Dexter Community Band wraps up its 2018-19 season with a tribute to the golden cartoon era when classical music backed up the antics of Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd and Tom and Jerry.
Director William Gourley recalled how the 1957 Warner Bros. hit What’s Opera Doc was not only memorable for its “Kill the Wabbit” line, it also brought new audiences to the opera music of Richard Wagner.
“Those cartoons introduced children to a musical genre that they may have otherwise never experienced,” said Gourley. “Using Bugs Bunny is an opportunity to revisit these classics while recalling the enjoyment of Saturday mornings with the Warner Bros cast of characters.”
The May 5, 3 p.m. concert will be held at the Center for Performing Arts in Dexter High School, 2200 North Parker Road, Dexter.
Musical selections will include:
- Barber of Sevilleby Gioacchino Rossini;
- Ride of the Valkyriesand The Pilgrim’s Chorus by Richard Wagner;
- Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II;
- Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna by Franz von Suppé.
The band will also perform familiar melodies from Looney Tunes and other cartoon classics.
The 85-member Dexter Community Band performs four free concerts a season. Watch the band’s website,http://www.dextercommunityband.org/, for information on next season’s concert dates.
Founded in 1982, the Dexter Community Band is comprised of volunteer musicians from the local area. A registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the band performs professional-level symphonic wind music at four free concerts a year. There are also several free “Evening of Ensembles” featuring small groups from the band. For additional information about the band or how to provide financial support, please visit http://www.dextercommunityband.org/.
