Santa Rosa Advanced Marimba Honor Band
Friday, May 3, 2024 @ 4:30 p.m.
Berger Center. Theater Seating. Free show.
Donations accepted. Light refreshments.

Not your typical school band! Giant instruments, earth shaking sounds, and virtuosic playing combine in a musical program that Santa Rosa elementary and middle school students just can’t wait to share. These talented young musicians will offer a concert with a culturally diverse selection of tunes, from Zimbabwean to Mexican, from original songs written for kids in the US, to Irish music.

Irene Gilchriese, band leader, recently joined the Green Music Center Board of Advisors after partnering with the Center for the past 7 years. She currently teaches music and marimba at five Santa Rosa schools for students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, including three Oakmont grandchildren. Learn more by visiting playmarimba.com.

In Guatemala, the word marimba means “the wood that sings.” It is a type of xylophone with resonators underneath the different-sized wooden keys which are struck with mallets. While popular in folk music for centuries, it wasn’t until the 1940s that marimbas regularly became part of classical orchestras. It is the national instrument of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

For more information or to register, go to oakmontll.org, leave a check in the OLL in the OVA folder or pay at the door.