The Minot Community Concert Band, under the expert conduction of Tim and Christine Baumann, delivered an enchanting Winter Concert at Minot North’s Auditorium that showcased a rich variety of musical styles and talents. The concert, free to the public with offerings accepted to support the band but also supported with sponsorships such as Minot KX News, drew an audience eager to experience the musical versatility of a group whose members range from young high school sophomores to musicians who have been part of Minot’s bands for more than 20 years.
The performance opened with Women of the Podium, a lively march that immediately captured the audience’s attention with its dynamic contrasts and energetic rhythms. The piece celebrated the spirit of leadership and creativity, setting a spirited tone for the evening.
Next, the band performed Infinity, a composition by a living composer that transported listeners into a world of magic and space-inspired wonder. The music moved fluidly between dramatic, fast-paced sections and long, lyrical passages, evoking the awe and mystery of the unknown. The piece culminated in a crashing finale that left the audience mesmerized, highlighting the band’s skill at conveying both power and nuance.
Autumn Down the Maple Lane, composed by a collaborator of the Baumanns at the International Music Camp, offered a different kind of beauty. Opening with the rich warmth of low voices and the gentle vibrato of soft flutes, the music rose and fell in undulating waves, reminiscent of leaves dancing through the air or drifting slowly to the ground. A delicate flute solo transitioned into a woodwind section, which then passed the theme back to the lower voices. This intricate dialogue continued throughout the piece, concluding softly with the full ensemble in a gentle, harmonious farewell.
The program took a playful turn with Tarantella, a piece that blends elements of jazz, swing, and tango. Familiar to audiences over the last five years, this Halloween-inspired work begins with a walking bassoon line and emphasizes low-bass textures throughout. The piece gradually accelerates, engaging the audience in a lively musical chase. Creatively reimagined from Itsy Bitsy Spider, the Tarantella showcased the band’s rhythmic precision and tonal versatility, particularly highlighting the bassoons in a spirited and memorable performance.
Patapan, composed by a Minnesota-based woman who is both a conductor and clarinetist, offered a festive and intricate experience. The piece opens with a drum roll leading into a piccolo melody, followed by trilling motifs and playful references to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Throughout the performance, the ensemble highlighted multiple instruments, including clarinet and saxophone, creating a rich tapestry of sound that balanced tradition with creativity.
The band’s rendition of First Suite in E-Flat showcased the ensemble’s mastery of classical repertoire. Tim Baumann described the first movement as “ooey gooey” British crumpet music, which the band performed with careful repetition thirteen times, emphasizing the movement’s charming nuances. The second movement was light and bouncy, while the third was a march that broke off into a lyrical trio before returning to a grand, triumphant finale. The familiar themes had audience members nodding along in recognition, underscoring the piece’s enduring appeal.
In Three Folk Song Settings for Band, the ensemble reimagined beloved children’s songs for a full band. Movements two and three, All the Pretty Little Horses and Scarborough Fair, included moments where band members vocalized, ending with the group singing together in a harmonious finale for All the Pretty Little Horses. Scarborough Fair was intense and fast-paced, creating a slightly haunting atmosphere, and concluded with a single note that resonated powerfully throughout the performance space.
The concert closed with Christmas Festival, an ambitious medley arranged by Christine Baumann with the goal of instilling a lifelong love of music in her students. Beginning with the grandeur of Joy to the World, the medley flowed seamlessly through holiday favorites including God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Silent Night, Jingle Bells, O Come, Let Us Adore Him, and others. Christine emphasized her gratitude to the band for their courage and dedication, encouraging them to continue their musical journeys well beyond the concert stage. The performance reflected not only technical skill but also the joy and passion that comes from playing together as a community.
Throughout the Winter Concert, the Minot Community Concert Band demonstrated remarkable range, transitioning effortlessly between lively marches, lyrical melodies, intricate classical works, and playful, modern compositions. The evening offered something for everyone, whether it was the haunting resonance of a single sustained note, the lighthearted humor of a reimagined children’s song, or the festive warmth of beloved holiday music.
With the Baumanns’ guidance, the band continues to provide opportunities for musicians of all ages and experience levels, creating a space where young performers can learn from veterans, and seasoned members can share their passion with the next generation. The concert was a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together, celebrate creativity, and evoke both emotion and wonder.
The Minot Community Concert Band’s Winter Concert was a memorable celebration of musical excellence, community spirit, and the shared joy of performing. For anyone who attended, the evening offered not only entertainment but also a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the musical arts.
