Lakeshore Symphonic Band

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

VARIATIONS ON “ANNIE LAURIE” by Arthur Pryor, solo arrangement Glenn P. Smith band arrangement Albert Oliver Davis, was performed by Alivia Uttech, a sophomore at Tremper High School in Kenosha WI, and conducted by Johanna Anderson on May 3rd, 2026.

The Scottish folk song Annie Laurie is based on a 17th-century poem by William Douglas. The lyrics describe the poet’s love and longing for the daughter of Sir Robert Laurie of Maxwelton. The tune and lyrics were modernized by Lady Alicia Scott in the 1830s, and adapted into a musical short film in 1936. It has been performed by countless musicians over the years, amateur and professional, due no doubt to its beauty and simple grace. Our Young Artist Competition winner, Alivia Uttech, portrays its poignancy and expressive range with impressive virtuosity.

06/01/2026

"In Two Places" by Haley Woodrow, conducted by Johanna Anderson, performed on 5/3/26.

”Contrasts. Sometimes we see them in color, other times in patterns, and sometimes it’s simply the best way to describe a season of life. In Two Places is a musical reflection of two contrasting ideas – neither more threatening, sad, or angry than the other – but simply, different,” said composer and Texas native Haley Woodrow. This 2016 work, last played by LSB in 2024, begins with an oboe feature and uses a recurring tambourine rhythm throughout. It has two main sections, both with strong melodies and a near constant eighth-note motor. The major and minor modes compete for our attention throughout. The last statement of the melodic and rhythmic motives is devised to convey ambiguity, reflecting the composer’s state of mind about various things in her life at the time she composed it.

05/18/2026

"LET ME BE FRANK WITH YOU" by John Mackey, conducted by Johanna Anderson, performed on 5/3/26.

John Mackey was afraid that he had accidentally plagiarized composer Frank Ticheli when he wrote this work for wind band during the pandemic quarantine. So, Mackey played the piece for Ticheli, who assured him was original and encouraged him to use it. Mackey named it in Ticheli’s honor. You can sense Mackey’s background in writing for dance ensembles in this swingy 2021 composition for concert band. Mackey has received numerous awards, and in 2014 was the youngest composer ever inducted into the American Bandmasters Association.

05/05/2026

"GOLD" by Stacey Berk, Commissioned in honor of Lakeshore Symphonic Band’s 50th anniversary, Gold was named for the traditional 50th anniversary gift. This 2026 composition unfolds in three sections, each in- spired by a different association with gold. According to the composer, the opening portrays gold as a symbol of milestone anniversaries. Bright harmonies and energetic rhythms convey pride, joy and accomplishment in celebration of five decades of music-making and community. The middle section is more lyri- cal and reflective, focusing on the warmth and radiance of gold itself. A central motif is built from pitches corresponding to the letters of the word “GOLD.” It alternates between B-flat major and B-flat minor, creating subtle shifts in color that suggest both brilliance and depth. The closing section embraces gold as a symbol of achievement and excellence. Gathering momentum, the music expands into a resounding and jubilant conclusion. See page 9 for a short biography of Composer Stacey Berk.

04/25/2026

Burst of Stars by Ronald Theilman

04/20/2026

"To Dance Among the Stars" by Brian Balmages, conducted by Johanna Anderson, performed on 2/22/26.

Brian Balmages describes the focus of his 2020 composition as “joy, wonder and the infinite backdrop of space and the stars... I envisioned someone surrounded by light, moving gracefully and energetically, engaging with star after star almost as though they were partners.” A bold, rhythmic fanfare opens the work and reappears throughout. It is followed by an ethereal mid section and a final fanfare to gladly return us all to the star dance. Balmages is an award-winning conductor, producer, performer and composer for a wide range of styles and musical groups.