Thornton's 2009 Fourth of July celebration adds Thornton Community Band (TCB) to its pre-fireworks lineup. Dubbed "Thornton's newest musical sensation" by Inside Thornton magazine, TCB will perform onstage from 6-7pm at the open fields at 108th and Colorado. Formed just 18 months ago, but already with multiple concert successes, TCB "has enjoyed tremendous support from the City, and we've been very fortunate to be invited to be part of Thornton's Fourth of July celebration," said Frank Newton, President of the Thornton Arts, Sciences, and Humanities Council Board and TCB Board member. 
With nearly 70 musicians from Thornton and surrounding communities participating, the "American Park Concert" program features variety ideal for this outdoor patriotic event. The program includes selections such as "American Salute," "America the Beautiful," "Liberty Bell March," "Armed Forces Salute," and "Amparito Roca," among others. The program also features masterful small-ensemble performances in the popular "Bugler's Holiday" and "Dixieland Celebration" pieces. Thornton City Council Member Chuck Stevenson will also be featured with TCB as the vocal soloist to perform "God Bless America."
"TCB has had many amazing successes and landmarks in its first 18+ months of existence, but I think performing at Thornton's Fourth of July celebration might top them all. It's certain to be the largest audience, and it is the perfect opportunity for TCB to reach the people of Thornton with rousing patriotic band music." TCB Executive Vice President Leonard Carabelos stated.
"The band knows that this concert is for a very large audience and is eager to prove that TCB is a very important asset to the cultural community of this area." Newton continued. TCB's leadership and members alike are ready for the opportunity. Bass clarinetist Tammy Matthews has been with the band since its beginning. "We started out strong and have grown. This past year has given us time and performance experience that have prepared us for this opportunity."
Matthews and trump
et player Steve McCombs noted the group's musicianship, as well as the skill and rapport that Conductor Dr. David Kish brings to the group, as key to the band's readiness for this event. "Dr. Kish has a gift of bringing out the best in his players," Matthews continued. Under Dr. Kish's direction, TCB's Fourth of July performance will come together with just three rehearsals.
McCombs noted that many people "have never had a chance to hear a good concert band." Harley Brown, TCB Board President, noted that the band has solo-quality players in every section. What's more, TCB is comprised of people from the community. Some members direct school bands. Many teach private music lessons. Many play in other local ensembles and bands. A good number returned to music after a hiatus. "We are blessed to have such a talented group who play solely for the love of the music," Matthews noted.
TCB's 6pm performance will precede Longmont Symphony Orchestra's (LSO) traditional 8pm performance. Founded in 1966, LSO has been participating in Thornton's Fourth of July Celebration for more than 15 years. "We are excited to be sharing the program with the Thornton Community Band. It's always good to make connections with other performing groups, especially locally," said Kay Lloyd, LSO Executive Director. TCB agrees: "Having both groups play will greatly enhance and expand the entire July 4th experience for the community," Brown added, "because the groups are sufficiently different that they will complement one another's performances," Newton concluded.
TCB hopes Thornton residents will come early to the Fourth of July celebration, with blankets and picnic baskets in hand, to enjoy the band's 6-7pm performance. "I believe Thornton residents will take great pride in learning they have such a high quality music organization representing their city," Carabelos concluded.
For more information about TCB, visit http://www.thorntonband.webs.com/.
