The Chicago Staff Band has just returned from a weekend visit to South Bend, IN where we were privileged to participate in the grand opening weekend of the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. This is the third Kroc Center the band has been invited to visit.
While the weekend was packed full of activities, the CSB took part in a Saturday evening concert with the Notre Dame Symphonic Winds as well as being on duty for the Sunday morning worship and dedication service. The Saturday night concert was a reunion of sorts because the two ensembles played together at Notre Dame University just two years ago.
For this evening the CSB led off with a solo set. At the intermission, the Symphonic Winds took the stage for their solo items. The two bands then combined to conclude the gala evening.
On Sunday morning the building was packed for worship, dedication of the building and the formal ribbon cutting that marked the opening of the center for members to begin using the facility.
It was a great weekend celebrating this magnificent facility that is expected to make a real difference in the lives of the people of South Bend and St. Joseph County.
For those that are interested, the Saturday evening concert play list follows:
Chicago Staff Band
Kroc Fanfare (Merten)
Virtuosity (Baker/arr. Peberdy, soloist - Beth Cooper)
Fusion (Cordner)
Blessed Assurance (Himes, soloist - Brett Tolcher)
My Simple Prayer (Little/Lovatt-Cooper)
My Unchanging Friend (Bosanko, soloist - Shaun Thomas)
Nimrod (Elgar/arr. Goffin)
Harlequin (Broughton)
Piano Offertory (Meghan Pierson)
Transition Music - Notre Dame's New Orleans Brass Band
Notre Dame Symphonic Winds
Celebration Fanfare (Reineke)
Alleluia! Laudamus Te (Reed)
Irish Blessing (Bliery/arr. Dwyer)
God Bless the USA (arr. Dye, soloist - Ryan Belock)
When The Saints Go Marching In (arr. Merton, featuring members of the New Orleans Brass Band)
Notre Dame Symphonic Winds and Chicago Staff Band
Light Walk (Gott)
Amazing Grace (arr. Himes)
The Stars & Stripes Forever (Sousa)
Choral Benediction (Himes)
