Spectators had a ‘whale of a time’ at the Tri-County Symphonic Band’s 14th Annual Benefit Pops Concert this past Sunday at the Tabor Academy in Marion.
Under the baton of Philip Sanborn, music director of the Tri-County Symphonic Band for the past 10 seasons, the ensemble delivered a performance with such vibrancy and excitement that one couldn’t help dancing in their seat.
This year’s theme, “Celebration of the Sea,” was inspired by where the group rehearses. According to Sanborn, “We’ve been rehearsing fifteen yards from the sea all these years. Why don’t we dedicate this [concert] to the sea?”
Pops concerts such as this characteristically program popular pieces as well as light classical music, making them a great way to introduce oneself to the world of classic band repertoire in a casual way. Tri-County’s program featured nautical selections, including swashbuckling sea chanties, maritime marches, and a premiere work.
Now in its 54th season, the Tri-County Symphonic Band has been dazzling audiences and enriching the cultural life of Southeastern Massachusetts since 1962. The musicians come together every Tuesday evening at the Fireman Performing Arts Center to rehearse, some coming from as far as Connecticut and Rhode Island. They perform a variety of musical genres, from classic band repertoire to contemporary favorites. As stated in the concert program, “the primary aim of the organization has been to make live performances of quality concert band repertoire available in the community and to give musicians a chance to share their love for the art of making music.”
One of the highlights of the program was Robert W. Smith’s Song of Sailor and Sea. The Tri-County Symphonic Band delivered the piece with great character and style, especially the percussion section with their extensive feature that included whale sounds, rattling chains, and a ship’s bell. It was difficult to tell whether the ocean sounds the audience heard came from the band or the Sippican Harbor just outside the tent.
Another highlight was the premiere of An Evening Sail on Buzzard’s Bay written for the group by Rochester’s own John Wallace. The peaceful composition well captured the mood of a tranquil sail over glassy waters. The symphonic band also performed selections from Horner’s Titanic and Zimmer’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End to the audience’s delight, and also featured a virtuosic performance by alto saxophonist, Michael Raposo. Raposo, currently a student at the Hartt School of Music, gave a well-executed performance of Carnival by Philip Sparke with his beautiful tone and excellent technique.
And finally, no Pops concert would be complete without John Philip Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever, an audience favorite and a classic finale to a successful concert. When asked what he thought the audience would like best, Sanborn responded with, “Everything … It’s all good!”
All proceeds from the concert will benefit the scholarship fund of the Tri-County Music Association. This association is dedicated to “encourag[ing] our young people to pursue careers in music education or as instrumentalists by providing them an opportunity to perform and by awarding scholarships.” The association also offers summer music study grants to high school students and awards a total of $12,000 each year.
Katrina Arabie, a 2015 recipient of the John R. Pandolfi Scholarship and member of the Tri-County Symphonic Band, expressed her appreciation: “I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to play at the Benefit concert. I received the scholarship in 2015 which helped further my education at the University of North Texas. The ensemble provided me with many connections to other music educators in the area.”
The Tri-County Music Association and the Tri-County Symphonic Band are true gems to the community, and in the words of trumpet player Roger Haber, dedicated to “keep music live and alive.” From the abundance of supporters at Sunday’s concert, it is clear that the band is treasured by the community as well.
By Ashley Perry
