Spring Concert
2025-03-23 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Galvin Middle School, 525 Main Street, Wakefield
Join us for a milestone event as the Middlesex Concert Band marks its 50th Anniversary with a special concert celebrating five decades of music and community. The evening will feature the premiere of a brand-new composition by composer Erika Svanoe, written specifically to commemorate this occasion.

This once-in-a-lifetime performance will also include other special surprises, making it a memorable night for our audience and musicians alike. Be part of this historic celebration and share in the joy, pride, and legacy of the Middlesex Concert Band. We can’t wait to see you there!

Time:March 23rd, 3:00 PM

Location:Veteran’s Memorial AuditoriumGalvin Middle School525 Main StWakefield, MA 01880

Program (draft)

Strike Up the Band – George Gershwin

The story of Strike Up the Band centers on Horace J, Fletcher, “A Typical Self-Made American” and a chocolate manufacturer, who dreams he has convinced the U.S. Government to put a tariff on Swiss chocolate. In the dream, this draws Switzerland into a war. Immediately, American libraries remove seditious literature like Swiss Family Robinson from their shelves. The United States finally wins by “decoding” yodels as secret signals of the Swiss Army. Source:

First Suite in Eb – Gustav Holst

2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the First Suite in E-flat by Gustav Holst, now considered one of the masterworks and cornerstones of the band literature. Although completed in 1909, the suite didn’t receive its official premiere until 11 years later on June 23rd, 1920, by an ensemble of 165 musicians at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall.

There are three movements in the suite: Chaconne, Intermezzo, and March. Holst writes, “As each movement is founded on the same phrase, it is requested that the suite be played right through without a break.” Indeed, the first three notes of the Chaconne are Eb, F and C, and the first three notes of the melody when it first appears in the Intermezzo are Eb, F, and C. In the third movement, March, Holst inverts the motive: The first note heard in the brilliant opening brass medley is an Eb, but instead of rising, it descends to a D, and then a G; the exact opposite of the first two movements. Source:

Irish Tune from County Derry – Percy Grainger

Irish Tune from County Derry is a setting of a now-famous tune from the Irish county of Derry in the north (also sometimes called Londonderry). This classic arrangement features beautiful, delicate part-writing for both woodwinds and brass, highlighting each family in turn. Source:

Determined Hearts – World Premiere – Erika Svanoe

Determined Hearts was composed for the Middlesex Concert Band for their 50th Anniversary.

The piece was inspired by the history of the Middlesex Concert Band, specifically when the organization came back from losing music and equipment in a fire several years ago, but through perseverance of its membership kept the ensemble alive. Source:

Blue Moon (April Foley, vocalist) – Rodgers and Hart/Barker

Rodgers and Hart’s “Blue Moon” was originally written as “Prayer” for Jean Harlow in the MGM film, The Hollywood Revue of 1933. According to Richard Rodgers in his autobiography, Musical Stages: An Autobiography, Harlow’s prayer was to become a movie star, and the lyrics started out as “Oh, Lord, if you’re not busy up there, I ask for help with a prayer/ So Please don’t give me the air…” Unfortunately, because of a series of production personnel changes, the revue was scaled down to a spoof starring Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, and Jimmy Durante. There was no Harlow and no “Prayer.” Source:

Symphonic Dance No. 1 – Carol Britten Chambers

Carol Brittin Chambers’ high-wire work Symphonic Dance No. 1 is a thrilling addition to any band’s repertoire. With its rhythmic intrigue and cool harmonic development, this piece showcases the composer’s signature style in a challenging yet rewarding way. Despite its suave exterior, the piece is full of hidden treasures that will captivate both performers and audiences alike. Source:

Fanfare and Allegro – Clifton Williams

Fanfare and Allegro was the first composition to win the Ostwald Award for original band literature. The award was presented at the American Bandmasters Association convention in 1956. It is written in an exciting contemporary style with brilliant scoring. The work opens with a declamatory fanfare section which leads directly to the allegro movement. It features ostinato figures, brilliant brass, and percussion. Although rhythmically complex, the music is impressive and straightforward, and its resonance and sonority are ideally suited to the medium of the modern band. Source:

Amazing Grace – Frank Ticheli

The spiritual, Amazing Grace, was written by John Newton (1725-1807), a slave ship captain who, after years of transporting slaves across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World, suddenly saw through divine grace the evilness of his acts. First published in 1835 by William Walker in The Southern Harmony, Amazing Grace has since grown to become one of the most beloved of all American spirituals.

