Arkansas In The Air

Community band celebrates state in Saturday concert

"In the early years, our members were primarily music educators and professional musicians with ties to the University of Arkansas," director Michael Ferguson says of the Arkansas Winds community concert band. "Now we have a cross-section of players from every profession that come from all across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. We also have several talented high school musicians that are playing in the ensemble.

"The music that we play has increased in difficulty over the last 10 years or so. Also, we've played more themed concerts in recent years. For example, our last performance was all music from the world of science fiction and video games."

FAQ

‘Celebrate Arkansas’

With the Arkansas Winds

WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Arts Center of the Ozarks, 214 S. Main St. in Springdale

COST — $10

INFO — 751-5441 or acozarks.org

The theme when the band plays Saturday at the Arts Center of the Ozarks will be "Celebrate Arkansas, " and "the repertoire will feature Arkansas composers and pieces with Arkansas themes," Ferguson says. "Highlighted pieces are 'Arkansas Journey' by a local composer, Jeremy Doss, and 'Wilson Park' by David Gorham. Both of those pieces were commissioned by the Winds. The most difficult piece will be Symphonic Dance No. 3 by Clifton Williams.

"I find music for the group through many sources," Ferguson adds. "The Internet is probably the most valuable now."

Perhaps surprisingly, though, that's not how musicians find the Arkansas Winds, which bills itself as "a volunteer organization dedicated to providing concerts for the communities of Northwest Arkansas and a place for musicians to enhance their musical skills."

"Most new members find us the old-fashioned way -- by personal invitation by a current member."

-- Becca Martin-Brown

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 04/24/2015

Upcoming Events