Cerro Coso Concert Band Presents Spring Concert Celebrating Spanish and Latin Musical Traditions

The Cerro Coso Community College Concert Band will present its Spring Concert on Thursday, April 30, offering an evening of vibrant music inspired by Spanish and Latin traditions. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m.

The performance marks the debut concert of Director Mark Hatter conducting his first full concert with the Cerro Coso Concert Band.

This year’s program explores music by and about cultures connected to the Spanish and Portuguese languages, highlighting works filled with passion, paso-doble flair, and lively dance rhythms. Audience members will enjoy a musical journey spanning several styles and traditions, from John Philip Sousa’s El Capitan March to selections from Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen, the dramatic story of bullfighters and the women who love them.

Additional selections include music from the film The Mask of Zorro and a festive glimpse of Carnival in Rio with Rio Con Brio, among other works that celebrate the rhythmic energy and expressive spirit of Latin-inspired music.

Several musicians will be featured during the performance. Student performers Donnell Dunlap (trumpet) and Olivia Patin (flute) will take the spotlight in featured roles. Dunlap will also perform alongside community member Gary Fry (clarinet) on the beloved traditional Spanish song La Virgen de la Macarena.

“Former conductors Debra Veit and Simon Austin set seriously high standards for musicianship and leadership,” said Hatter. “I have attempted to maintain the tradition of this band as the crown of the wind, brass, and percussion ensembles of the Indian Wells Valley while having fun playing excellent music. Come on up the hill to be entertained and edified!”

Community members, families, and music lovers are encouraged to attend and enjoy a night of live music celebrating the talent of Cerro Coso’s student musicians and the enduring tradition of concert band performance in the Indian Wells Valley.

Event Details

Cerro Coso Concert Band – Spring Concert

• April 30, doors open 6:30 p.m., concert at 7 p.m.
• Cerro Coso Community College Lecture Center
• No Cost for admission

Photo: Mark Hatter was a guest conductor at the Community Band Fall Concert last November at Cerro.