Trumpet players, standing (L-R): Trevor Mooney (senior, heading to Stanford), Alec Michels (junior),
Nathan Falk (senior, will attend Claremont McKenna College) Photo Andy Scheck
Under a cloudless blue sky, three very talented school bands along with the Big Band of Rossmoor flawlessly entertained an appreciative crowd at the 17th annual Concert at the Res, presented by the Rotary Club of Lafayette.
Starting with the legendary Bob Athayde conducting the Stanley Symphonic Band, continuing on with the award-winning Acalanes Jazz Combo, Norman Dea conducting and Bentley Jazz Combo with Brian Pardo conducting, listeners were in for a treat.
"Everything is just lovely, a great setting" said Ann Burns, "and what a talented group of kids - they worked so hard." Band members were situated under the shade of a mature oak tree, concert goers had picnic tables under shade canopies.
Stanley kicked off the day with Waltzing Matilda by Marie Cowen that had toes tapping, Acalanes rocked the Res with some very swinging tunes, finishing with Gordon Goodwin's High Maintenance to enthusiastic applause.
Bentley's Brian Pardo effusively thanked Dick Holt and the Rotary who are, "So supportive of our music program. It's a real pleasure to be here." He also conveyed his gratitude to Generations in Jazz - it's via their funding that two-thirds of the instruments at Bentley are provided, along with Mo Levich, the Reynolds, Norman Dea and Bob Athayde - his "spiritual leaders." The crowd loved their renditions of Average White Band's Cut the Cake and What is Hip? by Tower of Power.
The Big Band of Rossmoor is always terrific, including students with their more mature musicians. Campolino student Sammy Barton had a wonderful solo on the classic tune Getting to Know You that many recalled from the film The King and I.
Although it's a scenic walk, this will be the last year concert attendees will have to amble from the parking lot to the big meadow on the west side of the Reservoir. Next year the Rotarians long term dream comes true - a permanent stage on the east side, much closer to parking.
Perhaps it was the perfect weather, fantastic music, popsicles, well behaved dogs or the friendly ultimate Frisbee game that made this year's Concert at the Res arguably the best way to spend an afternoon in Lamorinda. For the record, the kids in the Big Band faced off against the Acalanes Jazz Combo, empty soda cans marked the endzone, Acalanes won 6 - 2.
Starting with the legendary Bob Athayde conducting the Stanley Symphonic Band, continuing on with the award-winning Acalanes Jazz Combo, Norman Dea conducting and Bentley Jazz Combo with Brian Pardo conducting, listeners were in for a treat.
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA