The Lakeland Civic Band will present their next concert, titled “The Greatest Generation,” Sunday, April 23, at 4 p.m. in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, located on the first floor of the D-Building on Lakeland’s campus.

As indicated by the program’s namesake, Lakeland Civic Band director Frank Cosenza dedicates this concert to the Greatest Generation, the group of resilient Americans who lived through the Great Depression and later served in World War II. The concert’s repertoire is a fine selection of patriotic classics, opening with Francis Scott Key and John Stafford Smith’s “The Star Spangled Banner.” Following is Robert Smith’s “The Greatest Generation” and Louis Panella’s “The American Red Cross March,” arranged by James R. Esswein. Richard Rogers’ “Victory At Sea” is a celebration of American triumph, while pieces like John Williams’ “Hymn To The Fallen” and Bob Lowden’s “Armed Forces Salute” pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“The songs I’ve selected for this program are both solemn and joyous,” says Cosenza, “yet at the heart of each piece is a deeply profound and sincere appreciation for all that America has overcome to enjoy the freedoms we have today.”

Antonin Dvorak’s “Goin’ Home,” arranged by Villanueva, will also be performed in memory of Lakeland Civic Band members Vicky Harris and Patti Gach.

“The presentation of some of these pieces is also very timely,” Cosenza continues, “as the band continues to mourn the losses of two of our own. This concert is partly dedicated to them, in addition to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve.”

Guests can purchase concert tickets upon arrival at the box office or online at lakelandcc.edu/arts. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and veterans and $2 for students. Online purchasers should bring their order confirmation to show at the door. Lakeland Community College is located at 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, Ohio, 44094, just off the I-90/State Route 306 exit. Free parking is available.

ABOUT THE LAKELAND CIVIC BAND

The Lakeland Civic Band provides an opportunity for instrumentalists from the area to perform band literature of the highest quality. Its membership is drawn from Lakeland students, talented high school players, school music teachers and directors, and community musicians who are selected by audition.

In addition to concerts at Lakeland each fall and spring, the band has performed at area high schools and universities; national, state and regional conferences and conventions; Severance Hall and the Chautauqua Institute. The band has invited a variety of illustrious guest conductors and artists and has featured several of its members as soloists. The Lakeland Civic Band received the Sudler Silver Scroll Award presented by the Sousa Foundation in recognition of musical excellence and service to the community.

Anyone interested in becoming a part of the Lakeland Civic Band can contact Frank Cosenza at fcosenza1@lakelandcc.edu.

ABOUT THE CIVIC MUSIC ENSEMBLES

Lakeland Community College provides community members the opportunity to express and advance their talents by performing in five music groups: the Lakeland Civic Band, the Lakeland Civic Chorus, the Lakeland Civic Flute Choir, the Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Lakeland Civic Orchestra. Additionally, the college offers talented high school students Jazz Impact, an all-star high school music group.

For more information about the civic music groups and auditions, contact Jeri Lynn Pilarczyk in the Arts and Sciences Division at 440.525.7261 or email jpilarczyk5@lakelandcc.edu.

ABOUT LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

For more than 50 years, Lakeland Community College has impacted thousands of lives through learning. Founded in 1967, Lakeland was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to its mission, the college provides quality learning opportunities to nearly 8,000 credit students to meet the needs of the community at its campus in Kirtland and online.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Lakeland offers more than 140 associate degree and certificate programs that may lead to high-demand careers or transfer to four-year institutions. The college also provides access to bachelor’s, graduate and doctorate degrees along with certificates and endorsements, as well as lifelong learning opportunities, on campus through the Holden University Center of Lakeland, in partnership with 11 four-year institutions.

By: Charles Hegedus, Mrktg and Commun Specialist