Meredith Willson, first premiered on Broadway in 1957. Willson, a composer, conductor, and instrumentalist who performed flute with the Sousa band, infuses this musical with catchy melodies, memorable songs, and clever orchestrations. Some of the most famous songs from the musical include "Wells Fargo Wagon," "Till There Was You," and perhaps the most iconic number, "Seventy-Six Trombones," a rousing anthem that celebrates the power and excitement of music. This musical blends the elements of traditional Broadway show tunes with a hint of patriotic and Americana flavor, reflecting the optimism and charm of the mid-20th century. 

In addition to the great musical medleys, there are several memorable Broadway marches such as Sousa’s “Freeland March,” “Hey Look Me Over,” “The New Ashmolean Marching Society” and “Another Opening Another.” 

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Flathead High School auditorium, 644 4th Ave W., Kalispell. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted to defray costs. A reception will be held after the concert in the commons.