Show Band Newsletter Archive

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The Show Band's February 26th Concert - Posted on February 14th, 2024 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? At Last: An Evening of Love and Jazz
WHERE? Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium
WHEN? Monday, February 26, 2024
WHAT TIME? 7:30 pm Sharp
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $0000000000.00

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The musicians of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band and the Chaffey Adult School are proud to present "At Last: An Evening of Love and Jazz" on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will be held at Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium located on the campus of Chaffey High School at 1245 N. Euclid Ave. in Ontario.  The Woodwind Celebration Ensemble will present a pre-concert recital in the auditorium lobby at 7:00 p.m.  Complimentary coffee and cookies will be served in the lobby prior to the concert.  The performance is FREE to the public.

Our February concert features an exciting repertoire of jazz and popular songs highlighted by a talented array of Show Band soloists and special guest artists Dan Friberg, Skip Cain, and Dr. Reed Gratz.

Dr. Reed Gratz is a retired Professor of Music at the University of La Verne. He has taught at Wahington State University, University of Miami, as well as several universities in Europe. He was awarded a major jazz composition grant from the National Education Association; a research grant in African American Music and two Fulbright Lectureships. Reed has performed with a number of well-known recording artists that include Herb Alpert, Bobby Shew, Buddy DeFranco, and many others. The Show Band is proud to perform two of his original compositions, "Erin's Eyes" and "George."

Also featured on the concert is guest artist Dan Friberg. Dan is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach where he earned both his Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Music. He began teaching vocal music for the Fontana Unified School District in 1966, fifteen years at the junior high level and twenty years as the choral director at Fontana High School. Dan played the trumpet and sang with many area groups in Southern California and was Minister of Music at several area churches. During college, he was also a member of "Young Americans" and performed in many TV and recording projects. Dan will sing a hit song written by Antonio Carlos Jobim entitled "Corcovado," known in English as "Quiet Nights and Quiet Stars."

Vocalist Skip Cain makes his debut with the Show Band. He hails from the rural central Ohio farmland, served in the U.S. Air Force at Norton Air Force Base, and is an alumnus of Chaffey College. His vocal repertoire includes songs of joy, romance, and love from yesteryear and today. Skip's repertoire ranges from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones, Lionel Richie, Tony Bennett, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, and Teddy Pendergrass. He will be singing two popular standards, "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "The Summer Wind."

The Show Band is privileged to have outstanding musicians in its membership. Several of them will be featured soloists on the concert. Clarinetist Holly Audet will perform Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer," Bass Trombonist Don Edberg will display his talents in an oldie but goodie entitled "Makin Whoopee," the beautiful ballad "Somewhere" from West Side Story will be performed by Euphonium player George Osorio, Clarinetist Neil Vargas will play a transcription of the Buddy DeFranco solo to "Tenderly," and Assistant Director Pat Arnold will be featured on tenor saxophone in the haunting Duke Ellington composition "In A Sentimental Mood."

The Show Band will perform three exciting instrumental compositions entitled, "Just In Time," "Smooth Operator," and the well-known jazz standard "Moanin'."

The performance will be narrated by Michael and Lynne Kennedy.


Click to download this Flyer

Please be sure to join us for an exciting evening of love and jazz and do not forget to invite your family and friends!  You can also support the Show Band by visiting and feeding our Hungry Tuba located in the lobby of the auditorium.  This concert will be broadcast on local Ontario cable Channel 3.  Check your cable listings for the date and time.  For additional information regarding these performances or the rest of Show Band's upcoming concert season, please check our website at www.showband.net and follow the Show Band on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

The community can help support the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band by becoming a patron of The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band.  Become a Bronze Baton donor for $25-$249; Steel Baton $250-$499; Silver Baton $500-$999; Gold Baton $1000-$1500; Platinum Baton $2,500 and Diamond Baton $5,000.  Individuals or businesses may also become a Show Sponsor for $2,500.  For more information on sponsoring a show, contact director Dr. Gabe Petrocelli at gabe@showband.net.  All Donor names will be included on every program and our website for the entire concert season.  Baton and Show Sponsors will also receive complementary DVDs of each performance.  The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 C (3); EIN # 46-1422958.  Checks may be made out to: Friends of the OCCSB, P/O Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

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The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Dr. Gabe Petrocelli with assistant directors David Schaafsma and Pat Arnold.  Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.  Adult and student musicians are invited to participate.  No auditions!  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chaffey High School Jack Mercer Band Room.  The band performs monthly concerts in the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium and at other venues throughout the community.  All performances are free to the public.

