The Newton Municipal Band will present its final concert of the season at 7 p.m. Thursday at Maytag Park. The concert, a part of the Newton Parks and Recreation Summer Concerts in the Park Series, will be directed by Don Perkins.
Perkins is a former band director in the Newton Communitiy School District, retiring after 26 years, in 1998. In addition, he directed the municipal band for many years. The band is pleased to have him step out of the trombone section and return to the podium for this final concert.
Perkins has chosen a variety of music that should appeal to everyone for this concert. Dick McKlveen of Prairie City, will open the concert by singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Other pieces include “The Liberty Bell March,” “MacArthur Park,” “Yorkshire Ballad,” “Overture for Winds,” “Them Basses,” “Country and Western,” “Eine Kleine Rockmusik,” (by Wolfbane Armadillo Mozart) “Alameda” and “Instant Concert.” Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Fred Chabot.
Approximately 26 current high school students and recent graduates have joined the band this year. In addition to filling out the ranks of the various sections, the students bring some top-notch ability with them. It is hoped that they learn from the experience of the other band members and continue to grow as musicians.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets to the park to hear great music from the bowl.