Thunder at Top of the Park

   Thunder at Top of the Park

Expect lively American classics in Civic  Band performance

Listen for the piccolos.  They’ll be hard to miss.  When the Ann Arbor Civic Band rips into “Stars and Stripes Forever” tonight, three of the mini-flutes will be trilling their high, piercing notes, just as John Philip Sousa intended - although one would easily do, band conductor Bill Gourley says.

The civic band doesn’t skimp on spirited renditions of American classics, or more recent pieces written to celebrate America’s musical riches.  And both kinds will be on the program at the band’s annual Fourth of July concert, 7-7:45 p.m. at Top of the Park.

Gourley says the lineup this year, as always, is designed to deliver variety.  There are the solemn moments when the band plays the marches associated with each branch of the military and he invites veterans and their family members to stand up when their tune is played.  The other selections tend toward the light and festive.  The music at this community favorite usually sets many toes to tapping and small children dancing.

Gourley says the music at the concert “is a celebration of America, more than a tribute to the wars.” Here are a few highlights to listen for:

■ “National Emblem,” a march many people may know from a funny Midas commercial.

■ Another Sousa piece, “The National Game,” in which you’ll hear the bat strike the ball, although Sousa didn’t score it that way.

■ “American Variations” by Jerry Bilik, who studied composition at the University of Michigan and did arrangements for the marching band.  “It’s different settings of ‘Barbara Allen’ that reflect the various ethnicities of our country,” says Gourley, with Irish, mariachi, rock, jazz and blues arrangements of the tune.

“It’s a way we all come together in one country, or one tune, but lend our cultures to it,” he says.

SEE BAND, E2

PHOTOS:  LEISA THOMPSON, THE ANN ARBOR NEWS

Ann Arbor Civic Band members, from top left, Nathan LaCross, Damon Duquaine, Beth Johnson and Nora Robinson play their trombones during a recent concert.  Band member Andrew Huang, above, plays his euphonium.

At a glance

■ What: Ann Arbor Civic Band Fourth of July Concert

■ When: 7-7:45 p.m. Monday

■ Where:Top of the Park, Fletcher Street Parking Structure next to the Power Center

■ Information: Free event featuring patriotic favorites and American traditional music. Call (734) 764-2538; visit
annarborsummerfestival.org

Also on stage:

■ The Forbes Brothers at 8:15 p.m. The band plays country originals.

■ Movie:  "Rear Window," 10 p.m., Alfred Hitchcock classic starring Grace Kelly and James Stewart.

Band member Lynn Herman, right, plays a piccolo as Nancy Martin plays a flute. Charles Voker, far left, of the Washtenaw Detachment 414 Color Guard, presents the American flag during a recent concert.