The Next Hill Country Community Band concert gets into the groove

By Oda Lisa, published in The Wimberley View 2/14/19

On Saturday, February 23, the Hill Country Community Band (HCCB) will present their latest pops concert, titled The Rat Pack, at the Wimberley Community Center at 7:00 p.m. Selected music from that jazzy era includes “Come Fly with Me” and “My Funny Valentine,” as well as highlights from Guys and Dolls. Of course, the “rat pack” theme would not be complete without featuring a medley of Frank Sinatra classics including “Strangers in the Night.”

Since that particular Sinatra classic did not have an arrangement suitable for the HCCB, band member John Prickett, who plays French horn, volunteered to write one. Prickett said, “As I remember, that was one of his most popular songs.” Explaining his creative process, he added, “I started with the melody and chord structure, and created the parts for the band. I decided who would have the melody, what instruments would play which parts of the harmony, and composed a few counter-melodies, and other parts to make it interesting for the band to play.” Alternatively, music and dance fans can hear Prickett play electric bass for the Wimberley Valley Big Band.

The Rat Pack concert is a free event, and donations are greatly appreciated. Dancing is welcomed and encouraged. The Wimberley Community Center is located at 14068 RR 12. For more information about joining the Hill Country Community Band or donating time or money, contact Board President, Eddie Esparza at [email protected] or visit the HCCB website at www.hillcountrycommunityband.org for band news and future concert dates.