The professional musicians and educators of Dallas Brass will work with Clarkston music students Sept. 17-18, then put on a performance for the community Tuesday evening.
‘It works out really well ? with a community like Clarkston and a nice facility like this (at the high school), this is a great fit,? said Michael Lewis, instrumental music teacher at Clarkston High. ‘The kids have a great time.?
‘It’s an outstanding opportunity,? said Shelley Roland, music teacher at Sashabaw Middle School. ‘We have beautiful auditoriums in Clarkston.?
The musical ensemble will share with students their musical expertise, and experiences performing with orchestras around the country, including Cincinnati Pops, New York Pops, and Philly Pops, touring Europe and Asia, and playing for presidents including Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush.
‘They’re fantastic ? very pro-education,? Roland said.
The four Clarkston schools band directors, Lewis, Roland, Justin Harris, and Julie Mathews, work together to plan a series of visits by professional and educational music groups.
Last year’s concerts featured the 113th Army Band from Ft. Knox and Boston Brass.
‘We want to put on a concert series for the community and especially for the kids,? Lewis said
Planned later this year is a visit by the Western Michigan University Jazz Group.
‘We’re planning several other events,? Roland said. ‘We want to see the auditoriums used.?
The six musicians of Dallas Brass ? Michael Levine, trombone, founder, and director; Brian Neal, trumpet; D.J. Barraclough, trumpet; Chris Castellanos, horn; Nat McIntosh, tuba; and Jeff Handel, drums and percussion ? will play for the community Sept. 18, 7 p.m., at the Clarkston Performing Arts Center at the high school, 6093 Flemings Lake Road.
The ensemble’s American Musical Journey will include music by Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Henry Mancini, Leonard Bernstein.
Students will also perform with the ensemble, ‘Star Wars? for the younger players and Americana medley for the older group.
Tickets can be purchased at the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce or by calling 248-623-3518.