Cerro Coso Campus
Ridgecrest, California - Big Band X-Press will show off a different side of its character on Sept. 11, from 5-7 p.m., when it performs in the Sculpture Garden at Cerro Coso Community College. Band Director Dick Dickson said they are adding, for this event, a variety of pieces not usually associated with swing dance.
Sponsored by the Associate Students of Cerro Coso this concert will feature more vocal music, with singers Patti Cosner and Brian Cosner offering classics from the big band era and a trio offering the Andrews Sisters arrangements of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree. The band itself will be playing pieces that are in their "book" of music but which they don't often get a chance to perform-in addition to favorites such as In the Mood.
Big Band X-Press has been together for nearly 25 years, having lasted "significantly longer than most bands stayed together in the heyday of big band music," said Dickson. A number of the current musicians, including Roger Lacher, Stan Ricker, Hector Leon, Darlene Carson, Scott Rogala, and Dickson, have been with Big Band since its formation.
Band members represent a wide cross-section of the community, Dickson explained. Players range from retirees to base employees, music teachers, and a sprinkling of students. High school students are also encouraged to participate, since Big Band "offers a much broader spectrum of music and style" than the high school is able to offer, said Dickson. "We push them in their technical skills."
Anyone with an interest in big band music is invited to check out the band on Saturday, September 11th at the College. Big Band X-Press performs on the average of once a month and is a major supporter of the music programs in the Valley. The group offers four or five scholarships to music camps for young musicians each year and occasionally helps local groups with additional expenses incurred by festivals or other activities.
Join the Big Band X-Press at the college and enjoy an evening of FREE music from an earlier era, performed by musicians for whom this music is just meant to be FUN.
For more information on the Big Band X-Press Concert in the Sculpture Garden at Cerro oso Community College contact the ASCC Office at 760-384-6353.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260