Democracy Rocks: Music to Set You Free

Opening with Affirmation, an optimistic fanfare by the Black American composer William Owens, this freedom-loving program shifts into high gear with selections from The Rolling Stones, including the Siobhan Magnus favorite, Paint it Black. Next up is an arrangement by CCCB hornist and composer Mike Donovan of Simon and Garfunkel’s mega-hit, Bridge Over Troubled Water. Then we take in the depth and  beauty of the American countryside, as depicted by Rossano Galante, in his soaring Red Rock Mountain. Other highlights include music by Neil Diamond, Bruno Mars, E.E. Bagley, and—of course—America’s March King, John Philip Sousa.

Local Public Radio host Mindy Todd joins the Band to narrate composer Elliot Del Borgo’s hauntingly beautiful setting of the “The New Colossus.” The famous poem by Emma Lazarus was originally written to raise funds to build a pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. Many of us know a line or two, but the full poem offers up a powerful reminder of the ideals of our young democracy. And because democracy is never a given, we’re collecting audience donations to benefit the Ukrainian charity, Voices of Children.

The Cape Cod Concert Band, an all-volunteer 45-piece wind and percussion ensemble, is conducted by Tom Borning. Also the director of the Falmouth Town Band, Mr. Borning plays trumpet across New England, and is the host and creator of The Everything Music Ed Podcast, set to launch later this year. The CCCB is funded by audience donations, business supporters, and grants from the Mass Cultural Council, the Elizabeth B. McGraw Foundation, and the Cape Cod Melody Tent. Visit www.capecodconcertband.org to learn more.