The Hot Springs Concert Band is preparing for its annual Memorial Day Concert at 3 p.m. Monday, May 29, at Whittington Park.
"Come prepared to honor those Americans who gave their all to secure our freedoms, and to enjoy some flag-waving patriotic music which will once again arouse your pride in being an American," a news release said.
The HSCB has five concerts upcoming this spring and summer, beginning with the Memorial Day concert. Following that, the band plays its summer concert series in June and July.
As is traditional, each concert has a theme. This year's themes will include Out West, Out of this World, Celtic Celebration and Animal Band. Each concert will include 12 to 15 songs, "most of which will likely be familiar to you though perhaps in a little different style and arrangement than you are accustomed to," the release said.
The dates for each concert are June 12, June 26, July 10 and July 26 and the location will be the Fountain Lake School Auditorium. Concert times are at 7 p.m. and each concert is on a Monday evening. There will be no admission cost, but an opportunity to donate to the band's operating expenses will be afforded.
The collaborative effort of the Hot Springs Concert Band and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Hot Springs Village at the spring concert and ice cream social "was a well-attended event on Sunday, April 30. Ice cream and music is an unbeatable combination, and it made for a fun and festive afternoon. The band is now looking forward to the remaining seven concerts of 2023," the release said.
"A special part of the band's experience over the past nine months has been the young musicians who have played in the band. They have added vitality and musicianship to the quality of the music, and their experience with the HSCB has helped each of them to improve their skills for their school bands and for their own advancement and successes in competition," the release said.
"One good example of this is the band's bassoon player, James Orme. James is a member of the Lakeside High School Band and has excelled tremendously, both as a musician and leader. He was awarded a well-deserved scholarship from the HSCB at the April 30 concert. James has played in the HSCB for several years, and undoubtedly has a very bright future. The HSCB is proud to have been a part of his development and achievements."
Other band members playing with the HSCB this past school year include David Orme, saxophone, Claire Hancock, trumpet, Ryan Slay, saxophone, Bryan Gopen, euphonium, Ryder May, percussionist and Caelah Carvin, French horn.
"The HSCB looks forwards to sharing its time and talent in making music for our communities and hopes to see high attendance at all our concerts. As the band has a rich history of 48 years to fondly look back on and continue to build upon, we hope you will be a part of the memories we are making in the concerts this year," the release said.
For more details about the HSCB, and reminders about concert schedules, visit the band's website at http://www.hotspringsband.org.