Your Band Director,
Gabe
 

The Show Band's January 29th Concert - Posted on January 14th, 2024 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? America's Country Music
WHERE? Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium
WHEN? Monday, January 29, 2024
WHAT TIME? 7:30 pm Sharp
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $0000000000.00

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The musicians of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band and the Ovitt Family are proud to present "America's Country Music" on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will be held at Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium located on the campus of Chaffey High School at 1245 N. Euclid Ave. in Ontario.  The Woodwind Celebration Ensemble will present a pre-concert recital in the auditorium lobby at 7:00 p.m.  Complimentary coffee and cookies will be served in the lobby prior to the concert.  The performance is FREE to the public.

The January concert features an exciting repertoire of country and western movie themes and songs by well-known country music recording artists.  The Show Band is proud to feature Kim Eberhardt, a Dolly Parton tribute singer, Country and Western singer Bob Morley, and the outstanding musicians of the Show Band.

Kim Eberhardt is a true artist.  She performs the beloved hits of country legend Dolly Parton brilliantly.  She sings and talks like Dolly!  Kim's love of Dolly Parton began young, early in her performing life, and was only enriched when she was cast as the Dolly Parton role in the stage musical 9 to 5.  Kim's award-winning show business career as a multi-talented singer, actress, dancer, and choreographer has taken her all over the world.  Kim says about her tribute performances "This show is my love letter to Dolly.  It is an honor to perform some of the best-known and most beloved Dolly songs while sharing wonderful and inspiring stories about Dolly's life and career.  She is a national treasure!"  Audiences call her LOVE DOLLY show:  "Perfection!"  "An awesome show with heartfelt stories and toe-tapping songs!"  "A wonderful, uplifting evening!"  "A definite must-see!"  "It's the BEST!"  Kim will perform four of Dolly Paton's greatest hits, "Two Doors Down," "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You."

Also featured on the concert is Bob Morley, who returns to the Show Band stage for another entertaining performance.  Bob started performing when he was in the sixth grade.  At 14, he started his own rock-and-roll band at the birth of the genre in the 50's.  He traveled nationally as a solo performer, with a gospel quartet, and later with a folk trio, performing in every state and a half dozen foreign countries.  Most notably, he did a concert tour of the Soviet Union during the Cold War years and one in Communist China.  He has performed for military basses across the country and in England and Germany.  Most of Bob's musical talent, however, has been directed toward the ministry of the Church.  Bob is an ordained United Methodist minister having served churches in Southern California and Hawaii over his 43-year career.  As a retiree, he continues to be active as a musician/entertainer and as a husband and father.  Bob's wife Isla is a published novelist and their daughter Emily, a high school senior, is an accomplished classical pianist.  Bob will sing Johnny Cash's hit song "Folsom Prison Blues," Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire," and "Homesick," a song written by Gabe Petrocelli.

The Show Band will be featured on three instrumental compositions entitled, "Cowboy Melodies," "Themes from the Grand Canyon Suite," and "Hill Country Celebration."  The performance will conclude with the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans theme song "Happy Trails."

The performance will be narrated by Chaffey Joint Union High School Board Member Sue Ovitt, and teacher Lara Porter.


Click to download this Flyer

Please be sure to join us for a fun-filled evening of country and western music and do not forget to invite your family and friends!  You can also support the Show Band by visiting and feeding our Hungry Tuba located in the lobby of the auditorium.  This concert will be broadcast on local Ontario cable Channel 3.  Check your cable listings for the date and time.  For additional information regarding these performances or the rest of Show Band's upcoming concert season, please check our website at www.showband.net and follow the Show Band on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The community can help support the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band by becoming a patron of The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band.  Become a Bronze Baton donor for $25-$249; Steel Baton $250-$499; Silver Baton $500-$999; Gold Baton $1000-$1500; Platinum Baton $2,500 and Diamond Baton $5,000.  Individuals or businesses may also become a Show Sponsor for $2,500.  For more information on sponsoring a show, contact director Dr. Gabe Petrocelli at gabe@showband.net.  All Donor names will be included on every program and our website for the entire concert season.  Baton and Show Sponsors will also receive complementary DVDs of each performance.  The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 C (3); EIN # 46-1422958.  Checks may be made out to: Friends of the OCCSB, P/O Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

-----

The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Dr. Gabe Petrocelli with assistant directors David Schaafsma and Pat Arnold.  Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.  Adult and student musicians are invited to participate.  No auditions!  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chaffey High School Jack Mercer Band Room.  The band performs monthly concerts in the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium and at other venues throughout the community.  All performances are free to the public.

Your Band Director,
Gabe
 

The Show Band's December 18th Concert - Posted on December 5th, 2023 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? Rhythm and Bows: The Gift of Music
WHERE? Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium
WHEN? Monday, December 18, 2023
WHAT TIME? 7:30 pm Sharp
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $0000000000.00

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The musicians of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band and Memory of Mary Watson-Ortiz are proud to present "Rhythm and Bows: The Gift of Music" on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will be held at Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium located on the campus of Chaffey High School at 1245 N. Euclid Ave. in Ontario.  The Woodwind Celebration Ensemble will present a pre-concert recital in the auditorium lobby at 7:00 p.m.  Complimentary coffee and cookies will be served in the lobby prior to the concert.  The performance is FREE to the public.

