Audiences were given a sample of music from around the globe on Dec. 3 in the Pottle Auditorium when the Southeastern Louisiana University Community Music School presented the Northlake Community Band in concert.
The Northlake Community Band is made up of local musicians, some of whom are current Southeastern students and alumni. The band was directed by Professor Emeritus of Applied Bassoon Dr. Jerry Voorhees.
The evening’s program featured a wide variety of music from John Philip Sousa’s “Liberty Bell,” most notable for being the theme song for “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” to the whimsical and frenetic “Colas Breugnon Overture” by Dmitri Kabalevsky to selections from the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma.” In between each piece, Voorhees would explain the background of the music about to be performed.
The audience enjoyed the talent on display. For some, it was their first experience hearing an orchestra live in concert.
“I thought it was awesome,” said Angelle Thiery, a graphic design major. “I came here because I’m taking a music class, and we have to attend three performances. I chose this one because I’ve never seen an orchestra before. I thought it was pretty interesting.”
Others enjoyed the variety of the musical selections.
“It was great,” said Garret Donane, a native of Ponchatoula. “I liked the different areas that they brought the music from.”
The members of the band believed the performance went well, but one member Stephanie Martinez, who plays the flute and piccolo, was especially exuberant about the performance.
“I always think that we do a great job,” said Martinez. “We have practice sessions every Tuesday. Rehearsal time is usually less than 10 hours, and that includes the little half-hour break we get, too. So you figure, we get less than 10 hours before a performance, but it turns out great. It’s fun and I enjoy it. It was a great concert. It always is.”
Dr. Voorhees said the band is continually open to those who would be interested in signing up. Those who are in the band enjoy it thoroughly and encourage interested musicians to join.
“It’s a great experience,” said Martinez. “You’re allowed to get out of the house and do something you enjoy. This is my fifth year with the group out of the six that they’ve been here. I always enjoy playing.”