Raritan Valley Symphonic Band – Annual Fall Concert

“Just For Fun…”

Sunday October 24 @ 3 pm

The Raritan Valley Symphonic Band under the direction of Dr. Christopher Sumner proudly presents its annual fall concert, “Just For Fun…” on Sunday, October 24 at 3 PM.  The concert will be held at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 600 Garretson Road, Bridgewater.

RVSB is returning to the stage for the first time since February 2020.  This return concert features music that is light, enjoyable and just plain FUN.  Dr. Sumner stated that “my personal hope is that this performance will give you some levity and frivolity as we continue to find our way through these challenging times.”

The concert features three works by American composer Percy Grainger. “Lost Lady Found” and “Children’s March” are both inspired by English folk songs, while “Country Gardens” is one of Grainger’s most famous and popular compositions.

Three marches are included on the program.  Frank Meacham’s “American Patrol” is a light fun march that is also popular as a big band jazz work.  British composer Gustav Holst’s “Moorside March” and Karl King’s “The Victor March” will also be performed.  American composer Leroy Anderson’s “The Syncopated Clock” is another “fun-loving” tune that all will enjoy.

The program concludes with two traditional American works: Carmon Dragon’s famous arrangement of “America the Beautiful” and J. P. Sousa’s ever popular march “Stars and Stripes Forever”.

RVSB comprises about 40 musicians from the northern and central New Jersey area.  Band membership includes professional musicians and music educators, as well as amateur musicians ranging in age from high school through retirees.

As always, admission to the concert is FREE.  To provide a safe environment for all attendees and the RVSB, the following precautions are mandatory:

  • Masks must be worn by all attendees at all times.

  • All attendees must be vaccinated.

  • Auditorium seating will be limited to every other row.

This concert is funded, in part, by a grant from the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission.  For more information about the band please visit www.rvsb.org.