Amazing Grace was commissioned by John Whitwell in loving memory of his father, John Harvey Whitwell. It was first performed on February 10, 1994, by the Michigan State University Wind Symphony, John Whitwell conductor. Source:

Free Lance March – John Philip Sousa

“The Free Lance” march, taken from Sousa’s operetta of the same name, has a lengthy and unorthodox construction when compared with most other Sousa marches. There were so many spirited march tunes in the operetta that perhaps Sousa felt obligated to include most of them when piecing together the march. Actually, there were enough for two separate marches.

The “free lance” of the operetta was Sigmund Lump, a clever goatherd who hired himself out as a mercenary leader to two opposing armies, maneuvered his forces so that neither side could win, and then declared himself emperor of both nations.

The trio of the march corresponds to the song “On to Victory” in the operetta, and some editions of the march were published under that title. Source:

Star Dust (vocal solo) – Carmichael/arr. Barker

“Stardust” is a 1927 song composed by Hoagy Carmichael, with lyrics later added by Mitchell Parish….When composing the song, he was inspired by the end of one of his love affairs, and on the suggestion of a university classmate, he decided on its title. The same year, Carmichael recorded an instrumental version of the song for Gennett Records. Source:

Themes Like Old Times – arr. Warren Barker

Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Peg 0′ My Heart, I Want A Girl (Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad), By The Light Of The Silvery Moon and 12th Street Rag are all cleverly combined in this crowd-pleaser by today’s premier arranger for concert band! Source:

Selections from Wicked – Schwartz/ arr. Bocook

In 2004 Broadway was taken by storm by the hit show “Wicked.” The story line of how the Wicked Witch of the West met Glinda the Witch of the North is intriguing, and the music is filled with depth and beauty. This powerful medley includes: No One Mourns the Wicked; Dancing Through Life; Defying Gravity; No Good Deed and For Good. Source:

Star Wars, The Marches – Williams/ arr. Brubaker

John Williams created so many stunning marches to accompany the Star Wars® motion pictures that they had to be combined in one powerful piece. The arrangement features: Star Wars® (Main Title), “Parade of the Ewoks,” “The Imperial March,” “Augie’s Great Municipal Band” and “The Throne Room.” A bold medley of a wide variety of marches to ensure a standing ovation! Source:

Boston Festival of Bands
2025-06-14 12:00 | Faneuil Hall, Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
🎵 Boston Festival of Bands Returns to Faneuil Hall! 🎶The Middlesex Concert Band is thrilled to announce our participation in the Boston Festival of Bands, hosted at the historic Faneuil Hall in Boston. After last year’s cancellation, we’re excited to be part of this cherished event once again now that the Hall has reopened.

Organized by MetWinds, the festival brings together several outstanding concert bands for a full day of live music in a unique and vibrant setting. Join us as we share the stage with other talented ensembles to celebrate the power of community and the joy of music. Don’t miss this special event!

June Concert - "American Salute"
2025-06-22 15:00
Join us for a very special concert entitled “American Salute”

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 3:00pm

Galvin Middle School 525 Main Street Wakefield MA

Our program includes:

Celebration Overture – Paul Creston

Celebration Overture is a work meant to reflect a celebration of life and all of the wonderful and positive events we are fortunate enough to experience. (Source)

Old Home Days – Charles Ives arr Jonathan Elkus

The songs and sketches assembled in this suite reflect Ives’s lifelong love of familiar tunes and home grown music making. (Source)

The King of Love My Shephard Is – arr. by Jess Langsten Turner

The King of Love My Shepherd Is is an 1868 hymn with lyrics written by Henry Williams Baker, based on the Welsh version of Psalm 23 and the work of Edmund Prys. (Source)

Blue Shades – Frank Ticheli

This composition reflects Frank Ticheli’s love for the traditional jazz music that he heard so often while growing up near new Orleans. Blue Shades was his opportunity to express his own musical style in this medium. (Source)

American Salute – Morton Gould, edt. Lang

This is a tribute to all things American, based on When Johnny Comes Marching Home. Morton Gould develops and embellishes the folk melody with splendor and verve, and Philip Lang’s transcription is a challenge well worth the effort! (Source)

Main Street Celebration – Steven Reineke

Brimming with catchy melody, sprightly imitation and colorful orchestration, this really captures the feeling of a street celebration! On the easy side of medium, it is simply delightful! (Source)

