HCCB Celebrates Texas in Concert
by Oda Lisa, published in The Wimberley View 5/16/19
The Hill Country Community Band presents their concert, Texas, Our Texas, on Sunday, May 26, 4:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Wimberley. This free performance promises to be a “rootin’, tootin’ good time” with a varied play list of original arrangements of popular songs like the theme from the John Wayne movie, “The Cowboys”, “Silverado” and of course, “Texas, Our Texas”.
HCCB Director, James Malik, said, “It’s a wonderful celebration of our great state and the wild west – the spirit within which captures that cowboy, open-range, independent streak that we have.” Referring to two of the concert’s songs, he said, “’Silverado’ is a great piece, a great movie, and a great score by Bruce Broughton. It’s just a wonderful piece to put together, a nice challenge for the members of the group. And, we’ll perform our wonderful state song, ‘Texas, Our Texas’, so that’s going to be a lot of fun to play and hear. We hope people sing along.” Speaking to the reader on behalf of “your Hill Country Community Band,” Malik said, “Our gift to the community is our music, our concerts. We love the support and we look forward to seeing you on May 26.”
Shortly before the concert begins, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of unique items during the silent auction time. HCCB Publicity Chairman, Candy Bowman said, “The Silent Auction begins at 3:30, before the concert. Included among the items offered in the auction are many baskets with gift cards for local businesses, and handmade items crafted by our Band members and local artists.”
So, pull on your boots, strap on your spurs and come to listen to some great music and indulge in the Texan in you! The First Baptist Church of Wimberley is located at 15951 Winters Mill Parkway. For more information about joining the Hill Country Community Band or donating time or money, contact Board President, Eddie Esparza at eddie.esparza@hotmail.com or Visit the HCCB website at www.hillcountrycommunityband.org for current band news and future concert dates.
A silent auction will begin at 1:30 p.m., half an hour prior to the concert, as part of the non-profit’s fund-raising campaign. Board member, Candy Bowman, said, “There will be many unusual items in the auction, many of which were donated by the band members. One of these items is a 30 to 40 minute flight for two over Austin by a certified pilot, John Prickett, who also plays the French Horn. Another French Horn player, Indigo Currington, is donating four one-hour Spanish lessons. Tom McCormick, who plays the Euphonium, is donating birdhouses that he made with wine corks, bottle caps, and license plates. Flute player, Melissa Guth, is offering handmade jewelry for the auction. These are just a few of the interesting items that will be offered in the auction! Bids may be made in the time before the concert and also for 10 minutes afterward.”
Since 2006, Lucinda Kapral has played with the HCCB. She said, “We were looking for a place to play as a family. My husband also plays the saxophone, and our son was playing in the school band. When he was a freshman in high school, we all joined the Hill Country Community Band, so we could all play together.” Kapral primarily plays the baritone saxophone with the HCCB and the Hill Country Jazz Band. Although, the talented musician can play alto and tenor saxophones, clarinet, and flute as well. Given the baritone’s size, she noted, “The challenge is getting enough air to play a long phrase.”
Bob loved music and playing his clarinet in a variety of musical styles. While playing with the Pennsylvania All-State High School Band, he was invited by the Penn State Blue Band director to come to Penn State and play in the band. This he did while majoring in electrical engineering, later earning a master’s degree and working for IBM for 33 years before retiring to Canyon Lake with his wife Pat.