Community band to perform A Concert of Celebrations in Kalispell and Whitefish

The Flathead Valley Community Band presents A Concert of Celebrations with two performances scheduled Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. 

One of the featured pieces will be “In the Cradle of Freedom,” written by local composer Craig Thomas Naylor in 2019 as a commission for the Fredericksburg Virginia Community Concert band to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The small hamlet of Fredericksburg hosted visits from many of the founding fathers. George Washington grew up there, Thomas Jefferson spent time in local inns during his travels and the law offices of fifth President James Monroe were located in the town. 

During the Civil War Fredericksburg was the site of many important battles and a transit point for slaves escaping bondage. During the Civil Rights movement in the ’60s, Fredericksburg was again a focal point with protests, proactive responses by regional African American churches and prominent lunch-counter protests. 

“This quest for freedom from the early inception of the United States to the modern-day quest for the complete fulfillment of its ideals is my inspiration for ‘In the Cradle of Freedom,” Naylor said in a press release. “This celebration of, and continual rededication to, our liberties is vital for all of us.” 

The band will also perform the exuberant “Joy Revisited” by Frank Ticheli. Flathead Valley Community Band director Allen Slater describes the work as “reflecting a sense of optimism, bursting with vibrant rhythms and melodies,” while managing to capture the quieter, more reflective moments of joy. 

The piece is tied to another composition written by Ticheli in 2005 titled, “Joy.” “Joy Revisited” takes the same core musical ideas from its counterpart but develops them in a different context, offering a fresh perspective on the original material. Both pieces were composed during a significant period in Ticheli's life, one marked by personal reflection and celebration. This connection makes “Joy Revisited” more than just a standalone piece but part of a broader emotional and musical journey, Slater said. 

“Autumn Leaves,” a timeless jazz standard originally composed by Joseph Kosma as “Les Feuilles Mortes,” French for “The Dead Leaves,” is also on the concert list. Written Slater said the piece, “captures the nostalgic beauty of autumn and the wistful sense of loss as seasons change.”  Written in 1945, the original French lyrics by Jacques Prévert uses autumn leaves as a metaphor for fading memories, painting an image of love lost. Later, American lyricist Johnny Mercer adapted the song into English, creating the version known around the world. 

Since its inception, “Autumn Leaves” has been embraced by jazz musicians and popularized by numerous recordings. The haunting melody, paired with lush harmonies, has made it an ideal vehicle for improvisation and expressive interpretation. For listeners, the music offers a poignant and reflective experience.  

The band will also perform “Lux Aurumque.” Eric Whitacre composed this piece with the intention of creating a work that feels otherworldly — an expression of beauty through sound inspired by a simple yet evocative poem about light, according to Slater. Originally composed in 2000 as a choral piece and later arranged for wind ensemble, the work is a meditation on light, purity, and serenity built around rich, sustained harmonies that shift slowly and seamlessly.  

“The music flows like a single breath, with Whitacre’s trademark use of cluster chords creating moments of tension and release,” Slater said. “This harmonic language, with its close intervals, lends the work its characteristic “shimmering” sound, evoking the imagery of light piercing through darkness. With its ethereal harmonies and delicate phrasing, 'Lux Aurumque' captures a sense of stillness and quiet beauty, offering a transcendent experience for both performers and audiences.” 

The Royal Welch Fusiliers are one of the oldest infantry regiments in the British Army, with a history dating back to the 17th century. The connection between Sousa and the Royal Welch Fusiliers began when Sousa toured the U.K. with his band. The Fusiliers adopted one of his earlier works, The Washington Post March, as their regimental march. To reciprocate this honor, Sousa composed the rousing "Royal Welch Fusiliers" specifically for the regiment, cementing a lasting bond between the composer and the British military unit. Sousa's march pays homage to their legacy, celebrating their courage and discipline through music.  

“Chant and Jubilo” written by W. Francis McBeth is perhaps his most performed piece. The opening section, "Chant," begins with a stately and solemn theme, rooted in modal harmonies that evoke the sound of ancient religious chants. The music is slow and expansive, with rich, sustained chords in the brass and woodwinds creating a sense of reverence and gravity. The melody unfolds in a deliberate, measured way, emphasizing a mood of contemplation and dignity. In contrast, the second section, "Jubilo," is fast-paced, rhythmic, and full of excitement. McBeth composed "Chant and Jubilo" as a way to explore two contrasting musical ideas — one solemn and reflective, the other joyous and exuberant. The pairing of the introspective “Chant” with the celebratory “Jubilo” creates a satisfying balance between contemplation and action. 

John Darling was commissioned by the West River Winds community band of Mandan, North Dakota to write “West River Jubilee.” The piece is a fitting tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the American West and Mandan, who’s town motto is, “Where the West begins.” Drawing inspiration from the folk music and dances that are central to western celebrations, Darling wanted to create a work that captured the joy and spirit of community gatherings. The piece reflects his admiration for the wide-open landscapes and the resilience and optimism of the people who call the West home. This piece is dedicated to the memory of Margaret “Peggy” Schaaf. She was a well-known and active member of the Bismark Mandan musical community but lost her life after a battle with cancer. As a part of the commission the West River Winds community band wanted to have a prominent percussion part and include the hymn, “How Can I Keep From Singing?” which was played at her funeral. The words reflect strength and resolve in her faith as she faced the ravages of the disease that ultimately took her life. 

The first concert Nov. 6 concert will be held in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, 127 Spokane Ave, Whitefish. The Nov. 13 concert will be held in the Flathead High School Auditorium, 644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell. Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m. The concerts are free, but donations will be accepted to defray performance costs.