Harrison Bands opened its fall 2022 concert season with the annual fall concert, showcasing the talents of the bands’ new and returning musicians.
Four of Harrison’s musical ensembles performed in the one-hour event at Harrison’s Performing Arts Center on Sept. 20.
The 28-member Fall Percussion Ensemble opened the evening with “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations. After a quick reset, Harrison’s Concert Band performed “Nearer My God to Thee” and “Down Under.” The concert band is comprised of the newest members of Harrison Bands.
Harrison’s Symphonic Band took the stage next, performing “As the Robin to the Meadow” and “Quixotic Episode.”
Concluding the performance evening, Harrison’s Wind Ensemble offered its renditions of “Whispers” and “First Suite in E Flat.”
In a touching tribute, Harrison Bands director Josh Ray remembered Gary Markham, a long-time Supervisor of Instrumental Music at Cobb County School District and an internationally recognized music clinician, guest conductor, adjudicator, and consultant. Markham passed away in July in Dallas, GA. Throughout his career and retirement, Mr. Marham was a longtime contributor and leader to several organizations with music-driven missions, including Bands of America (BOA) and the Music for All Foundation, Drum Corps International (DCI), the Midwest Clinic, and several Metro Atlanta Arts Boards.
The next concert performances of Harrison Bands are scheduled Dec. 8, when the bands will join other music and fine arts programs from the school for the Winter Extravaganza. Harrison Bands are directed by Josh Ray and Jonathan Grogan. Percussions instructors are Jeff Hope and TJ Shaheen.