Band Earns Art Fest Ovation

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Flutist Cynthia Ellis

Pacific Symphony flutist Cynthia Ellis, performing with the Laguna Concert Band at its Festival of Arts concert Aug. 17, received a standing ovation for her performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee.”

The band was also accompanied by vocal soloists Ginger Hatfield, Randy Hatfield, Lisa Morrice and Linda Hughes; tuba player Charlie Warren; and mallet player Steve Calhoun, who played “Blue Moon” on vibraphone.

The band honored one of the city’s arts commissioners, Pat Kollenda, who was MC of the concert.

The group evolved from the original small group in 1998 to currently over 60 members, including some former professional players and talented local musicians. Thirteen members played under the baton of symphony director Carl St. Clair in May as part of the “OC Can You Play With Us” concert, said music director, Ed Peterson, one of its three conductors. Four band flutists played under Ellis in the first chair.

This year, the band awarded three $300 scholarships to Laguna High School band students; Drew Kanner will attend New Orleans’ Loyola University to study performance music; Tylan Kang, who is joining the military; and Patrick Stevens, who will  attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

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