local+concerts

**Grand Junction Symphony**
====== In 1978, a group of local musicians made a long time dream a reality with the founding of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. The original group of musicians and board members were volunteers and possessed energy, passion and vision. Their plans eventually led to the hiring of current Music Director, Maestro Kirk Gustafson in 1987. The GJSO has since grown into one of the leading cultural organizations on the Western Slope. The Symphony performs 8 Subscription Concerts per year, a free outdoor concert every summer, a Children’s Concert and an Annual Symphony Gala. The organization continues its strong commitment to music education programming through the Young Artist Competition, Springfest, the Crystal Baton and the Instrument Petting Zoo. Grand Junction Symphony

**Grand Junction Centennial Band**
The Grand Junction Centennial Band is an all-volunteer organization of approximately 60 adults who enjoy playing instrumental music and promoting the great American tradition of the hometown community band. The Band was formed in 1981 specifically for the 100-year celebration of Grand Junction. The founding musicians enjoyed the experience and decided to continue. The Centennial Band plays a holiday concert and spring concert as well as our summer schedule with concerts at various locations including free concerts in area parks during the summer. The Band's mission is to be a positive contributor to the musical environment of the area. We provide for a continuing interaction of musicians through the experience of musical functions in the community and re-affirm the great American tradition of the home town community concert band and its role in music culture. The Centennial Band is a non-auditioned all volunteer adult group that provides a musical outlet for its members by encouraging and challenging players of all backgrounds and abilities to perform a wide variety of music. The band invites student musicians to perform with the band during the summer and to fill specific instrumentation needs for indoor concerts. Area school and dance groups and guest soloists have also performed with the Centennial Band. Gary Ambrosier is the principal musical director for the band. The band performs as a formal Symphonic Band for the indoor concert season with the music repertoire ranging from classical compositions, transcribed for concert band to traditional marches. The band is very active during the summer months performing free outdoor concerts at local parks and other venues including the Glenwood Springs Strawberry Days Parade, the Fruita Pavilion, Palisade Peach Festival, Powder Horn Ski Area and Cedaredge Pioneer Town, and the Band's annual performance with the Grand Junction Symphony for the "Evening Under the Stars" concert at Lincoln Park. The summer concerts feature a lighter fare of marches, patriotic pieces and other music that is aimed at providing entertainment to a wide range of people and to reaffirm the Band's role as Grand Junction's community band. Please come and enjoy our wide variety of selections in some of Grand Junction's finest parks this summer...don't forget your favorite lawn chair. Centennial Band

Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra
The Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra performs contemporary and classic jazz big band repertoire with the highest professional standards. Just as the GJSO presents the great musical works from the classical music tradition, the WCJO presents the great musical works from all eras and styles of American jazz tradition. The WCJO is under the direction of Greg Karly.

Grand Valley Children’s Choir
The Grand Valley Children’s Choir has been a cornerstone of the music community for more than 19 years as an auditioned ensemble for children who are in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades. The goal of the Choir is to enhance the children’s vocal technique and musical reading abilities through rounds, exercises, games and varied historical and cultural literature, as well as to encourage self-expression. The Grand Valley Children’s choir is directed by Pam Scott and Linda Koeman with additional support from Robin Streeter.

Talking Rhythms
The mission of Talking Rhythms is to educate, entertain and share culture through rhythm-based musical experiences. Talking Rhythms creates programs that support musical literacy through concert performance, education, skill training and hands-on experience. Its goal is to inspire creative self-expression, cultivate a life-long interest in music and foster positive character qualities such as leadership, self-esteem, communication, cooperation and cultural exchange through interactive learning and sharing. Talking Rhythms creates interactive percussion presentations and percussion ensemble performances that explore the world of percussion and drums, often highlighting traditional rhythms and musical instruments. [|Visit Talking Rhythms on their Facebook]

**Western Colorado Chorale**
The Western Colorado Chorale performs works of great music that would not otherwise be heard in the Grand Valley. Founded by Dr. Monte Atkinson in 1985, the 45-voice auditioned Chorale has performed concerts in New York City, Salt Lake City and at the Colorado Music Educators Convention. In its 25 seasons, the Chorale has performed the best choral literature, such as the Bach B Minor Mass and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Visit the Chorale’s website at www.westerncoloradochorale.org.