Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band Honors Black Music, Military At Fall Show

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — It's year No. 22 for the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band and its annual fall concert. This year's edition is planned for 7 p.m. Nov. 11, at Vernon Hills High School, 145 Lakeview Parkway. The concert, called "Freedom," will feature music honoring our military veterans and trailblazers of Black music history.

The highlight of the concert is William Grant Still's entire "Symphony No. 1 (Afro-American)," along with a special featured performance of Addinsell's famous "Warsaw Concerto," performed by the BGSB's own Keith Miller as piano soloist.

Also featured on the program will be "Red Tails," a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, and "A Movement for Rosa," by Mark Camphouse.

According to the Village of Buffalo Grove, the Still Symphony (a classic of American 20th-century orchestral music) is of particular interest as it was provided in its rarely-heard version for Wind Ensemble by the composer's family. "Its evocative melodies were inspired by Afro-American folk, spiritual and blues melodies and the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar," the Village said in a news release.

The Jazz Band will present the music of Thelonius Monk, Charlie "Bird" Parker and "Dizzy" Gillespie, as well as Jon Batiste's aptly named "Freedom."

"This will be a unique, tuneful and inspiring concert for the entire family,” BGSB Director Howard Green said. "We encourage everyone to join us for this special celebration of our military veterans and music history."

The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band is a program of the Village of Buffalo Grove, its founding music director, Howard Green, and associate conductor, Allison Rakickas.

Ticket prices for adults are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Seniors (55 & older) and students with ID are always $8. Veterans and current military service members are free at the door with ID. Advance tickets can be purchased online at tickets.bgsb.org and in person at Buffalo Grove Village Hall, located at 50 Raupp Boulevard, or from any band member.