Themes Like Old Times – arr. Warren Barker

ere’s a clever arrangement that is perfect for community bands and concerts in the park! Songs included are: Alexander’s Ragtime Band; Peg O’ My Heart; I Want A Girl (Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad); By The Light Of The Silvery Moon and Twelfth Street Rag. Sparkling! (Source)

Ashokan Farewell – Jay Unger arr. Calvin Custer

“Ashokan Farewell” is a musical piece composed by the American folk musician Jay Ungar in 1982. For many years, it served as a goodnight or farewell waltz at the annual Ashokan Fiddle & Dance Camps, run by Ungar and his wife Molly Mason, who named the tune after the Ashokan Field Campus (now the Ashokan Center) of SUNY New Paltz in Upstate New York. (Source)

Tribute to the Count – arr. Sammy Nestico

During Nestico’s eight-decade career, he produced a large number of arrangements for jazz and big band ensembles. Many of these arrangements were written for groups like the Count Basie Orchestra (CBO), with whom Nestico had a long working relationship from the late 1960s until Basie’s death in 1984. This arrangement includes April in Paris, Lil Darlin, Shiny Stockings and One O’Clock Jump. (Source)

Star Wars, The Marches – John Williams, arr. Brubaker

So many stunning marches were part of these epic motion pictures that they had to be combined in one powerful piece. This arrangement features: Star Wars (Main Theme); Parade of the Ewoks; The Imperial March; Augie’s Great Municipal Band and The Throne Room. A bold medley of a wide variety of marches that will ensure a standing ovation! (Source)

4th of July
2025-07-04 19:00
Our annual 4th of July event at Mt. Hood in Melrose. Enjoy music on the beautiful grounds of Mt. Hood Golf Course before the fireworks start.

Concert by the Lake
2025-07-17 19:00
MCB will be performing by the lake on Wakefield common just before their Movie by the Lake event, showing Inside Out 2 starting around 8:30 PM. There will likely be food trucks, sports such as volleyball, and other fun activities in addition to the movie. See more details here: https://patch.com/massachusetts/wakefield/calendar/event/20250717/dd33a5ed-2a76-4713-bd60-35e48bd93279/movies-by-the-lake-inside-out-2

The MCB Concert begins at 7:00 PM

The program includes:

Strike Up the Band – George Gershwin, arr. Warren Barker

Old Home Days – Charles Ives

Waltz

The Opera House

The Collection

Slow March

London Bridge

Amazing Grace – Frank Ticheli

Star Spangled Spectacular – John Cacavas

Themes Like Old Times – Warren Barker

Tribute to the Count – Arr. Sammy Nestico

Selections From Wicked – arr. Jay Bocook

America the Beautiful – Samuel Ward (arr. Carmen Dragon)

Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa

Children's Concert - The ABCs of Music
2025-10-05 14:00 - 15:30 | 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

1987. (Source)

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!

Holiday Concert
2025-12-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Galvin Middle School, Wakefiled, MA
Celebrate the season with the Middlesex Concert Band at our annual Holiday Concert! This festive afternoon of music will feature cherished holiday favorites alongside fresh takes on seasonal classics, all sure to bring joy and holiday spirit.

This year’s performance is presented free of charge, thanks to the generous support of an anonymous sponsor. Bring your family and friends and enjoy an afternoon of music that will warm your heart and brighten your holidays.

So take a break from the holiday bustle, relax, and let the music of the season surround you. We look forward to sharing this joyful tradition with you!

Program Details:

A Winter Journey – Randall Standridge

This piece is a joyful, rhythmic celebration of winter travel and the people waiting at the other end of the road. Using the familiar melody of Over the River and Through the Wood as its foundation. I’ve combined it with original material to create a fast-paced ride in a compound 12/8 meter — perfect for evoking the galop of hooves, the jingle of bells, and the crisp energy of a snowy day (Source)

A Christmas Intrada – Alfred Reed

A Christmas Intrada represents an attempt to portray, in musical terms alone, five contrasting moods associated with the festivities of the Christmas season. These five sections are played without pause. They are: Fanfare: Christus Natus Est, for brass, chimes, bells and percussion only; Lullaby for the Christ Child played by the woodwind and saxophones; Processional of the Kings and Shepherds played by the full group; Carol for the Holy Night for woodwinds, saxophones and muted brass; and, finally, Wassail and Alleluia beginning with the bells and chimes alone, and gradually growing to include not only the full group but also antiphonal brass choirs, to bring the entire work to a joyous and triumphant conclusion. (Source)

