Capitol Sounds Concert Band celebrating 50 years on Oct. 23 at Saint James Church

The Capitol Sounds Concert Band continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a Oct. 23 appearance at Saint James Church on Vaughn Road.

The 3 p.m. performance will come at the end of four weeks of preparation by the popular group, including one extra rehearsal right before the concert, said John Jackson, director of the Sounds.

“The performance will feature a variety of music selections by Rossini, Sousa, Gershwin, a Broadway tribute and a medley of armed forces service songs to round out the program,” Jackson said.

The Broadway tribute will include a medley of hit tunes from some of Broadway's greatest shows. “Songs like ‘Everything's Coming Up Roses’ (Gypsy), ‘People’ (Funny Girl); ‘On a Clear Day’; and ‘Try to Remember’ (The Fantasticks), just to name a few,” Jackson said.

The one-hour performance by the band of about 50 members will include Michael Algarin, saxophone, who is a senior at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. He will be featured on Gershwin's ‘They Can't Take That Away From Me,’ Jackson said.

Saint James Church is located at 9045 Vaughn Road. “Saint James has been a very supportive venue for the Capitol Sounds since 2010,” Jackson said. “Sam Miller, who plays tuba in the band, is a member of Saint James Church and has led the charge to allow the band to perform numerous concerts over the past 12 years. We appreciate their support very much!”

The Sounds were organized in 1972 and are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2022 with several concerts and performances.

Most musicians live in the River Region but some travel from the Birmingham area, as well as Auburn/Opelika and Troy, Jackson said.

Admissionis free but donations are gladly accepted. The Capitol Sounds Concert Band is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization supported by the City of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department.

“We are very appreciative of the support of several individuals who have contributed to the band as we celebrate our 50th anniversary year,” Jackson said, adding that donations mainly fund equipment for the band and its members, as well as other expenses such as rental and fees of performance locations from time to time.

The Sounds have been under the direction of Jackson since 2003. To inquire about joining the Sounds, contact Jackson through www.capitolsounds.org. “All instruments are welcome!” Jackson said.

Besides musicians, volunteers are needed to help put on appearances. “It takes a lot of people behind the scenes to put together a concert as well as maintain operations with the band,” Jackson said. “Please visit our website to find out more about the band, including how to contribute/donate, as well as our schedule of performances.”

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Capitol Sounds Concert Band celebrating 50 years on Oct. 23