The Arts Alliance is pleased to be able to provide performance opportunities for talented area musicians, as well as quality performances for the public to enjoy, close to home. The annual Spring Concert by the River’s Edge Community Band is at 7:30 pm Saturday, April 10 at the wheelchair-accessible Hudson High School Auditorium, 69 Brigham Street, where there is plenty of comfortable seating, easy parking and refreshments available for purchase.

The concert features lesser known works by famous composers, including Frank Ticheli’s “Fortress,” “Sea Songs” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “A Moorside Suite” by Gustav Holst, “Sound Off,” a John Philip Sousa march set in a minor key; and “Dedicatory Overture” by Clifton Williams.

Both the Ralph Vaughan Williams work and Gustv Holst’s piece are inspired by British folksongs; these composers became friends while studying at London’s Royal College of Music. Ticheli is a composer whose works have been performed by the River’s Edge Community Band in earlier concerts. His “Fortress” is one of his earliest compositions for full wind band.

The program is certain to stir the feet to tap and the inner voice to sing. Members of the River’s Edge Community Band include adults and experienced teens from Hudson, Marlborough and 14 other towns. Ranging in age from 13 to 60+, the musicians learn and perform a wide repertoire of music ranging from classical, jazz and folk songs to marches, Broadway hits and film scores. Don't miss a wonderful evening of live music presented by neighbors, friends and, perhaps, your own family members.

The founding artistic director and conductor of the River’s Edge Community Band is Jason P. Caron, who has taught music at Hudson High School since 2001. He has previously conducted orchestras, wind bands, and choral ensembles at the primary and secondary school, community festival and collegiate levels. For two seasons he served as assistant conductor with Symphony Pro Musica. The Hudson resident performs as principal bassoonist with the Metropolitan Wind Symphony.

Since its formation in 2002, the multigenerational River’s Edge Community Band has performed numerous area concerts. Planned for Wednesday evening, June 16 is an outdoor concert with Pro Musica Youth Chorus and River’s Edge Chorale at Wood Park, 65 Park Street, Hudson.

Tickets are only $12 for adults, $10 for seniors/students. Save $1 per ticket by ordering in advance. Save $1 by ordering advance tickets. The concert begins at 7:30 pm. For more information, call 978-562-1646.