The December concert features a repertoire of festive music in celebration of the holiday season.  The Show Band is proud to feature the award-winning Colony High School String Orchestra under the direction of Michael Bachman.  They will join the musicians of the Show Band in performing the holiday favorite "Sleigh Ride" composed by Leroy Anderson, "A Christmas Festival," and the well-known English Carol "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

Also featured on the concert are the OPARC Performers: Armando, Grace, Henry, Liz, Pamela, Richard, and Stephanie.  They will perform to a video presentation of "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman.

Young vocalist Brianna Rawlings will make her Show Band debut in "Happy Birthday Jesus."  Show Band musician and vocalist Natasha Le and Assistant Director and tenor saxophone soloist Pat Arnold will be featured in "White Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland" respectively.  The outstanding musicians of the Show Band will perform "Joy To The World," "Santa's Christmas Symphony," "Symphonic Prelude to Adeste Fidelis," "Where Are You Christmas," and "We Need A Little Christmas."  The performance will conclude with the audience joining all the musicians in "Silent Night."

The performance will be narrated by Chaffey Joint Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Mathew Holton and Mrs. Shana Holton.


Click to download this Flyer

Please be sure to join us in celebrating the upcoming holiday season and do not forget to invite your family and friends!  You can also support the Show Band by visiting and feeding our Hungry Tuba located in the lobby of the auditorium.  This concert will be broadcast on local Ontario cable Channel 3.  Check your cable listings for the date and time.  For additional information regarding these performances or the rest of Show Band's upcoming concert season, please check our website at www.showband.net and follow the Show Band on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The community can help support the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band by becoming a patron of The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band Concert Society for $25.  Become a Bronze Baton donor for $50-$100; Steel Baton $150-$200; Silver Baton $250; Gold Baton $500; Platinum Baton $1,000 and Diamond Baton $2,500.  Individuals or businesses may also become a Show Sponsor for $1,000.  For more information on sponsoring a show, contact director Dr. Gabe Petrocelli at gabe@showband.net.  All Donor names will be included on every program and our website for the entire concert season.  Baton and Show Sponsors will also receive complementary DVDs of each performance.  The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 C (3); EIN # 46-1422958.  Checks may be made out to: Friends of the OCCSB, P/O Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

-----

The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Dr. Gabe Petrocelli with assistant directors David Schaafsma and Pat Arnold.  Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.  Adult and student musicians are invited to participate.  No auditions!  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chaffey High School Jack Mercer Band Room.  The band performs monthly concerts in the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium and at other venues throughout the community.  All performances are free to the public.

Your Band Director,
Gabe
 

The Show Band's November 13th Concert - Posted on November 7th, 2023 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? A Salute To Veterans
WHERE? Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium
WHEN? Monday, November 13, 2023
WHAT TIME? 7:30 pm Sharp
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $0000000000.00

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The musicians of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band and Leavitt Family are proud to present "A Salute To Veterans" on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will be held at Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium located on the campus of Chaffey High School at 1245 N. Euclid Ave. in Ontario.  The Woodwind Celebration Ensemble will present a pre-concert recital in the auditorium lobby at 7:00 p.m.  Complimentary coffee and cookies will be served in the lobby prior to the concert.  The performance is FREE to the public.

The November concert features a repertoire of patriotic music to honor military veterans of the Unites States Armed Forces.  The featured solo artist is vocalist Brian Detwiler.  Brian has performed numerous times over the years on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day celebrations.  The program will also be highlighted by the participation of the Cadets of Chaffey High School Noval JrROTC under the leadership of Commander Martin Jones, and VFW Honor Rifle Salute Teams 18 and 56.

The concert will be divided in two parts.  Part One will be conducted by Show Band Assistant Director David Schaafsma and include the Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem, Posting of the Colors, the Invocation by Retired Pastor Gary Keith, a performance of each of the service songs, the traditional flag-folding ceremony, a 21-Gun Salute, and Taps.  Also included will be several patriotic selections.

Part Two will feature the talented musicians of the Show Band in a repertoire of patriotic music.  In addition, Brian Detwiler will sing "The House I Live In".  The concert will conclude with a performance of Richard Rodgers' famous score to "Victory at Sea".

The performance will be narrated by Christina Martinez, Principal of Chaffey High School, and Dr. George Matamala, Principal of the Chaffey Adult School.