March of the Toys – Victor Herbert

This march is part of the operetta Babes in Toyland, composed by Victor Herbert in 1903. Toyland is a magical land where two children experience all sorts of adventures. This quick march in a pseudo military style depicts a scene in the operetta where toy soldiers rescue the two children. Victor Hugo (1859-1924) was born in Ireland, but spent his youth in Germany where he studied composition and cello. He found fame in America as an (operetta) composer and conductor. (Source)

Grown Up Christmas List – Michael Brown — April Foley vocal soloist

hough originally recorded by David Foster with Natalie Cole, the 1992 version by Amy Grant is largely responsible for this song’s continued popularity. This inspiring ballad will add a special lift to any holiday concert, and Michael’s great-sounding arrangement can be performed effectively with or without a vocal soloist. (Source)

Minor Alterations No. 2 – David Louvrien

Looking for something REALLY different for this year’s Christmas concert? Here’s a game of holiday hide-and-seek for your audience! Minor Alterations: Christmas Through the Looking Glass is a medley of favorite Christmas tunes, transposed from major to minor keys then disguised, layered and morphed even more. From the ominous Deck the Halls at the start to the final, frenzied Nutcracker Suite finale, each tune is lovingly twisted into something new and inventive. (Source)

Snow on Snow – Megan Vinther

Capturing the quiet beauty of winter, this lyrical and introspective work blends haunting original melodies with Gustav Holst’s beloved In the Bleak Midwinter. Delicate textures and rich harmonic progressions evoke the peaceful stillness of snowfall, inviting performers and audience to pause and reflect. Serene and expressive, this piece is a perfect addition to winter or festival concerts, offering a moment of calm amid the season’s bustle. (Source)

Christmas With Mozart – Julie Giroux

An absolute delight to add a fresh lift to a holiday concert. Familiar holiday melodies are cleverly interwoven with some of Mozart’s motifs in an up-tempo Mozartean setting.

This arrangement is in a Mozart-ish style using a number of Christmas carols in combination with a few of Mozart’s, Bach’s and other composers’ works. Fast, fun and full of tunes –see if you can find them all! (Source)

Fanfare for the Festival of Lights – Evan Vandoren

“Fanfare for the Festival of Lights” weaves two traditional Hanukkah melodies, Ma’oz Tzur and The Dreidel Song into a colorful, rousing celebration! Evan VanDoren has masterfully crafted an approachable, mature-sounding composition that will challenge your best performers while meeting the needs of your developing players. Get your next holiday concert started with energy and excitement! (Source)

The Eight Candle – Steve ReisteterThe Eighth Candle remembers the story of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. It begins with an extended hymn-like section followed by an exciting dance of celebration. The feast commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek tyrant Antiochus over 2,180 years ago. Legend has it that after the battles were won there was only enough oil for the ceremonial lights to last for one day, yet by some miracle the oil lasted for eight days. Hanukkah is celebrated by the family in the home rather than in the synagogue. In modern times candles are lit, one for each day of the holiday, prayers are recited, then the feast and merrymaking begin. (Source)

Santa Baby – Philip Springer – April Foley, Vocal Soloist

“Santa Baby” is a song performed by American singer Eartha Kitt with Henri René and His Orchestra and originally released in 1953. The song was written by Joan Javits and Philip Springer, who also used the pseudonym Tony Springer in an attempt to speed up the song’s publishing process. Lyrically, the song is a tongue-in-cheek look at a Christmas list addressed to Santa Claus by a woman who wants extravagant gifts such as sables, yachts, and decorations from Tiffany, which become increasingly laced with innuendo and the implication that the woman is infatuated with Santa. (Source)

Fireside Christmas – Sammy Nestico

our auditorium will glow with warmth and good will when your band performs this charming medley! Featured in the medley are: Winter Wonderland; I’ll Be Home for Christmas; The Christmas Song; Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Sammy Nestico has wrapped them all up in a sparkling package that will warm everyone’s heart! (Source)

Christmas Carol-oke – arr. Larry Clark – April and the audience sing-a-long

There is nothing more fun around the holidays than singing Christmas carols in a large group. What better way to spruce up your holiday concert than to have your audience participate in the concert with a good old-fashioned sing-along? This arrangement contains eight popular carols: “O Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Silent Night,” “Up on the Housetop,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” (Source)

Sleigh Ride – Leroy Anderson.

