Bloomfield to Strike Up the Youth Band

By Bette Spero
Star-Ledger Staff

         Bloomfield Youth Band celebrates its 15^th anniversary Friday, performing with The New Jersey Saxophone Ensemble, at Bloomfield Middle School. On Monday, the band begins Bloomfield’s summer concerts outdoors at the Presbyterian Church on the Green.

          The band will perform nearly the same program at both concerts. Sousa’s “The Fairest of the Fair March”, the Finale from Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, and songs from “My Fair Lady” The programs will also encompass Pierre LaPlante’s “Prarie Songs”, Charles Carter’s “Symphonic Overture”, Elliot Del Borgo’s “Tryptich II” and Clare Grundman’s “A Colonial Legend”.

          Patrick Burns, 32, conducts the band, composed of 40 high school and college students. The group will debut Burns’ “Hometown”. . .

          For their part of the Friday night concert, the saxophonists’ classical selections include the Sarabande segment from the J.S, Bach English Suite, No. 2, Everett Gates’ “Declamation and Dance”, and Percy Grainger’s “Shepherd’s Hay.” “Facinating Rhythm” by George and Ira Gershwin and the “Cascades” by Scott Joplin are among the popular selections.

          The saxophonists are Fredric Davis, soprano; Avi Goldrosen, alto; James Garde, tenor; and Paul Egan-Larsen, baritone. On Monday te band will also play Jacob DeHaan’s “Ross Roy Overture.”

          The Bloomfield Recreation Department and the Bloomfield Federation of Music co-sponsor the concerts.