Mat-Su College Community Band kicks off season tomorrow

The Mat-Su College Community Band's 18th season is getting started with three concerts in the coming weeks.

The band is the largest group of adult performers in the Valley, and has been for several years, said Phil Munger, the band's regular conductor. The band is made up of more than 70 community members, who come together to complete one of Alaska's most stirring bands.

The first concert of the season is Nov. 25. At 7:30 p.m., the birthday party gets started -- the 100th birthday celebration of composers Duke Ellington and Richard Rodgers.

Ensembles from The Sound of Music will be performed, and then Munger will lead Victory at Sea by Rodgers. Rachel Smith, a high school senior, will be the piano soloist for Slaughter on Tenth Avenue by Rodgers.

Following those selections, the band becomes a giant, 60-piece big band in Duke Ellington's Satin Doll, Caravan and Take the Train. Band members will also perform solo performances throughout the selections.

Shannon Byrd, a local student who attends the University of Alaska Anchorage, will sing Alfred Reed's The Pledge of Allegiance, while being supported by the band and a chorus of members from the band.

There will be a number of other pieces included in the concert. Among them is the Alaska premier of John Philip Sousa's march, Glory of the Yankee Navy.

The concert is free and open to the public.

The Nov. 25 concert is the start of a busy three weeks for the Mat-Su College Community Band. On Dec. 14 at 3 p.m., the band returns to the Palmer Pioneer Home to spread holiday cheer.

The band will be playing holiday selections for the residents and visitors.

Then, on Dec. 16, the band is hosting its annual Christmas concert. At 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Wasilla, the band will be playing usual holiday selections and community favorites.