Sleigh Ride is a light orchestra standard whose music was composed by Leroy Anderson. The composer had formed the original idea for the piece during a heat wave in July 1946, and he finished the work in February 1948. The original recordings were instrumental versions. The lyrics, about riding in a sleigh and other fun wintertime activities, were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950. The orchestral version was first recorded in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra. A selection of the artists who have recorded it include Herb Alpert, The Andrews Sisters, The Carpenters, Bing Crosby, The Boston Pops Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald, the amazing Debbie Gibson, The Muppets, and Andy Williams. (Source)

March Concert
2026-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Galvin Middle School, Wakefield, MA
Shake off the winter chill and welcome the new season with the Middlesex Concert Band at our annual Spring Concert! This lively afternoon of music will feature an exciting mix of pieces that celebrate the energy and renewal of springtime. This year is special – we are celebrating the 250th Birthday of America!

As with our holiday concert, this performance is presented free of charge, thanks to the generous support of an anonymous sponsor. Bring family, friends, and neighbors, and enjoy an afternoon of music that will lift your spirits and brighten your day.

Join us as we continue a tradition of community, music, and joy. We look forward to seeing you there!

Program:

Fanfare 250 – Noah D. Taylor

A dynamic and celebratory work dedicated to the men and women of the United States Army in recognition of their 250 years of steadfast service. The piece captures the spirit of resilience, bravery, and unity that defines the Army’s history with bold brass fanfares, driving percussion, and soaring woodwind lines. A salute to a quarter millennium of dedication, sacrifice, and service to the nation! (Source)

Concord – Clare Grundman

Concord is based on three traditional tunes from old New England, The White Cockade, William Billings’ America, and “Yankee Doodle. (Source)

Chester – William Schuman

Schuman originally composed Chester as the third movement of his New England Triptych for orchestra, where he interpreted William Billings’s hymn and marching song of the same name. He later developed and extended the work to become an overture for band; however, the work is often performed as the answer to Schuman’s second movement prelude of the Triptych, When Jesus Wept. (Source)

Midnight Ride – Rossano Galente

Three main themes comprise Midnight Ride by Rossano Galante. Paul Revere’s motif is a romantic, heroic melody that captures his bravery and tenacity. The Brown Beauty theme (Paul Revere’s horse) incorporates a slower, lush musical offering that captures the strength and beauty of this animal. The ending thematic material represents the ride with a soaring melody accompanied by fast, rhythmic ostinati. (5:45) (Source)

American Elegy – Frank Ticheli

An American Elegy is, above all, an expression of hope. It was composed in memory of those who lost their lives at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, and to honor the survivors. It is offered as a tribute to their great strength and courage in the face of a terrible tragedy. I hope the work can also serve as one reminder of how fragile and precious life is and how intimately connected we all are as human beings. (Source)

Chimes of Liberty – Edwin Franko Goldman

One of his most popular marches, The Chimes of Liberty reflected Goldman’s pride in his country. His concern for other countries and world peace was evident as well: the march was written in 1922 to commemorate the Washington Conference for the Limitation of Armaments. The chimes are featured prominently, carrying the melody in the trio. The march also boasts a piccolo solo that rivals the piccolo solo in John Philip Sousa’s march The Stars and Stripes Forever. (Source)

Intermission

Land of Liberty – John Wasson

Featuring classic patriotic melodies of our great nation, here is a stirring medley for mature bands. Unique treatments and scoring devices blended with seamless transitions are used to create this impressive work for the concert stage. Includes: Columbia, The Gem of the Ocean; Chester; Yankee Doodle; America the Beautiful and My Country, ‘Tis of Thee. (Source)

Variations on America – Charles Ives

Variations on “America” was originally a composition for organ. Composed in 1891 when Ives was seventeen, it is an arrangement of a traditional tune, known as My Country, ‘Tis of Thee, and was at the time the de facto anthem of the United States. The tune is also widely recognized in Thomas Arne’s orchestration as the British National Anthem, God Save the Queen, and in the former anthems of Russia, Switzerland, and Germany, as well as being the current national anthem of Liechtenstein and royal anthem of Norway. (Source)

Selections from Les Miserables – Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg/arranged by Warren Decker

This work for musical theater had a renewed impact all over the world with the adaptation to the silver screen. All the drama and power of the original music is captured in this medley, which includes At the End of the Day; I Dreamed a Dream; Master of the House; On My Own and Do You Hear the People Sing? (Source)

Irving Berlin Songs for America – Irving Berlin/arranged by James Swearingen

A fantastic arrangement of songs by one of America’s greatest songwriters. Includes: Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor; This Is the Army Mister Johnes; This Is a Great Country; and God Bless America. (Source)

America the Beautiful – Samuel Augustus Ward/arranged by Carmen DragonStars and Stripes – John Phillip Sousa

Harvard Concert
2026-04-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Lowell Lecture Hall, 17 Kirkland St, Cambridge
We will be doing a joint concert with the Harvard Wind Ensemble, and possibly another group. Details to come soon!

