A Stellar Night With The Lakewood Hometown Band!

Robert and Gary Rice lead the band with the Veteran's March (Photo by Donald Santa-Emma)

On August 21st, the 2011 Lakewood Sunday evening "Concert in the Park" series concluded with a superb performance by the Lakewood Hometown Band, under the able baton of Frank Cosenza. Congratulations are also in order to Donald Santa-Emma, the band's tireless Musical Coordinator, and to the flawless Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Jim Mehrling of WCLV 104.9, Classical FM radio.

The concert was literally held between the raindrops, as considerable downpours occurred. As Conductor Cosenza raised his baton, however, the skies were clear, and beautifully cool weather ensued for the duration of a stunning evening performance before a surprisingly large crowd.

The Lakewood Hometown Band, in existence since 1967 (and unlike the volunteer community bands of other cities), is a fully professional organization, comprised of some of the Cleveland area's finest musicians. The funding for this concert was provided by the City of Lakewood, the Recording Industries Music Performance Trust Fund, and Cleveland's Local 4, American Federation of Musicians.

From the first stirring notes of the "Stars Spangled Banner" to the breathtaking final strains of "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (where first the piccolos, and then the brass section, took to the front of the stage to overwhelming applause), the band's twelve eclectic musical selections kept the appreciative and spellbound audience on the edge of their seats.

As an unscheduled surprise treat for the audience, retired Lakewood school teacher Robert Rice conducted the band in the original "The American Veteran's Last Salute March" that he and his son Gary composed for the veterans of America. Gary also accompanied the piece, using a Civil War type drum.

While times have been difficult for many communities these past few years, it is well that Lakewood was able to support the performing arts this year. Hopefully we will be able to enjoy more of these exciting Hometown Band concerts in the park for many years to come.

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Volume 7, Issue 18, Posted 10:48 AM, 09.07.2011