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Community Band to present fall concert

Brian Wilkinson

(Updated: Friday, November 18, 2011, 12:29 PM)

The 40-piece Oakhurst Community Band will present a free Fall Concert at 3 p.m. this Sunday at the Yosemite High School Theater.

Directed by Randy Hyatt, Yosemite High music director, the concert will feature R.R. Bennett's "Suite of Old American Dances," John Philip Souza's "Mikado March," Prokofiev's "Midnight Sleighride" and many Holiday favorites.

Hyatt has invited Bill Samuelson, music teacher at Minarets High School to conduct a selection, and he will be playing a Flugelhorn solo on an arrangement of "This Is All I Ask" sung by Ann White, former member of the New Christy Minstrels.

Oakhurst resident and former professional musician and Fresno music teacher, Wayne Livingston, has arranged a song that vocalist White and Samuelson will perform. White will also play piano with the band on "Midnight Sleighride."

"Mr. Livingston is an arranger extraordinaire," White said. "He has invited the band to play his edited arrangement of "Air For Winds," originally written by his friend, the late Leland Forsblad of Fresno." White said Nov. 20 will mark the debut performance of the piece.

Livingston, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Oct. 7, was first introduced to music by his Aunt in his hometown of Corbin, KY. when at age 7, his aunt presented him with a clarinet. He immediately started private music lessons and started a love of music that has been going strong for 83 years.

He played saxophone and clarinet in the 30-piece showband that played at Fresno's Hacienda Resort behind such top entertainers as Nat King Cole, Patti Paige, Frankie Lane, Rosemary Clooney and The Mills Brothers in the early and mid-60s. He also had his own band during this time.

Livingston, an Air Force radar and radio technician in World War I, led such a busy life performing, arranging and teaching music eight hours a day, he was forced to give up playing in 1969, a move he says he's been sorry about ever since.

"I miss the music and the companionship with all my musician friends."

Pat Mirky, assistant director, will conduct a So-so composition, "Mikado March." Holiday favorites and surprises are promised by Hyatt.

This is Hyatt's eighth year conducting the community band and says he loves the community involvement and spirit of the non-profit group.

The band provides training and experience for high school music students who play along side experienced musicians.

"Advanced musicians rehearse and perform with younger musicians providing encouragement along the way," Hyatt said.

Refreshments will be served during Intermission.

Details: (559) 760-3849, oakhurstband.com.