Array of music styles offered at spring concerts
The Modesto Junior College Department of Music is proud to present a broad assortment of music performances to wind-up the spring semester. The variety of concerts offers something to please every musical taste. Everything from electronic music to jazz, and classic orchestral to vocal music is slated for performance over the next couple of weeks!
All of the following concerts are held at 7 p.m. and most of them are held in the Auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center on East Campus, except where noted. The performances are open to the public and all are free, (with donations gratefully accepted), except the Orchestra and Choral Concerts, which have tickets available at the door.
42nd Annual New Music Concert – Friday, April 12
The program will feature performances of original music compositions by student, faculty
and local composers, and the New Music Ensemble will perform an original group improvisation.
The Celebration of the Humanities Awards for classical music, popular music, electronic
music composition and music solo performance will be presented. A reception will be
held after the concert in the Auditorium Lobby.
MJC Jazz Band Spring Concert – Monday, April 15
The 12 member Jazz Band, conducted by Director of Bands Erik Maki, presents an evening
program that includes “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” by Duke Ellington, “Tiger of
San Pedro” by John LaBarbera, “Chica Bonita” by Nicholas Fernandez, “Caravan” by Duke
Ellington, “El Fuego de la Tierra” by Erik Sherburne, “Darn That Dream” by Lang and
Van Heusen, “Jordu” by Duke Jordan and “Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band.
MJC Symphonic Band Spring Concert – Monday, April 22
The Symphonic Band, conducted by Erik Maki, will perform a program of stirring works
including “Festa” by Elliot Del Borgo, “Persistence” by Richard Saucedo, “Fanfare
and Intermezzo” by Robert Sheldon, “Cajun Folk Songs” by Frank Ticheli and “Abram’s
Pursuit” by David Holsinger.
MJC Community Orchestra presents “From Russia With Love” Concert – Tuesday, April
23
Under the conductor’s baton of Professor of Music Anne Martin, the Orchestra will
perform works by Russian composers, including Alexander Glazunov’s “Cortege Solennel,”
“The Russian Easter Overture” and “The Song of India” by Nicolai Rimsky- Korsakov,
and “Russian Sailor’s Dance” by Reinhold Gliere, which includes a performance by MJC
dance student Jacob Cruz. The concert concludes with “Themes from 007,”an arrangement
by Calvin Custer featuring music composed by Monty Norman, Bill Conti, John Barry,
and Linda and Paul McCartney. The medley includes the James Bond movie themes “For
your Eyes Only,” “Live and Let Die” and “Goldfinger.” Tickets are available at the
door beginning 90 minutes prior to the performance for $5 general admission and $2
for students, seniors and children.
MJC Community Concert Band Concert – Wednesday, April 24
The program features “Rosehill March” by A.H. Jakeway, “Concert Miniature” by Rex
Mitchell, “Festival” by Clifton Williams, “Atlantis Suite” by V.F. Safranek, “Heroic
Saga” by Robert Jager, “The Hounds of Spring” by Alfred Reed and “Esprit de Corps”
by Robert Jager. The MJC Community Concert Band, conducted by Director of Bands Erik
Maki
“The French Connection” Choral Concert – Friday, April 26
The performance features the MJC Concert Choir and Chamber Singers under the direction
of Cathryn Tortell. The program includes a lively collection of choral works that
showcase the surprising French connection between the influence of legendary composition
teacher, Nadia Boulanger, and what has become standard “American” repertoire. The
audience will experience the music of Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story” Medley,
Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber and others in this melodic, trans-Atlantic journey. Tickets
are available in advance at the MJC Box Office, Tuesday through Friday, 12 noon to
5 p.m., and at the door beginning 90 minutes prior to the performance for $6 general
admission and $5 for students, seniors and children.
Come enjoy a night, or two, of beautiful music!