Click to download this Flyer

Please be sure to join us in honoring our Veterans and do not forget to invite your family and friends!  You can also support the Show Band by visiting and feeding our Hungry Tuba located in the lobby of the auditorium.  This concert will be broadcast on local Ontario cable Channel 3.  Check your cable listings for the date and time.  For additional information regarding these performances or the rest of Show Band's upcoming concert season, please check our website at www.showband.net and follow the Show Band on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The community can help support the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band by becoming a patron of The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band Concert Society for $25.  Become a Bronze Baton donor for $50-$100; Steel Baton $150-$200; Silver Baton $250; Gold Baton $500; Platinum Baton $1,000 and Diamond Baton $2,500.  Individuals or businesses may also become a Show Sponsor for $1,000.  For more information on sponsoring a show, contact director Dr. Gabe Petrocelli at gabe@showband.net.  All Donor names will be included on every program and our website for the entire concert season.  Baton and Show Sponsors will also receive complementary DVDs of each performance.  The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 C (3); EIN # 46-1422958.  Checks may be made out to: Friends of the OCCSB, P/O Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

-----

The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Dr. Gabe Petrocelli with assistant directors David Schaafsma and Pat Arnold.  Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.  Adult and student musicians are invited to participate.  No auditions!  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chaffey High School Jack Mercer Band Room.  The band performs monthly concerts in the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium and at other venues throughout the community.  All performances are free to the public.

Your Band Director,
Gabe
 

The Show Band's October 23rd Concert - Posted on October 8th, 2023 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? Ritmo de la Noche
WHERE? Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium
WHEN? Monday, October 23, 2023
WHAT TIME? 7:30 pm Sharp
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $0000000000.00

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The musicians of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band and Petrocelli Family are proud to present "Ritmo de la Noche" on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will be held at Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium located on the campus of Chaffey High School at 1245 N. Euclid Ave. in Ontario.  The Woodwind Celebration Ensemble will present a pre-concert recital in the auditorium lobby at 7:00 p.m.  Complimentary coffee and cookies will be served in the lobby prior to the concert.  The performance is FREE to the public.

The October concert features a repertoire of Latin music in celebration of Hispanic Culture.  Featured solo artists include special guest vocalist Vicky Shell, Dr. George Matamala, Principal of Chaffey Adult School, Show Band Dancer and Musician Kathy Soderlund, and Show Band Stage Manager, renown percussionist and educator, Homero Chavez.

Vicky Shell is a Dominican singer, educator, songwriter, who is best known for being the first female salsa singer in the Dominican Republic with a full recorded production of Salsa Latin Jazz.  She is known as a multifaceted artist of Latin tropical rhythms in addition to other Latin musical styles.  Vicky has been acknowledged for her creativity in songwriting with tunes such as "Como Una Sombra" and "Musica Latina," both of which will be performed on the concert.  She will also sing "What a Difference a Day Made."

Dr. George Matamala is an accomplished musician and vocalist who has entertained Show Band concert goers on numerous performances.  Dr. Matamala also plays the bass and leads a band that features a blend of rock and reggae.  Dr. Matamala will be the featured vocalist on "Volver Volver" and "Spanish Eyes."

Homero Chavez is the Show Band Stage Manager and Audio tech.  He is also a world class drummer and percussionist.  Homero has performed and recorded with renown artists from around the world.  He is a clinician and instructor of percussion and drum set and was nominated for the first ever Grammy Educator award in 2014.  Homero is also an expert in the field of cajon design and performance.  He will be featured on several salsa tunes including "Los Amigos" written for him by Dr. Gabe Petrocelli.

Kathy Soderlund is a very special member of the Show Band Family.  She is an excellent musician who plays in the saxophone section and an outstanding dancer.  She choreographs every dance number with a Latin interpretation that enhances her overall performance.  Kathy has been entertaining Show Band concert goers for many concert seasons.  She will dance to "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" and the "Habanera" from the opera Carmen.

The outstanding musicians of the Show Band will highlight the evening with their performance of the Spanish March "Amparito Roca," "Conquistador," "Suite from Carmen," the familiar paso doble "El Relicario," and a medley of lively Latin music entitled "Latin Gold."

The performance will be narrated by Elvia Rivas, Board Member for the Ontario Montclair School District, and Gil Zendejas, Board Member for the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.


