The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Dexter Community Band presents concert Sunday
PUBLISHED: April 26, 2007
Under the direction of William W Gourley, the Dexter Community Band will present a special concert marking the end of its 25th season. The free concert will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the Center for Performing Arts of Dexter High School.
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In celebration of the memory of David L Angus, the band's founding director, the band has commissioned a new composition titled "Highlander Legacy," by James L. Hosay. Consisting of variations on "Comin' Thro The Rye," "Highlander Legacy" honors Angus' Scottish heritage.
The debut performance will be conducted by the composer during Sunday's concert.
Hosay joined the United States Army after high school as a trumpet player and graduated from the U.S. Armed Forces School of Music. After his first three-year enlistment, he landed a job as music copiest for the United States Army Band (Pershing's Own) in Washington, D.C. Aspiring to become a professional composer and arranger, he used this time to develop his writing skills, and in 1981 he earned the position of staff arranger for the United States Army Band.
During his tenure as staff arranger, Hosay wrote arrangements for many well-known recording artists, including Patti LaBelle, Amy Grant, Reba McEntire and Lee Greenwood. Quite often, his music was performed for U.S. and foreign dignitaries, foreign heads of state, and the President of the United States. He was called upon to write original music for numerous high-level events, such as the re-dedication ceremonies for the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building, and most recently for the ceremony celebrating the 50th Anniversary of NATO, which was attended by the heads of state of all NATO countries.
During his 20-year military career, Hosay received two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, and a personal letter of commendation from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - General Colin Powell, after writing a special march for the General's retirement ceremony. Now retired from the United States Army, Hosay resides in his hometown of Norfolk, Va.
Following the concert, there will be an open reception providing audience members the opportunity to mingle with Hosay and the band members.
The band includes members from many surrounding towns and is supported by Dexter Community Education. Prospective members are encouraged to consider joining the group next September as they start their new season.
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