BIG ARTS
\nThe BIG ARTS Community Chorus and BIG ARTS Concert Band will present their Spring Performance on March 25 at 7 p.m. in the Christensen Performance Hall on Sanibel.<\/p>\n
The islands community is invited to enjoy an evening of music at an upcoming seasonal concert.<\/p>\n
The BIG ARTS Concert Band and BIG ARTS Community Chorus will present their Spring Performance on March 25 starting at 7 p.m. in the Christensen Performance Hall on Sanibel. The chorus will combine its creative vocal arrangements with stirring compositions by the band.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has become an annual tradition for BIG ARTS,\u201d Marketing Director Meghan Govoni said, explaining that the groups come together for two concerts each year, with the first for the holidays.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd it\u2019s a chance to have the community members perform for the community,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
The band and chorus members are from the islands, Fort Myers and Cape Coral.<\/p>\n
The theme for this year\u2019s Spring Performance is \u201cAmerica at 250: A Musical Celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s for the 250th anniversary of America,\u201d Govoni said. \u201cThe groups have a bunch of songs that they\u2019ve been working on around the theme.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program of songs will be a patriotic celebration, featuring powerful selections to honor the beauty, strength and spirit of the United States, along with sing-a-longs that are always an audience favorite.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re patriotic songs, both old and newer,\u201d she said, adding that the groups will perform separately and then come together. \u201cThere will also be a sing-a-long portion, where the audience can join in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community Chorus Director Ellen Whitten reported that some of the selections will include \u201cA Patriotic Salute,\u201d Irving Berlin\u2019s \u201cAlexander\u2019s Ragtime Band,\u201d \u201cSeventy-Six Trombones\u201d from \u201cThe Music Man,\u201d and a rendition of \u201cWhen the Saints Go Marching In\u201d arranged by John Rutter.<\/p>\n
Concert Band Director Melissa Calkin reported that some of the songs will include Sousa marches, American folk song medleys, and a Civil war piece titled \u201cThe Blue and the Gray,\u201d plus others.<\/p>\n
There will be a cash bar available.<\/p>\n
Also, the BIG ARTS Gift Shop will be open prior to the performance.<\/p>\n
Govoni noted that new artwork was recently added.<\/p>\n
In addition, attendees can enjoy the exhibits in the art galleries.<\/p>\n
Starting on March 19, the Dunham Family Gallery will have installed \u201cThe Profound Drama of the Ordinary\u201d by Rene Miville. Ebenezer Leyva\u2019s \u201cA Journey to the Oracle\u201d is on display in the Mezzanine Gallery.<\/p>\n
Tickets are $25 for adults and free for students.<\/p>\n
The community is encouraged to reserve a seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome out and see your community members and all the hard work they\u2019ve put in,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n