Boston Festival of Bands
2026-06-13 17:00 - 17:45 | Faneuil Hall, Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
The Boston Festival of Bands, hosted by MetWinds, is returning this year. MCB is excited to be able to participate. We are scheduled to play at 5:00 PM to close out the event.

After a hiatus of several years, this beloved gathering of community bands is finally back. We’re honored to be part of its return and can’t wait to once again share the stage with some of the region’s finest ensembles for an afternoon celebrating wind music.

The Festival takes place in historic Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston. Known as the “Cradle of Liberty,” this landmark has been a gathering place for nearly three centuries and sits just steps from Quincy Market and the bustling Faneuil Hall Marketplace — a fitting and inspiring setting for the Festival’s long-awaited homecoming.

Our Program

Havana Nights — Randall D. Standridge

A Jubilant Overture — Alfred Reed

Americans We — Henry Fillmore

Determined Hearts — Erika Svanoe (commissioned by MCB for our 50th Anniversary)

The Symphonic Gershwin — George Gershwin, arr. Warren Barker

Hymn to a Blue Hour — John Mackey

We hope you’ll join us in Boston for an afternoon of great music!

4th of July
2026-07-04 19:00 - 21:30 | 100 Slayton Rd, Melrose, MA
Middlesex Concert Band returns to Mt. Hood Golf Course in Melrose for America’s 250th Independence Day!

A beloved annual tradition, MCB comes back to Mt. Hood each summer for our Fourth of July celebration. Join us under the summer sky for an evening of patriotic favorites, stirring marches, and Broadway and big-band classics as we mark the nation’s 250th birthday — featuring vocalist April Foley and a rousing sing-along finale.

The concert takes place on the lawn beside the clubhouse at Mt. Hood, the City of Melrose’s public golf course. Seating is on the grass, so bring blankets and lawn chairs, gather the whole family, and settle in for a festive evening of music.

Our Program

The Star-Spangled Banner — Francis Scott Key (April Foley, vocalist)

Armed Forces Medley — arr. Jari Villanueva

Fanfare 250 — Noah Taylor

Concord — Clare Grundman

Midnight Ride — Rossano Galante

But Not for Me — George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, arr. Warren Barker

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy — Hughie Prince, lyrics by Don Raye, arr. Alan Glasscock (April Foley, vocalist)

Chimes of Liberty — Edwin Franko Goldman

The Symphonic Gershwin — George Gershwin, arr. Warren Barker

Irving Berlin: Songs of America — Irving Berlin, arr. James Swearingen

God Bless America — Irving Berlin, arr. Keith Christopher and John Moss

Ultimate Patriotic Sing-A-Long — arr. Warren Brubaker

The Stars and Stripes Forever — John Philip Sousa

Concert by the Lake
2026-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield, MA
Join the Middlesex Concert Band for a relaxed summer evening of music on the Common in Wakefield, on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt.

Pack a blanket or a couple of lawn chairs and settle in by the water for an evening of patriotic favorites, marches, and Broadway and big-band classics — featuring vocalist April Foley. And the fun doesn’t stop when we do: stick around afterward for Wakefield’s free outdoor movie night on the Lower Common, screening Disney’s Tangled.

Our Program

The Star-Spangled Banner — Francis Scott Key (April Foley, vocalist)

Fanfare 250 — Noah Taylor

Concord — Clare Grundman

Midnight Ride — Rossano Galante

But Not for Me — George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, arr. Warren Barker

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy — Hughie Prince, lyrics by Don Raye, arr. Alan Glasscock (April Foley, vocalist)

Chimes of Liberty — Edwin Franko Goldman

The Symphonic Gershwin — George Gershwin, arr. Warren Barker

Irving Berlin: Songs of America — Irving Berlin, arr. James Swearingen

God Bless America — Irving Berlin, arr. Keith Christopher and John Moss

Ultimate Patriotic Sing-A-Long — arr. Warren Brubaker

The Stars and Stripes Forever — John Philip Sousa