Click to download this Flyer

Please be sure to join us for this exciting evening of Latin hits and do not forget to invite your family and friends!  You can also support the Show Band by visiting and feeding our Hungry Tuba located in the lobby of the auditorium.  This concert will be broadcast on local Ontario cable Channel 3.  Check your cable listings for the date and time.  For additional information regarding these performances or the rest of Show Band's upcoming concert season, please check our website at www.showband.net and follow the Show Band on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The community can help support the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band by becoming a patron of The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band Concert Society for $25.  Become a Bronze Baton donor for $50-$100; Steel Baton $150-$200; Silver Baton $250; Gold Baton $500; Platinum Baton $1,000 and Diamond Baton $2,500.  Individuals or businesses may also become a Show Sponsor for $1,000.  For more information on sponsoring a show, contact director Dr. Gabe Petrocelli at gabe@showband.net.  All Donor names will be included on every program and our website for the entire concert season.  Baton and Show Sponsors will also receive complementary DVDs of each performance.  The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 C (3); EIN # 46-1422958.  Checks may be made out to: Friends of the OCCSB, P/O Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

-----

The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Dr. Gabe Petrocelli with assistant directors David Schaafsma and Pat Arnold.  Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.  Adult and student musicians are invited to participate.  No auditions!  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chaffey High School Jack Mercer Band Room.  The band performs monthly concerts in the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium and at other venues throughout the community.  All performances are free to the public.

Your Band Director,
Gabe
 

The Southland Symphony Orchestra's October 8th Concert - Posted on September 28th, 2023 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? The Southland Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
WHERE? Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium
WHEN? Sunday, October 8, 2023
WHAT TIME? 4:00 pm Sharp
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? See Ticket information below...

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band has partnered with our friends at the Southland Symphony Orchestra to help promote their very first concert to be held in Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium.

The Southland Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is pleased to present a Spectacular 2023-24 Season Opening concert.

The Southland Symphony Orchestra celebrates the opening of its 13th season with a spectacular concert, under the direction of founder and conductor, Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann.  The concert will feature music by Joaquin Rodrigo, Benjamin Britten, and John Rutter.  The performance will be held on Sunday October 8, 2023 at 4pm at GARDINER W SPRING AUDITORIUM, 1245 N Euclid Ave, Ontario CA 91762.  Dr. Mann is thrilled to present this spectacular concert in an equally spectacular venue - GARDINER W SPRING AUDITORIUM is a beautiful, historic facility on the campus of Chaffey High School in downtown Ontario, California.  Plentiful parking is available in the campus parking lot (behind the auditorium).

The program includes Benjamin Britten's "Soirees Musicales," (Musical Evenings), Op. 9, a suite of five movements for orchestra by Benjamin Britten, using music composed by Gioachino Rossini.  Joaquin Rodrigo's "Concerto de Aranjuez", featuring harpist Ellie Choate.  (We will be performing the composer's own version for Harp and orchestra).  In this work, written in 1939, Joaquin Rodrigo made allusions to the beauty of the extensive Baroque gardens of the Palacio Real de Aranjuez, the historical summer residence of the Spanish royal family.  John Rutter's exuberant "Gloria" with our wonderful Southland Symphony Chorus is the piece de resistance of this musical extravaganza.  This work features the full orchestra, including harp, and the nationally recognized Southland Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

Special note - Dr. Mann will also be conducting the Rutter "Gloria" and the "Te Deum" at Carnegie Hall in New York in the Spring of 2025, by special engagement with Mid-America productions.  Our SSO chorus will be the core chorus, and we are inviting singers from the community to join us - visit our website at southlandsymphony.com for more information.

TICKETS - $20/$10/$5 (we also allow free admission for those who cannot afford a ticket - and some people choose to purchase $5 tickets as gifts to help us do that!)

BUY TIX OR DONATE: https://givebutter.com/SSO_23-24_SeasonOpener

MORE INFO: https://southlandsymphony.com

SSO October 8th 2023 Concert

Get your tickets today! You can also just help out and donate to support the SSO as they use the power of music to lift the human spirit and engage, uplift and educate the diverse communities of Southern California's Greater Ontario and Inland Empire area by coming together to perform and inspire through exceptional musical experiences.

The Southland Symphony Orchestra is a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization under IRS section 170, EIN 45-4842767.  Donors can deduct contributions made to us under IRC Section 170.  We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.  We are a public charity.

Your Band Director,
Gabe
 

The Show Band's September 18th Concert - Posted on September 7th, 2023 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? What The World Needs Now: The Music of Burt Bacharach
WHERE? Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium
WHEN? Monday, September 18, 2023
WHAT TIME? 7:30 pm Sharp
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $0000000000.00

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The musicians of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band and the Chuck and Patti Pfister Family are proud to present "What The World Needs Now: The Music of Burt Bacharach" on Monday September 18, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will be held in historic Gardiner Spring Auditorium on the campus of Chaffey High School, 1250 N. Euclid Ave. in Ontario.  The Woodwind Celebration Ensemble will present a pre-concert recital in the auditorium lobby at 7:00 p.m.  Complimentary coffee and cookies will be served in the lobby prior to the concert.  The performance is FREE to the public.

