Los Alamos Community Winds rehearsing recently in the Los Alamos High School band room for its upcoming concert ‘Treasure Trove’ set for 7 p.m. Sunday at Crossroads Bible Church. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Los Alamos Community Winds rehearsing recently for its upcoming concert ‘Treasure Trove’. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Like any art medium, classical music has its megastars, its blockbuster composers and then there are those who undeservedly fall through the spotlight’s cracks. Not anymore; Los Alamos Community Winds is giving some of these under-represented composers their due through its upcoming concert, “Treasure Trove”.
Los Alamos Community Winds will perform “Treasure Trove” 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at Crossroads Bible Church. Admission is free but there is a suggested $15 donation.
Community Winds Musical and Artistic Director Ted Vives explained that the concert’s program will “feature music of composers that we feel don’t necessarily get enough recognition.”
These composers and their works include Quincy Hilliard’s “Variations on an African Hymnsong,” Bin Kaneda’s “Overture for Symphonic Band” and Florence Price’s “Three Negro Dances”.
Besides shining the spotlight on these composers, Vives said in honor of the Community Winds’ 25th anniversary, pieces from past concerts will be showcased as well. These works include “The Pines of Rome”.
Vives explained performing this work “highlights what the ensemble is capable of” while also showcases various soloists.
“I think its going to be a very exciting … concert and I think the players are excited for it,” he said.
Concert attendees will be treated to a full array of musicians. At approximately 55 members, Vives said the ensemble is the largest it’s been in a while.
Plus, “it’s just a lot of fun,” he said.
All throughout this season, the Community Winds has celebrated its 25th anniversary. Vives said looking back on the Winds’ history; there are several milestones that stand out.
“I think our two biggest milestones are coming in as a runner-up in the American Prize … we were the first runner-up in 2012 – that’s a pretty big award. There are not too many competitions that are for community bands. It is very humbling to be recognized for work that you do.”
The second milestone, Vives said, is “our opportunity to host the national convention of the National Association of Concert Bands three years ago …”
Community bands, just like composers, can fly under the radar but Vives said, “We have been fortunate over the years to be recognized for our work. People involved in local groups are just as good as the people who are getting widespread recognition.”
Looking to the next 25 years, Vives said, “I hope the group … just continues to bring good music to the community and enjoy doing it … and that the community appreciates it.”
It is the love of music that brings musicians to perform in the Community Winds, he said.
“We don’t get paid; we do it because we love music,” Vives said.
No less than 1,000-man hours go into developing a Community Winds concert, he said, adding, “it’s a significant commitment of time and effort that people give freely … to put on a concert like this.”
Anyone interested in joining is welcome; the Community Winds always keeps its doors open, Vives said.
“Anyone who wants to join, they are welcome …,” he said.
To learn more, visit www.lacw.org
Los Alamos Community Winds Musical and Artistic Director Ted Vives leads a rehearsal recently in the Los Alamos High School band room. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
A scene from a recent Los Alamos Community Winds rehearsal at Los Alamos High School. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com