by Ray Newton
Those who enjoy band music will soon hear the opening performance of the Central Arizona Concert Band. Striking the downbeat is Clydene Dechert, who for the 23rd season will serve as conductor.
The season begins at 7 p.m. June 18 when the concert band performs as part of the outdoor Summer Concert Series at the Courthouse Plaza.
Central Arizona Concert Band concerts are among several at the plaza coordinated by the Prescott Downtown Partnership in cooperation with other local businesses. Partnership Executive Director MJ Smith said other musical groups will be performing during summer months.
Optimistic about the coming concert, Dechert said she thought people throughout the greater community were ready for some lively music after having been cooped up because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Central Arizona Concert Band concerts feature a broad selection of music, ranging from classical to showtunes and contemporary. Among the most popular are the toe-tapping, hand-clapping versions of marches, especially those of John Philip Sousa.
A spokesperson said the performances attract people who enjoy music and pre-and post-concert shopping, dining and entertainment in businesses surrounding the courthouse.
Following the summer concerts, Central Arizona Concert Band performs fall, winter and spring concerts at the Davis Learning Center on the
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus.
Photo: Clydene Dechert will direct the Central Arizona Concert Band when it performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, in a free public concert at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. (courtesy photo)
Central Arizona Concert Band Schedule 2020-2021 Season
Free public concerts
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
7 p.m. June 18th
7 p.m. July 16th
7 p.m. August 20th
Tickets required
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Davis Learning Center
3 p.m. October 15th
3 p.m. November 15th
3 p.m. January 31st
3 p.m. April 13th
Dates pending unforeseen closures.