The concert represents the start of the Show Band's 38th season of providing quality musical performances for the concert goers of the Greater Ontario Community.  The program features a repertoire of hit songs from renown composer/songwriter Burt Bacharach.  Bacharach, who passed away on February 8, 2023 at the age of 94, is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music.  His music has been recorded by over 1,000 recording artists, most notably Dionne Warwick, The Carpenters, Elvis Costello, and Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass.

The Show Band's special guest artist will be jazz pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Aimee Nolte.  Aimee has made a name for herself with her extensive YouTube channel that boasts nearly a thousand educational and entertaining videos!  With over 250,000 subscribers, Aimee is in high demand as a clinician, and performer.  She just returned from teaching at Victor Wooten's Theory Camp in Tennessee and is thrilled to be in the company of the Show Band once again.  Aimee will perform four Bacharach hit songs; "Close To You," "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," "The Look of Love," and "That's What Friends Are For."

Also highlighting the concert program is Assistant Director Pat Arnold who will perform a tenor saxophone solo on the beautiful ballad "Here I Am" from the film score of What's New Pussycat.  Show Band Director Gabe Petrocelli is featured on the keyboard in "A House Is Not A Home."  The outstanding musicians of the Show Band will highlight the evening with their performances of "Do You Know The Way To San Jose," "I'll Never Fall In Love Again," and "What The World Needs Now."  In addition, they will perform several medleys of Bacharach tunes that include "What's New Pussycat," "Alfie," featuring a saxophone solo by Francisco Mowatt, the theme song from the film "Casino Royale," the title song from the musical "Promises, Promises," "Make It Easy On Yourself," "I Say A Little Prayer," and "Arthur's Theme: The Best That I Can Do."

The performance will be narrated by newspaper columnist David Allen, and Ontario City Councilman Alan Wapner.


Click to download this Flyer

Please be sure to join us for this exciting musical tribute to Burt Bacharach and do not forget to invite your family and friends!  You can also support the Show Band by visiting and feeding our Hungry Tuba located in the lobby of the auditorium.  This concert will be broadcast on local Ontario cable Channel 3.  Check your cable listings for the date and time.  For additional information regarding these performances or the rest of Show Band's upcoming concert season, please check our website at www.showband.net and follow the Show Band on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The community can help support the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band by becoming a patron of The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band Concert Society for $25.  Become a Bronze Baton donor for $50-$100; Steel Baton $150-$200; Silver Baton $250; Gold Baton $500; Platinum Baton $1,000 and Diamond Baton $2,500.  Individuals or businesses may also become a Show Sponsor for $1,000.  For more information on sponsoring a show, contact director Dr. Gabe Petrocelli at gabe@showband.net.  All Donor names will be included on every program and our website for the entire concert season.  Baton and Show Sponsors will also receive complementary DVDs of each performance.  The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 C (3); EIN # 46-1422958.  Checks may be made out to: Friends of the OCCSB, P/O Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

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The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Dr. Gabe Petrocelli with assistant directors David Schaafsma and Pat Arnold.  Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.  Adult and student musicians are invited to participate.  No auditions!  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chaffey High School Jack Mercer Band Room.  The band performs monthly concerts in the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium and at other venues throughout the community.  All performances are free to the public.

Your Band Director,
Gabe
 

The Show Band's July 4th Concert - Posted on June 25th, 2023 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? July 4th Concert
WHERE? Ontario Town Square Bandshell
WHEN? Tuesday, July 4, 2023
WHAT TIME? Approx. 10:30am (or as soon as the parade ends)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $0000000000.00

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band will present the final performance of their 2022-2023 season with rousing patriotic and popular music for the close of the Ontario All-States July 4th Parade that will march south down Euclid Avenue from Chaffey High School to "B" Street in downtown Ontario.  We invite you to come out and bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets to have a grand old time celebrating the 4th of July.  As soon as the parade is over there will be lots of room for everybody to find a spot on the grass in front of the Bandshell at the beautiful Ontario Town Square located just east of Euclid Ave. at the corner "B" Street and Euclid.  Just a very short walk from the end of the parade, just south of the Wells Fargo Bank building.  The City will set up some tables and chairs for the audience to use.  Come join in the fun and sun for Independence Day!

