The Greater Huntington Symphonic and Jazz Bands will perform their annual free pops concert on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Paul T. Billups Park Amphitheater in Ceredo, West Virginia.
The jazz band is directed by Tom Chaffins and will open the concert with “The “Lady in Red,” followed by “The Queen Bee,” “Norwegian Wood,” “You Do Something to Me,” “Roll with the Punches,” “Hip Hugger,” and “In the Mood.”
The symphonic band, under the direction of Matt Chaffins, will perform an international-themed program. They will open the concert with “Olympic Fanfare,” followed by “Can-Can,” “Chariots of Fire,” “Espana Cani,” “Prayer for Peace,” “Funiculi Funicula,” “Brazil” and “Summon the Heroes.”
The symphonic band consists of approximately 50 members performing on various wind, brass, and percussion instruments. They perform standard concert band arrangements representing multiple styles and genres.
The jazz band has approximately 20 members, all of whom are members of the symphonic band, and performs standard jazz, big band, and jazz rock arrangements. Both groups typically perform four concerts per year throughout the Tri-State including a spring concert, the annual July patriotic concert in Ironton, a fall concert and a Christmas concert.
The Greater Huntington Symphonic Band has existed for decades under several different names and conductors, but came together in its present form in 1964. The ensemble draws its membership from the greater Tri-State area and is a non-profit organization funded solely by donations to purchase music.
There is no audition requirement. Membership is open to anyone who has basic music reading and musicianship skills and loves to play band music.
Current members range in age from teens to octogenarians and represent all walks of life including students, retirees, and working professionals.
Rehearsals are Thursday nights from 7-8 p.m. in the Vinson Middle School band room in Westmoreland, with the jazz band rehearsing from 8-9 p.m.