January 09, 2025
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5 Things to Do: Sterling Municipal Band, Sauk Valley symphony musicians in concert this weekend

By 5 Things to Do in Sauk Valley
"The Messiah" rehearsals will begin Jan. 12 in Morrison.

"The Messiah" rehearsals will begin Jan. 12 in Morrison. (Charlene Bielema)

Looking for something to do over the next few weeks in the Sauk Valley? Here is a list of five things to do:

  1. Sterling Municipal Band Concert: The Sterling Municipal Band will present its annual winter concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 at New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. The concert is presented by the city of Sterling and is free to attend. The concert will feature pieces from many genres, including traditional and contemporary band works, jazz and popular music. The featured piece will be the world premiere of new music by composer Randall Standridge. “A Sterling Suite” has been commissioned by the Sterling Municipal Band and will be premiered at the concert. The piece is dedicated to Sterling and features three movements that were inspired by the composer’s visit to Sterling in July 2023. In addition to the premiere, highlights of the concert will include “American Overture for Band” by Joseph Willcox Jenkins, “Sanctuary” by Frank Ticheli, “Melodious Thunk” by David Biedenbender, “Sinatra!” by Stephen Bulla and “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Queen!) by Masamicz Amano.
  2. The Music of Friendships: Clinton Symphony Orchestra’s annual concert of music for small groups will be performed at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa. This year’s edition will feature three trios of musicians from the orchestra, ranging from music by Beethoven to American composer Randall Thompson. The Beethoven piece is a piano trio (piano, violin, and cello), nicknamed “The Ghost.” Pianist Nadia Wirchnianski of Lanark, violinist Julie Marston of Clinton, and cellist David Spaulding of Dixon will perform the trio. Sir Malcolm Arnold, a 20th Century British composer, wrote a Divertimento for Winds in 1952. Symphony musicians flutist Crystal Duffee of Davenport, oboist Hillary Brunner of Milledgeville and clarinetist Emily Bressler of Mount Carroll will perform its six short movements. Randall Thompson, who is known largely for his choral works, wrote a trio for oboe, clarinet and viola. Oboist Tamara Byram Mahl, clarinetist Susan Schwaegler and violist Donna Rod will perform the piece. Admission is by season ticket or a $20 ticket at the door of the concert. Students are always admitted free to Clinton Symphony Orchestra concerts, and an accompanying adult can be admitted at half price. Full information, including program notes on the music to be performed, is available on the Symphony’s website at www.clintonsymphony.org.
  3. “The Messiah”: Rehearsals for the Morrison Ecumenical Chorus performance of the Lent and Easter portions of Handel’s “Messiah” will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 601 N. Jackson St. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Palm Sunday, April 13, at St. Peter’s. Singers from throughout the area are invited to be a part of this group. Sponsored by the Morrison Ministers Council, performances of “Messiah” have been presented biannually since 1956. The chorus will be under the direction of Kathy Janicek, choir director at Bethesda Lutheran Church, and accompanied by Christine Holmer of Clinton, Iowa. Participants are asked to attend at least half of the scheduled rehearsals. Music will be available for singers to borrow if they don’t own a score. Singers who cannot attend the first rehearsal but would like to participate or have any questions can contact Janicek at 815-772-2874 or kjanicekcubs@gmail.com.
  4. Chili luncheon: Lee Center UCC Church and the Amboy Lions Club are hosting their annual chili luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Amboy Community Building, 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy. The menu includes chili with all the fixings, Jell-O, cake and drinks will be served to round out the meal. Carryout meals are available. This event also holds a basket raffle. Tickets are six for $5 or $1 each. Baskets are donated to the raffle and contain a variety of items. There is no cost for the luncheon, but donations will gladly be accepted at the door.
  5. Flock to the Rock: The fifth annual Flock to the Rock will be Feb. 8 in Rock Falls. Head down to the Lower Dam, 300 W. First St., Rock Falls, any time before 10 a.m. to view eagles soaring around the Rock River, and don’t forget your cameras and binoculars. Then, go over to Rock Falls American Legion Post 902, 712 Fourth Ave., (note the location change from previous years) at 10 a.m., when there will be two educational speakers. The first, from Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education, will give an hourlong presentation about birds of prey and will bring birds such as owls and hawks. The second speaker will present a 45-minute program about Native American storytelling. Robert Storm, an ice carver, will entertain with his skills of live ice sculpting outside the American Legion. This event is free and welcomes all ages,

• Would you like your event listed in this weekly feature? Submit your events to Sauk Valley Media’s community calendar at shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/local-events.

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