The Hill Country Community Band Plays on a Familiar Theme

by Oda Lisa, published in The Wimberley View 10/12/17

On Tuesday, October 17, 7:30 p.m., the Hill Country Community Band (HCCB) will present another exhilarating performance, which is free and open to the public. The concert will be held at the First Baptist Church of Wimberley, where the band holds their weekly Tuesday night practices. The concert’s theme is “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Director James Malik explained, “Sometimes the theme dictates the music and sometimes the music dictates the theme. This concert is a little bit of both.”

“The ‘something old’ is the Beethoven,” he said, referring to that classic composer’s 1808 work, “York’scher Marsch”. The HCCB have chosen to play a version arranged by Philip Sparks. Continuing with explaining the musical theme, Malik said, “…and the ‘something new’ being ‘Firefly’,” which was written by Austin resident, Ryan George. Malik described the song as “challenging,” and then added, “I think it’s good to challenge our musicians. It’s fun to give them something to really sink their teeth into.” Two selections meet the “something borrowed” definition, since both are borrowed from an orchestra’s repertoire and transcribed into band music. Rounding up the familiar phrase, Malik said, “The ‘something blue’ is the ‘Blue and Green Music’, which is absolutely gorgeous!” According to the concert’s program notes, that piece, composed by Samuel R. Hazo, was inspired by the artwork of the same title, done by Georgia O’Keeffe.

With eager anticipation, the band are ready to share the fruits of their hard work and love of music with other music lovers. Referring to next Tuesday night’s audience, Malik said, “We’re looking forward to having them come out, and hope they’ll enjoy the concert. We’ve had a lot of fun putting it together. We’re excited to share some new music with them.”

The First Baptist Church is located at 15951 Winters Mill Parkway. For more information about joining the Hill Country Community Band or donating time or money, contact Board President, Les Tucker, at [email protected]. Visit the HCCB website at www.hillcountrycommunityband.org for band news and future concert dates.