For additional information regarding band performances for the Show Band's upcoming concert season, please check our website at www.showband.net and follow the Show Band on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

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The community can help support the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band by becoming a patron of The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band Concert Society for $25.  Become a Bronze Baton donor for $50-$100; Steel Baton $150-$200; Silver Baton $250; Gold Baton $500; Platinum Baton $1,000 and Diamond Baton $2,500.  Individuals or businesses may also become a Show Sponsor for $2,500.  For more information on sponsoring a show, contact director Dr. Gabe Petrocelli at gabe@showband.net.  All Donor names will be included on every program and our website for the entire concert season.  Baton and Show Sponsors will also receive complementary DVDs of each performance.  The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 C (3); EIN # 46-1422958.  Checks may be made out to: Friends of the OCCSB, P/O Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

Your Band Director,
Gabe
 

The Show Band's June 19th Concert - Posted on June 9th, 2023 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? A Centennial Tribute to Maestro Jack Mercer
WHERE? Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium
WHEN? Monday, June 19, 2023
WHAT TIME? 7:30 pm Sharp
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $0000000000.00

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The musicians of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band and Gary & Miriam Keith are proud to present "A Centennial Tribute to Maestro Jack Mercer" on Monday June 19, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium located on the campus of Chaffey High School, 1250 N. Euclid Ave. in Ontario.  Early concert goers are invited to arrive at 7:00 p.m. to be entertained by the "Woodwind Celebration" ensemble in the lobby while enjoying complimentary coffee and cookies.  The performance is FREE to the public.

R. Jack Mercer came to Ontario, California in 1957 to work as the director of bands and instrumental music at Chaffey High School.  He was a pioneer in hosting an annual parade and field tournament in Ontario, the first of its kind in the Inland Valley.  In 1966, his band was selected to perform at the Coliseum for the halftime show at the Pro Bowl.  Since his arrival to Ontario, Jack had an influence on nearly every band director in the Inland Valley.  Also, he authored several books designed to help directors become successful in building and maintaining effective band programs.

After his retirement from education in 1985, Jack founded and directed the Chaffey Ontario Community Show Band for the next 26 years.  His tireless efforts to give back to his community has resulted in yearly concert series provided free of cost to the citizens of Ontario and surrounding communities.

Jack Mercer was recognized throughout Southern California as an icon in music education.  To acknowledge the man and his contributions to the arts for over a half-century, the City of Ontario named a bandstand located on Euclid Avenue and "C" Street in his honor.  In addition, the band building on the campus of Chaffey High School was re-named the Jack Mercer Music Hall.

The Show Band will present a repertoire of Jack Mercer's favorite songs.  The performance will begin with the Chaffey High School fight song, composed by Jack when he became the school's band director.  It will be conducted by Assistant Director Pat Arnold who was one of Jack's students.  Mike Pfister will perform a trumpet solo in "You Made Me Love You."  Trumpeter Larry Cariato will be featured on a special presentation of Jack's original composition entitled "A Flash of Light."  He wrote the piece in 1947 as a graduate project for his Masters Degree.  Larry will perform the solo on a trumpet gifted to him by Maestro Mercer.  Dancer Kathy Soderlund will dance to "Tea For Two."  Two of Jack's favorite singers were Marilyne Sherwood and Brian Detwiler.  Marilyne will sing "June In January," "You'll Never Know," and "That Old Black Magic."  Brian will be featured on "Bali Ha'i," "Autumn Leaves," and "The Way You Look Tonight."  John Holguin will sing "All The Things You Are" and Francisco Mowatt will perform a violin solo to "On The Sunny Side of the Street."  Two of Jack's most favorite songs were "Stardust," which will feature trumpet soloist Steve Collins, and "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" with tenor saxophone soloist Pat Arnold.  The outstanding musicians of the Show Band will be highlighted on "The Bandmaster," written in 2004 by Gabe Petrocelli for Maestro Mercer at the dedication of the Jack Mercer Music Hall.

The performance will be narrated by "The Friends of Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band" Board members Gary Keith and Dr. Kern Oduro.


Click to download this Flyer

Please be sure to join us for a memorable evening of celebration in a centennial tribute to Ontario's Music Man-Maestro Jack Mercer.  Do not forget to invite your family and friends!  You can also support the Show Band by visiting and feeding our Hungry Tuba located in the lobby of the auditorium.  This concert will be broadcast on local Ontario cable Channel 3.  Check your cable listings for the date and time.  For additional information regarding these performances or the rest of Show Band's upcoming concert season, please check our website at www.showband.net and follow the Show Band on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The community can help support the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band by becoming a patron of The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band Concert Society for $25.  Become a Bronze Baton donor for $50-$100; Steel Baton $150-$200; Silver Baton $250; Gold Baton $500; Platinum Baton $1,000 and Diamond Baton $2,500.  Individuals or businesses may also become a Show Sponsor for $1,000.  For more information on sponsoring a show, contact director Dr. Gabe Petrocelli at gabe@showband.net.  All Donor names will be included on every program and our website for the entire concert season.  Baton and Show Sponsors will also receive complementary DVDs of each performance.  The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 C (3); EIN # 46-1422958.  Checks may be made out to: Friends of the OCCSB, P/O Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

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The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Dr. Gabe Petrocelli with assistant directors David Schaafsma and Pat Arnold.  Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.  Adult and student musicians are invited to participate.  No auditions!  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chaffey High School Jack Mercer Band Room.  The band performs monthly concerts in the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium and at other venues throughout the community.  All performances are free to the public.

