Band concert to feature senior soloist

The Boardman bands spring concert will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Boardman Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature the combined freshman/concert band, symphonic band and the BHS wind ensemble. Musical selections by the first two groups will include: “Nettleton,” “James Bond Theme,” “Disco Lives!,” “Chorale and Shaker Dance,” “Navy Hymn,” “An American in Paris” and “Stevie Wonder in Concert.” The Wind Ensemble will perform “Mars from The Planets” by Gustav Holst, “Arabesque” and “Ride” by Samuel Hazo and “Song For Lyndsay” by Andrew Boysen.

Another highlight of the evening will be senior soloist Justin Randall playing Haydn’s “Trumpet Concerto.” Justin auditioned in January for one of two senior soloist positions and earned top honors. He is the son of Rich Randall and Stacy Randall. He began playing the trumpet in fifth grade and has privately studied with Jim Ramsey, Tim Tuite and also has studied jazz improvisation privately with Boardman alumnus Joe Graziosi. He has been section leader in the Boardman Spartan Marching Band and is a four year member of wind ensemble and the BHS Jazz Program. He has been a member of the Boardman Symphony Orchestra for three years. He has held principal chair in the wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, and has played both lead and solo trumpet in jazz band. Justin has also participated in the theater orchestra at BHS.

Besides playing just the trumpet, Randall has played cornet, flugelhorn and Eb trumpet. Outside of his own musical progress, Justin actively helps other students with jazz improvisation and in guiding them on a path to bloom as musicians. Upon graduation, Justin plans to pursue a career in jazz performance and music education.

Both the symphonic band and wind ensemble recently participated in OMEA District Five Large Group Adjudicated Event more commonly known as “band contest.” Symphonic band earned an overall “superior” rating in class C and wind ensemble received unanimous “superior” ratings in class AA the BHS wind ensemble is the only band in district five to participate in class AA which requires the most difficult music.

Donations of $3 for adults and $2 for students will be accepted at the door for the concert. Senior citizens will be admitted free of charge. Refreshments will be served following the show. The Boardman Bands are under the direction of Thomas Ruggieri, Timothy Tuite, Steven Chambers and Michael Shevock.