Children’s Concert – The ABCs of Music

Children’s Concert – The ABCs of Music

October 5, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Galvin Middle School Auditorim, Wakefield, MA

MCB’s annual Children’s Concert

Join us at the Galvin Middle School in Wakefield for our fall Children’s Concert. This year’s program is called The ABCs of Music. And, as always, there will be a drawing for one child to conduct Stars & Stripes Forever. There will also be an instrument petting zoo, giving children the opportunity to learn about the different instruments of the band.

The program includes:

  • Fanfare Esprit – Carol Britten Chambers
    • Looking for a thrilling and spirited musical experience? Look no further than Fanfare Esprit by Carol Brittin Chambers! This piece will transport you to a world of classic fanfares with a twist, featuring lush melodies and intricate rhythms. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating musical journey! (Source)
  • Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa
    “The Stars and Stripes Forever” was declared the National March of the United States in
  • Poet and Peasant Overture – Franz von Suppe, arr. Meyrelle
    • The storyline of Poet and Peasant deals with the lack of understanding of a guardian for his young pupil. Though he is a peasant, the young pupil is also an excellent poet who goes on to beat a famous poet from the city in a literary duel. This makes his prestige even bigger. Finally all ends well thanks to the older peasant. Part of the international success of this work is largely due to the many wind band arrangements. (Source)
  • Drummers Delight – Henry Mancini, arr. Longfield
    •  Wonderful march-like melodies are interspersed with feature spots for the drums.  (Source)
  • Red Balloon – Ann McGinty
    • Inspired by a painting the composer once saw of an old man with a small child holding a red balloon, this descriptive piece is both evocative and moving. The music depicts the balloon floating in air. (Source)
  • The Great Locomotive Chase – Robert W. Smith
    • Inspired by the events surrounding the railway between Atlanta and Chattanooga during the early years of the Civil War, Robert W. Smith stages the train chase complete with fascinating textures and effects. Listeners become engulfed in the vivid sounds. You can almost smell the smoke. This is an exciting original concert opener or closer. All aboard! (Source)
  • Elephant Tango – Bernie Landes
    • ‘Elephants Tango’ is a composition by Bernard Landes (real name Ronald Hanmer), played by Cyril Stapleton and his Orchestra. It’s original release, in January 1955, was on a Decca 10 inch 78 rpm shellac with the catalogue number F.10488. It shares the disc with ‘Gabrielle’ composed by Hayward Morris. This recording is from a 2003 Vocalion compact disc titled ‘Decca Singles’, featuring 30 of the Decca’s single releases by the Cyril Stapleton orchestra of the 1950s. (CDLK-4154). (Source)
  • Belle of the Ball – Leroy Anderson
    • Like most of Leroy Anderson’s efforts, “Belle of the Ball” is light, effervescent, and devoid of conflict or disharmony. Anderson looked upon the piece as a modern-day American revival — or revitalization — of the Viennese waltz tradition. (Source)
  • Big Band Spectacular – arr. John Higgins
    • John Higgins brings the Big Band Era to life in this imaginative medley that features some of the best-known trademarks of the top Big Bands.  Your audiences will be tapping their feet along with these nostalgic favorites including Glenn Miller’s In The Mood, Duke Ellington’s Satin Doll, Harry James’ Ciribiribin, Bob Crosby’s Big Noise From Winnetka and Count Basie’s Jumpin’ At The Woodside.  Don’t miss it! (Source)
  • Music from the Incredibles – Michael Giacchino, arr. Jay Bocook
    • Here is the 2004 animated phenomenon from the innovative creators at Pixar Studios! Follow the far-fetched story of an “incredible” family of crime fighters along with their flashy music written in the campy style of a mid-1960s spy thriller. Sassy and bold, this music is a guaranteed showstopper for any concert!  (Source)

Click here to see the digital program!