The Concord Journal has an interesting article on some students getting together with their sister school from Japan for a big concert. Star Wars was one of the unifying tunes:

"Every note was so clean and every musical phrase had such direction and purpose," said Jan Kinmonth, a member of the Boston Philharmonic.

The Sapporo Shiroishi Ensemble was also fun to watch. They began and ended each piece with a well-timed flourish and seemed to move as one in a sea of red jackets and black hair. The basses, in particular, were almost choreographed in their movements, and everyone sat with perfect posture and contained facial expression. They concluded their portion of the program with selections from John Williams' themes of "Harry Potter," "E.T.," and "Star Wars," their horns pointed skyward signaling each section to its feet, until all of the band stood in conclusion and bowed to an audience that spontaneously rose to its feet with resounding applause.

Concord-Carlisle's Concert Band, under the direction of Al Dentino, also used a John Williams number, "The Cowboys" to conclude their section of the program. They played it with remarkable energy and spirit, contrasting well with the modern "Conversations with the Night" by Andrew Boysen, Jr., and displaying a full range of their very advanced capabilities. Lingering notes by trombone player, Jessie Nock, rose above the well-blended and balanced music of the Boysen. The piece also featured Stephen Yu (clarinet), Jennie Siegel (oboe), and Nora Carr (flute), Lora Hogan (piccolo), and Zane Schweer (tenor saxophone).

And it looks like the Dallas Brass are getting into the spirit as well according to the Morrison County Record:

Concert tickets are available now from band students at the pre-sale price of $5 for adults ad $3 for students. Admission at the door will be $1 more. Pierz students will be given credit in their band accounts for every ticket they sell. Admission to a concert of this caliber at Orchestra Hall would cost at least $35, said Bruce Pederson, elementary band director.

The two-hour concert will feature band students in grades six, seven and eight performing a medley from “Star Wars” with the Dallas Brass. Healy High School band members are rehearsing a patriotic medley called “An American Traveler” for the upcoming concert. Music was sent in advance to work on. About 125 students are involved. The Dallas Brass will entertain the rest of the evening.

According to Bruce Pederson and Steve Hogenson, Pierz band directors, this is a fantastic opportunity usually limited to larger metro schools because of cost. But with a grant from Five Wings Arts Council, concert ticket income and CD sales, the two schools are able to bring one of America’s foremost musical groups to outstate Minnesota.

A portion of the expenses will be offset by sale of compact disk recordings. Recent releases include Debut, Dallas Brass II, A Merry Christmas With Brass, Windborne and Nutcracker. For every $13 CD sold, $5 goes into the student’s account, noted the directors.