Steppin' Out
Story
San Jose Wind Symphony celebrates golden anniversary
By Tiffany Carney
The San Jose Wind Symphony is set to celebrate 50 years of music- making, and what better way to celebrate than with an anniversary concert and gala reception?
Some 60 woodwind, brass and percussion performers will take the stage Oct. 20, 7 p.m., at the California Theatre, 345 S. First St. in downtown San Jose.
Ed Harris, director of the school of music and dance at San Jose State University, has conducted the symphony for six years.
"Sound the Bells," "The Star Spangled Banner" and the fitting "Golden Jubilee" were picked for the special event.
"I tried to select music that was exciting and celebratory in nature," Harris says.
During the evening, Harris will turn his baton over to Darrell Johnston, founder of the symphony, who will conduct "Festive Overture" and "Shenandoah." Symphony alumni will join in for the second piece. Johnston founded the symphony in 1958 and conducted the all-volunteer ensemble until 2000.
The symphony is also welcoming drummer Ed Shaughnessy, a former Tonight Show band member, who will perform three solo pieces.
Harris, who grew up watching The Tonight Show, is looking forward to Shaughnessy's performance.
"It's not very often you will hear a drum solo in a concert hall," he says.
Shaughnessy still performs, but also passes on his skills in music clinics. He will demonstrate his self-taught, big band style in "I Got Rhythm," "Theme & Variations" and "Sing, Sing, Sing."
Former long-time San Jose Mercury News columnist Leigh Weimers will emcee the event.
"It is an honor to be in the group and to be able to play," says executive director Jan Turnage, who has played the piccolo in the group for 18 years.
The symphony, a nonprofit organization supported by ticket sales, grants and donations, is composed of musicians ages 20 to 85. Age is not a barrier and neither is anything else, Turnage says.
Some performers are teachers, nurses, attorneys and firefighters by day, but are all united by music during practices and performances.
"Music is an international language," says Turnage, adding that anyone can enjoy the performance.
Concert tickets are $15-$20. Gala tickets are $30. For more information, call 408.927.7597 or visit www.sjws.org.
