It was a cold and rainy afternoon on Veterans Day 2018 as the Iola Area Symphony Orchestra presented its first concert of their 2018-2019 season. The concert commenced at 3:00 p.m. with the title Sentimental Journey.” The orchestra was led by Dr. Gregory Turner, who is director of instrumental activities at Summit Christian Academy in Lees Summit, Mo. Dr. Turner is celebrating his 25th season conducting the orchestra and mentioned to the audience it has been a joy for him to work with the musicians on stage all those years. Without being too specific, he even divulged about six of the musicians on stage had seen all those 25 years with him in the orchestra. Upon first glance, the program seemed lengthy, with nine pieces and an intermission, however, the concert lasted just over an hour with plenty of variety.
The opener was an arrangement of songs from the musical Theyre Playing Our Song by Marvin Hamlisch. It was a pleasant surprise to see a full drum kit set up behind the orchestra, with percussionist Scott Murray from Chanute at the helm. The drums added a modern, upbeat feel to several of the selections and Murray followed maestro Turners tempo changes to a tee.
Next was Sentimental Journey, arranged by Werner Muller. It is always nice to hear an orchestra play something from the great American songbook, and this song has a connection with veterans as the unofficial homecoming theme from WWII. The orchestra swept us in with a lush opening with a lilting accompaniment. The violin section, led by concertmaster Michael Price from Iola, carried the tune for most of the song, while drummer Murray switched his drumsticks to brushes to create a soft, subdued feel to the beat.
The orchestra took on Mozart Symphony No. 25 in G Minor next. I appreciate that they chose to do the piece in full comprising all four movements. After a somewhat sluggish start, the orchestra got into the groove of the piece. Throughout the four movements, the orchestra took on a serious, dramatic tone, achieved from the minor key (out of Mozarts 41 symphonies, only two are in minor keys) and the timpani hits. The highlight movement was the third because the orchestra abounded with energy and played together with great purpose.
After an arrangement of Memory by Andrew Lloyd Webber, we had a ten-minute intermission. The second half of the concert was planned to pay tribute to our veterans while celebrating the holiday. The first song was Let There Be Peace on Earth by Jackson/Higgins. This was a traditional arrangement with gentle pulsating accompaniment brought on by oboist Ron Carver from Iola.
F. W. Meacham composed the next piece, American Patrol. The opening was simply snare and bass drum, and it seemed like we were marching to battle. The orchestra slowly entered with the happy tune. Piccolo player Cathy Taylor from Chanute added to the ensemble with her fife-like tone color. A familiar trumpet call, led by principal trumpeter Norman Jones from Fort Scott, was sounded to announce the battle. After the battle, the sounds died away and a false ending made us feel the battle was over. However, the piece kept going until the real ending ensued.
A movement from Haydns Military Symphony was performed which was enhanced by noble timpani and brass sounds. Next was the popular Armed Forces Salute by Bob Lowden. This was an opportunity for members of each service area of U.S. Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force, and Navy to be recognized as their song was heard. The house lights were raised, the veterans stood at the appropriate time, and the audience applauded their support and appreciation. The trombone section consisting of Jake Ard from Yates Center and Spencer Ames from Carlyle had many shining moments during this number that added to the joy and assurance of the piece.
No Veterans Day concert would be complete without the infamous Sousa march Stars and Stripes Forever. After the first strain, the cellos, violas, low violins, and clarinets brought in the warm tones of the trio melody. We were treated to two piccolos (who actually played in tune together) for the countermelody showcase: Cathy Taylor from Chanute and Susan Shroyer from Mound City. Throughout the march, tubist John Lucas from Iola kept excellent time and gave the orchestra a solid bass voice.
Bass Clarinetist and Administrative President John Sheehan from Carlyle announced anyone is invited to join the orchestra or recommend it to someone they know. All ages and abilities are welcome. Overall, a pleasant afternoon and good to see the orchestra is still going strong.
Jeffrey Anderson is music instructor at Allen Community College.