Your Band Director,
Gabe
 

The Show Band's May 15th Concert - Posted on May 5th, 2023 

ONTARIO CHAFFEY COMMUNITY SHOW BAND
https://www.showband.net
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli, Director
R. Jack Mercer, Founder

TO: Our Show Band Family
FROM: Your Band Director
WHAT'S UP? Music of the 70's
WHERE? Ontario Town Square Bandshell
WHEN? Monday, May 15, 2023
WHAT TIME? 7:30 pm Sharp
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $0000000000.00

Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

The musicians of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band and Al and Jennifer Boling are proud to present "Music of the 70's" on Monday May 15, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will be held at the band shell in Ontario Town Square located at N. Euclid Ave. and "C" Street in Ontario.  Since, the performance is outdoors, you are encouraged to bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets.  The City of Ontario will also provide 100 folding chairs for the audience.  The performance is FREE to the public.

Popular music in the 1970's saw the rise and development of many subgenres that included Disco, Funk, Soul, R & B, Smooth Jazz, Hard Rock, New Wave, Punk Rock, Progressive Rock, Blues Rock, Soft Rock and Pop, and Heavy Metal.  The first half of the 1970's witnessed the emergence of British heavy metal groups such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.  In the second half of the decade, many acts primarily from the U.S.A. along with groups from the British Isles and Australia, became very popular.  They included Alice Copper, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Ted Nugent, Elton John, Simon and Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, Frank Zappa, Billy Joel, Olivia Newton-John, The Carpenters, Carlos Santana, The Bee Gees, The Jackson Five, Neil Diamond, Helen Reddy, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gayes, and many others.

Vocalist Vicky Shell will make her debut with the Show Band in "Copacabana."  Also, a talented group of Show Band soloists will be featured as soloists that include trombonist Jose Padilla in "Song Sung Blue," clarinetist Neil Vargas in "Strangers On the Shore," trumpeter Steve Collins in "We've Only Just Begun," a flute duet featuring Barbara Farr and Kenya Nelson in "A Stairway to Heaven," a tenor sax solo on "A Song For You" by Pat Arnold, vocalist Natasha Le in "I Am Woman," vocalist John Holguin in "Black Magic Woman," clarinetist Richard Montague in "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," a percussion trio featuring Bob Mattus, Richard Rakijian, and Steve Sturges in "Haskell's Rascals," and "Puff the Magic Dragon" featuring the tuba section; Dave Schaafsma, Brunson Achiu, Michael Bachman, Bruce Ford, and Dennis Sampson.

The performance will be narrated by City of Ontario Mayor Paul Leon and Retired Ontario City Manager Al Boling.


Click to download this Flyer

Please be sure to join us for this great evening of 70's hits and do not forget to invite your family and friends!  You can also support the Show Band by visiting and feeding our Hungry Tuba located in the lobby of the auditorium.  This concert will be broadcast on local Ontario cable Channel 3.  Check your cable listings for the date and time.  For additional information regarding these performances or the rest of Show Band's upcoming concert season, please check our website at www.showband.net and follow the Show Band on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The Show Band will also perform in the Memorial Day Remembrance Program at Bellevue Memorial Park at 10:00 a.m. on Monday May 29, 2023. The Show Band will join members of the Ontario Fire Department, Ontario Police Department, and local veterans from each branch of the services in paying tribute to military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. The program will be narrated by retired County Supervisor and former City of Ontario Mayor Gary Ovitt. The guest vocalist will be Mr. Brian Detwiler and the keynote address will be given by Dr. James Hammond, Superintendent of the Ontario Montclair School District. We look forward to seeing you there.

The community can help support the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band by becoming a patron of The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band Concert Society for $25.  Become a Bronze Baton donor for $50-$100; Steel Baton $150-$200; Silver Baton $250; Gold Baton $500; Platinum Baton $1,000 and Diamond Baton $2,500.  Individuals or businesses may also become a Show Sponsor for $1,000.  For more information on sponsoring a show, contact director Dr. Gabe Petrocelli at gabe@showband.net.  All Donor names will be included on every program and our website for the entire concert season.  Baton and Show Sponsors will also receive complementary DVDs of each performance.  The Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 C (3); EIN # 46-1422958.  Checks may be made out to: Friends of the OCCSB, P/O Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

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The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Dr. Gabe Petrocelli with assistant directors David Schaafsma and Pat Arnold.  Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.  Adult and student musicians are invited to participate.  No auditions!  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chaffey High School Jack Mercer Band Room.  The band performs monthly concerts in the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium and at other venues throughout the community.  All performances are free to the public.

Your Band Director,
Gabe