Published: May 14, 2008 05:46 pm         

Southern Stars Symphonic Brass set to wow audiences again

The Southern Stars Symphonic Brass has prepared new selections for the May 18 concert, at 4 p.m., at the new Fairfield Glade Community and Conference Center as a follow-up to their critically acclaimed inaugural concert in April. Music for this concert will be selected from the following: "Helter Skelter" - a xylophone solo by Bob Adamcik, who is principal percussionist with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra; Irving Berlin's "Strike up the Band"; "American Civil War Fantasy"; "All Thru the Night"; "Olympic Fanfare and Theme" by John Williams; "Armed Forces Salute (to honor the approach of Memorial Day); "Morning, Noon, and Night in Vienna" by von Suppe; "Rhapsody for Euphonium," featuring TTU trombone professor Dr. Josh Hauser; "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"; "Entry of the Gladiator" march; and "Huntress" march. There is even a rumor that a local celebrity musician may make a solo debut!

This ensemble made a spectacular entry into the local music scene when they gave their first concert since being organized in early spring by Dwight Wages, a resident of the Crossville area. An overflow crowd filled Fairfield Glade Community Church and responded to every selection with enthusiastic applause. A couple of attendees who are trained musicians provided their experienced reactions after hearing this ensemble. Peg McLennan, who was professor of music at State University of New York at Potsdam and a harpist with the Jacksonville and Tucson orchestras, said, " What a concert. A top-drawer performance. We here in FG will be saying, 'we knew this group when they just started'. They are going places. To hear the excitement of a march and the finesse of symphonic brass made for a perfect afternoon. Wonderful." Another audience member was Delila Callahan, herself a graduate of Boston University with a degree in organ performance, had these comments: "A wonderful musical treat! Great selections, nice blend and dynamics, and beautifully executed by musicians coming from all over the state. We are so fortunate to have such a quality group based in the Crossville area."

Wages was very gratified by the audience reaction and attendance at the SSSB concert. "We are right on target for where I hoped we would be from the perspective of attracting the very best professional musicians from across East and Middle Tennessee, plus achieving a large audience who went away from the concert extremely impressed." He feels in a similar position to the famous line uttered by Kevin Costner from the movie Field of Dreams..., "If you build it, they will come." Wages commented, "That the opportunity for the Crossville area to prove they want to support a top-notch music ensemble as a regular part of our culture is at our doorstep. The musicians have shown their commitment when they gave the first concert as a donation to the area. Now we need to show them we will pay to enjoy music of this caliber on an ongoing basis."

SSSB wants to thank four corporate sponsors who have recognized the value of this organization and are helping fund the May 18 concert. They are key sponsors First National Bank of Tennessee, Dave Kirk Automotive, and M. Stewart Galloway, MD - Cumberland Eye Care; and supporting sponsor David Bell - State Farm Insurance. Please take the opportunity to patronize these businesses and let them know how much you truly appreciate their commitment to this fine musical ensemble.

Seating is limited for this concert and early sales have been brisk. Tickets may be purchased in advance at either the Fairfield Glade Conference Center (484-3722) or at First National Bank of Tennessee's office (484-2265). Adult tickets are $15, and student/child tickets are $5. Time is running out for you to secure a seat at this premium entertainment event.