The band is scheduled to travel to New York from April 17-23. Their performance at Carnegie is on April 20.
Manta Ray band conductor William DeWitt said the concerts will he held on March 26-27 in the school cafeteria.
“This two-day event will include three identical concerts featuring the 41 musicians of our award winning, Carnegie Hall-bound wind band as well as the developing bright young stars of next school year’s award winning band,” DeWitt said.
He said the co-hosts and major sponsors for these concerts are the members of the local chapter of the Lions Club International, under the leadership of District Vice Governor Pastor Gagaring.
“We are excited to partner with them in our last major fundraising effort,” DeWitt said.
The first concert on March 26 will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 each. The March 27 concert matinee show will start at 4:30 p.m., while the evening show will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the afternoon show is $5 each and $7 for the evening concert.
DeWitt said the band has been very fortunate to receive the support so many local organizations, businesses and individuals over the past eight months.
“Many in our community inquired about or have requested a farewell concert during which the repertoire we will play at Carnegie Hall and Central Park, Nye York could be heard and enjoyed by local audiences, including so many of you who have contributed to our trip,” De Witt said.
The repertoire for the concerts include Rush (Samuel Hazo); Elegy (John Barnes Chance); The Invincible Eagle (John Philip Sousa); Alvamar Overture (James Barnes); Duke Ellington in Concert (medley); Land of Make Believe (Chuck Mangione); Finale from Symphony No. 9 (Ludwig Van Beethoven); Beyond the Horizon (Ted Ricketts); Caprice (William Himes); Selections from the Nutcraker (Tchaikovsky).
DeWitt said the Lions Club will be selling food and beverages during the event. Proceeds from both the ticket sales and the food/beverage purchases will be donated to the band for the Carnegie Hall effort.
The Manta Ray Band members, in cooperation with the Lions Club are also selling fund-raising buffet tickets to FPJ restaurant, on Beach Road across from the Saipan Grand Hotel.
These tickets are valid until April 15, and can be redeemed any day of the week for one delicious lunch or dinner buffet meal that includes all-you-can-eat entrees, desserts, and drinks. Tickets are $10 per person and can be obtained from any band member or the Lions Club of Saipan.
DeWitt said proceeds from the ticket sales will go to help fund the Manta Band’s trip.
For more information, contact Pastor Gagaring at 233-2374 (e-mail: [email protected]), DeWitt at 237-3722 (e-mail) [email protected].
