Dance For Joy: Music to Make Your Holidays Sparkle

The Band will open this free-admission program with a performance of Choose Joy by Randall Standridge, a favorite composer of the CCCB's conductor, Tom Borning. The excellent life advice in the title comes from a high school student who was facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. The music is bold, optimistic, fast-paced, and hands-down happy.

There's seasonal good cheer on offer in Herald the Holidays, a quick-moving mash-up of Christmas tunes, and in The Three Moods of Hanukkah, a blending of the quick and rhythmic with the more lyrical Hanukkah standards. The wintery Toboggan,by contemporary composer JaRod Hall, invites players and audience to go sledding-and to enjoy a very speedy ride. Because joy can be found in quiet moments, too, the program includes a stirring arrangement of Amazing Grace by Frank Tichelli and an unusual Manheim Steamroller interpretation of Stille Nacht.

To complete this musical infusion of maximum happiness, there are several selections designed for dancing in your seats. Scott Watson's Joy Dance is a lively collision of melody and pulsing rhythm, while traditionalists in the dance department will revel in Dances from the Nutcracker, arranged by James Curnow. Also featured on the program are two original arrangements by conductor Tom Borning: Let's Dance by David Bowie and Dancing Queen by ABBA. And yes, it's okay to sing in your seats, too!

Category: Live Music | Concert