Photo credit: Daniel Laccox
Dawn A. Walker
That’s right, we’re obsessed with music! We have a busy March, programmed for your pleasure. Take a break from basketball and come to not only hear our community ensemble play great music, but to see the entertaining visuals our music director Jesus Jacquez puts together to accompany the program.
But First, a Variety Show
“I’m gonna make you an offer you can’t refuse!” Whether you first heard that with the premier of The Godfather in 1972 or in one of the many showings since, you likely still remember those words. SaddleBrooke Winds and Strings has been approached by Variety Show Director Gail Nelli to perform in the 2025 SaddleBrooke Variety Show. We responded, “We won’t fail you. We’re not afraid.” Yes, you got it—Star Wars, which premiered in 1977!
A SaddleBrooke Winds and Strings woodwind ensemble will be performing the unforgettable “Speak Softly, Love,” which is the main theme from The Godfather. And we’re busy putting together a brass ensemble to entertain you with a powerful rendition from Star Wars. These numbers will be two of many that depict your favorite 1970s music, songs, dances, and comedy.
Join us at the DesertView Theatre for one of two performances on March 11 at 4 p.m. or March 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the 2025 SaddleBrooke Variety Show are $28 and will soon be available for purchase online at www.dvpac.net or by phone at 520-825-2818.
Full Band Concert with Guest Pianist Astrid Chan, March 22
This concert is an introspective look at the very Earth that emboldens, empowers, and surrounds us. With tone poems and pieces that highlight the beauty and power of the land, prepare yourself to be swept away by gorgeous melodies. Take a moment to contemplate our place in the Universe and attend to remind yourself of the crucial role we play in sustaining our planet.
We will feature Tucson pianist Astrid Chan, playing with the band on “Wayfaring Stranger,” arranged by Christopher M. Nelson, and soloing on “Dreamsong,” by Richard Saucedo.
Ms. Chan holds a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Arizona, is an experienced piano teacher, and performs at events around the Tucson area.
The concert is on March 22 at 6 p.m. at the DesertView Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $13.50, plus $1.50 handling fee, and are available at www.DVPAC.net or by phone at 520-825-2818.
Our music director Jesus Jacquez teaches at every rehearsal and enhances our performances with a creative visual display to go along with the music. If you have an instrument and might be interested in joining us, please get in touch.
We come together Friday mornings in the SaddleBrooke and Catalina area and welcome intermediate and up musicians who come from SaddleBrooke and outlying areas. We especially need clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, euphonium, and tuba players. String players play from modified wind parts.
For more information about joining us, contact info@saddlebrookewindsandstrings.org or go to our website at www.SaddleBrookeWindsAndStrings.org.