Cleveland Invitational Honors Band: Recap
by George Oberdorf
The weekend of February 23, 2007, over sixty musicians descended upon the frozen city of Cleveland, Ohio to participate in the CLGACMB Invitational Honors Band. The event began as the brainchild of former Artistic Director Brandyn J. Metzko. He wanted to give LGBA members an opportunity to perform difficult and exciting music, network and socialize with friends and experience a true professional rehearsal setting, with all pieces being rehearsed and then performed within a twelve hour period.
After Mr. Metzko's sudden and unexpected departure, the CLGACMB Board of Directors banded together and came up with a plan to continue on with this marquee event. The CLGACMB Invitational Honors Band was a first of its kind event in Northeast Ohio. Involving both professional and amateur musicians from LGBA bands and many heterosexually oriented community bands, it was a convergence of a multitude of cultures and backgrounds, compounding into one great musical event. The pieces of music that were selected encompassed over one hundred years of the best concert band literature ever composed. The selections for the concert included Blue Lake Overture by John Barnes Chance, Lincolnshire Posey by Percy Grainger, On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss by David Holsinger, Commando March by Samuel Barber, Candide Overture by Leonard Bernstein, Vesuvius by Frank Ticheli and The Thunderer by John Phillip Sousa. The musicians rehearsed from 8:00am to 5:30pm on Saturday, February 24, 2007 and then presented the concert later that evening at 8:00pm. The performance was emceed by LGBA Vice President, Lisa D'Amore, a great friend of the CLGACMB's. It was truly not a day for the faint of heart… or lips!
The Conductors for the event were specifically chosen for their wealth of knowledge and talents in the realm of concert band literature. Tom Mitchell from Cincinnati, Ohio served as principal conductor and the associate conductors were Chris Schlenker from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Eric Knechtges from Indianapolis, Indiana. Tom Mitchell said of the event, "I had a great time and it was wonderful to be able to conduct pieces of music that I never thought that I would get the chance to!"
Participants in the event were treated to amazing accommodations and amenities during their stay in Cleveland. Guests were housed at the Hyatt Regency at the Arcade, a four-star hotel, in historic downtown Cleveland and the concert and rehearsals were held at Franklin Circle Christian Church, the home of the CLGACMB. A welcome dinner for all guests and musicians was held at the Hard Rock Café on Friday evening, where over forty people attended and socialized with fellow musicians from all over the United States. On Saturday morning, breakfast from Panera Bread was served for all musicians, courtesy of the CLGACMB. Before departing on Sunday, participants had the option of attending a Chamber Music reading ensemble that was to be held at Stone Gables Bed and Breakfast in Ohio City. Sadly, due to an impeding ice storm, the event was cancelled. That's Ohio for you in February! Megan Malko from Royalton Music Center was on hand all day Saturday to offer musicians the opportunity to purchase professional-grade instruments, offer instrument repairs and assist in any way possible to make their experience even more enjoyable.
The largest contingent of musicians for the event came from Cleveland, itself, with fifteen (15) participants. The Pride of Indy Band brought thirteen (13) musicians, as well as Shellie Snider, who graciously helped with the lunch and various other logistical aspects of the weekend. Capital Pride of Columbus furnished a contingent of eight (8) musicians and the Queen City Rainbow Band of Cincinnati brought five (5). Other bands who were represented included The Flamingo Freedom Band of Fort Lauderdale, The Boston Freedom Trail Band, The Houston Pride Band, DC's Different Drummers and the Great Lakes Pride Band of Lansing.
With the weekend being such a success, it looks as if it may possibly become either an annual or bi-annual event. The CLGACMB Invitational Honors Band weekend did exactly what it was supposed to; it revitalized people's love for the LGBA, community, friendship, music and art. We at the CLGACMB would like to thank everyone who attended and we look forward to performing with you all at the Silver in St. Louis LGBA conference in October of 2007!
The Cleveland Honors Band Rehearses
The Honors Band Prepares to Perform
LGBA Board Members at Cleveland Honors Band
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