Toe River Arts Chamber Ensemble Spring Concert

The Toe River Chamber Ensemble invites the public to their Annual Spring Concert.

The concert is as diverse as this spring’s weather. From well-loved “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa to selections from the Star Wars cinematic block-busters, the Toe River Chamber Ensemble will offer a challenging program featuring several full orchestra selections including, “Danse Macabre” composed by Camille Saint-Saens in 1874. The original, known as a “tone poem” because it evokes the content of a poem or other non-musical source, was not well received due to its innovative sounds, but today, audiences applaud the almost dark tones that fill the background in many current films.

Then it’s a change of pace when the Yancey County Middle School Jazz Band comes into the orchestra pit and joins in on “The Star Spangled Banner.” Writing in 1814, poet Frances Scott Key was inspired by the large American flag and its 15 stars and 15 stripes flying triumphantly above Fort McHenry during a victory in the War of 1812. However, it took over 100 years to be recognized as the national anthem.

Led by Music Director at East Yancey and Cane River Middle Schools, Christine English, the Jazz Band continues solo with several renditions of their own favorites.