Thursday pick: Wind Symphony of Clovis performs for free at the Saroyan
You get not one but two chances on Thursday to hear the Wind Symphony of Clovis perform at the Saroyan Theatre. Here’s a rundown:
Pictured above: Jazz saxophonist Derek Brown.
The event: The Wind Symphony was invited to perform for the annual California State Music Educators Conference (CASMEC).
The performances: 1 and 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. Both are free and open to the public.
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The ensemble: A relatively new powerhouse on the local concert scene, the Wind Symphony of Clovis is an auditioned group that features a number of music educators from across the central San Joaquin Valley. It has already gained national attention for its high level of music making. (In 2018, the ensemble was invited to perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago.)
Special guest: Members are excited in the evening program to perform with renowned jazz saxophone player Derek Brown, who is known for his “Beatbox” style of performance.
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Local angle: Wind Symphony Member Alan Moffet was called on to arrange one of the selections that the ensemble will perform with Brown. “Expanding a tune originally written for a jazz big band to a piece of music for a full wind symphony was a really interesting experience and it was an honor and pleasure to write for such a fine group of musicians,” Moffet says. “I’m excited to put this project together with such a talented performer in Derek Brown.”
Plus: Brad Riley reports on Facebook: “Composer John Mackey will be in the audience to hear the Wind Symphony of Clovis perform his piece ‘Asphalt Cocktail’ Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Saroyan Theater for CASMEC!”
Other selections: The program includes “California” by David Maslanka, “Asphalt Cocktail” by John Mackey, and the Overture to “La Forza Del Destino” by Giuseppe Verdi as well as several other compositions.
Looking ahead: The Wind Symphony will conclude its season with a concert on Sunday, May 3.
