It was like “Opening Night on Broadway” and “Hollywood First Nighter” recently at Westside United Methodist Church for the Hallelujah Saints Band Fall Festival. The well-planned program featured a tuneful medley of instrumental and vocal music from Broadway and Hollywood musicals. The Saints Band was formed 21 years ago and consists of volunteer musicians who often perform at Lima and area events.
Our memory was challenged with a selection of earlier favorites and new ones as well. Under the skillful direction of conductor Cheryl Jones, the band made Broadway and Hollywood come alive by opening with the traditional fanfare which announced the start of the movie version.
The musical “Oklahoma!” followed with songs “People Will Say We’re in Love” and “Oh! What a Beautiful Morning” (the corn is as high as an elephant eye). “Fiddler on the Roof” featured a romantic love song “As Long as He Needs Me.” The exciting theme music in the movie “Rocky” had our toes tapping. “The King and I,” based on the book “Anna and the King of Siam,” called us to dance to the lively “I Could Have Danced All Night.”
“Spittin’ Image” shared the evening with fast-paced comedy and quick-style music. Twin brothers Brian and Blain have performed with the Saints band for seven years.
The program concluded with the band inspiring us with “God Bless America,” accompanied by the “Group Singers” members of the band who had solo parts in several numbers. Jones said this patriotic hymn is the Saints Band’s prayer for America.
We exited humming the music we heard all evening and look forward to the Christmas concert in December to be held at Westside Church.
Paul Kreher
Cridersville
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