High school band to perform with Dallas Brass

Concert Feb. 6 at Wallenstien Theater

MOSES LAKE — When the Columbia Basin Allied Arts presents Dallas Brass Feb. 6 at Wallenstien Theater, local talent will also be a part of the performance.

Moses Lake High School band students will accompany the six-member group which has performed for two U.S. presidents, played at Carnegie Hall and made an appearance on the CBS Early Show.

"We know this is a really huge opportunity for us and we want to make sure we get it right," said MLHS senior Katey Lamb. "They're big time legends."

Students found out they would be playing with the internationally acclaimed group earlier this month.

Lamb, who plays the alto saxophone, and other band members from the high school will have an opportunity to rehearse with Dallas Brass the afternoon before the concert. The high school band is accompanying the group on a piece for the finale of the concert.

The show is called American Musical Journey and features music from the time of George Washington to the present day.

The Dallas Brass was founded in 1983 by member Michael Levine. The group is known for its work with young musicians and offering clinics and workshops for students in public schools.

Five recordings have been released by the ensemble: "Debut," "Dallas Brass II," "A Merry Christmas with Brass," "Windborne," and "Nutcracker."

Attendees at the Feb. 6 concert can expect to hear the sounds of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tijuana Brass and John Philip Sousa, and the music of Broadway, Hollywood and many others.

MLHS band director Dan Beich has been trying to arrange for Dallas Brass to come to the Northwest region for two years.

Beich said he is excited for his students and hopes the anticipation of the upcoming concert gives them motivation to do well.

Beich describes the group as interactive, with the ability to keep an audience captive.

"What they do best is move, dance, walk down isles," he said of the Dallas Brass.

The CBAA is sponsoring the performance. All the proceeds raised go to fund-raise money for the high school music program.

CBAA executive director LeAnn Pauley said in the past CBAA has sponsored a concert for the high school band to help support students.

"This is their fund-raiser for the year and we think it's a good thing so we're sponsoring it," Pauley said.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. inside Big Bend Community College's Wallenstien Theater. Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for general admission and $15 for reserved.

Admission tickets are available through any high school band member or at CBAA, the BBCC bookstore, Andrew's Hallmark, the Home Stretch or the Bookery in Ephrata.

Call (509) 793-2059 for more information.