INSTRUMENTAL SHOWCASE

On March 5, 2026, the Clear Creek Amana Instrumental Music Department presented their Instrumental Spotlight Concert. At this concert both Concert Band and Wind Ensemble gave performances. The Concert Band performed the following pieces: “Star War Medley” by John Williams and arranged by John Tatgenhorst, “The Battle Pavane” by Tielman Susato and arranged by Robert Margolis, “Cloud Nine” by Lauren Bernofsky, and last but certainly not least "Captain America March” by Alan Silvestri and arranged by Paul Murtha. Concert Band director Sam Bills, during his speech to the audience, admitted that the band got off beat during the song “Cloud Nine” and that this was one of the scariest moments he has experienced during a concert. Despite this slip up, Bills applauded the Concert Band for being able to get back in time and pull it back together to end the piece on a more suitable note.

Band teacher Mr. Bills conducting CCA’s concert band during their Instrumental Showcase; photo by Benjamin Brenner

Concert Band students departed the stage and it was then time for the Wind Ensemble to enter the stage and give their special performance. Yes, you heard that correctly, “special performance”. You may be asking yourself “What makes this performance so special?” Well it starts at the music pieces that they played which included: “Vision of Flight” by Robert Sheldon, “Big Boots” by Holly Harrison, and “Summer Triangle” by Yukiko Nishimura. The song “Big Boots” was a consortium commission. Essentially what this means is that our band bought Holly Harrison’s new work and gets a form of recognition which can be found on her website. This is a great way for composers to get both their work and name out there and make more money than they previously anticipated to make. In addition to this already exciting news, the Wind Ensemble was able to collaborate with fellow alto saxophone player Charlotte Leung-Brown. During the song “Summer Triangle” Leung-Brown played a featured alto saxophone part which added a very nice touch to the song.

Following this performance the next time both bands will perform is their Awards Concert on May 6, 2026. Lastly, congratulations to both bands for working hard and putting on some great performances. YAY BAND!