NORTH TONAWANDA: Veterans Day concert hosted by American Legion Band
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS The Tonawanda News
Two soloists will be featured at the annual Veterans Day concert by the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, Post 264 at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda.
Richard Sowinski, a native of Buffalo, who completed his bachelor and master degrees in music education from the State University at Fredonia, will be the featured clarinet soloist for the performance of “The Tale of Viktor Navorski” by John Williams.
In addition, Henry Pendleton, a North Tonawanda resident who has sung and acted on the stages of Kleinhans Music Hall and Artpark, in New York City, and below ground in the Waitomo Caves of New Zealand, will be featured as soloist for two offerings.
The 85 member championship band, conducted by Michael Shaw, will perform a symphonic Pops program in the spectacular style and tradition of John Philip Sousa.
On the program are “Inchon” by Robert W. Smith, “Liberty Bell” by John Philip Sousa, “American Salute” by Morton Gould, “The Virginians” by James Hosay, “An American in Paris” by George Gershwin, “Star Spangled Symphony” by Don Gillis, “Salute to the Armed Services” by R. Cray, familiar show tunes and rousing military band spectaculars.
Sowinski’s performing career has encompassed numerous ensembles including the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, the Clarence Summer Orchestra and the Amherst Symphony.
In 1998, he retired from the Williamsville School District after 33 years as director of bands at Mill and Casey middle schools. Mr. Sowinski continues to teach privately at his home studio and performs regularly with the “Tin Roof Jazz Band” and the “Swing n’ Jazz Quartet” as well as with several local big band dance groups. He has been a member of the Post 254 band since 1992.
Pendleton has sung roles in many Italian operas, operettas, musicals and shows, as well as a soloist across Western New York. He studied under the late May Oddie, Genia Las and Gary Burgess and was inducted into the North Tonawanda High School Wall of Fame for his many years of vocal service to his hometown community.
Tickets are $8 presale and $10 at the door, $8 for children under age 8. Tickets are available at the Senior Citizen Center and the Legion Post, both in the City of Tonawanda and Mid-City Opticians, Walker Bros. & Monroe Jewelers and the Riviera Theatre, all in North Tonawanda.
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