5-14-2012 Concerts by the River in Decatur, Alabama

Decatur Youth Symphony and the Austin High School Jazz Band to perform at 5-14-12 Concerts by the River in Decatur, Alabama

 The 2012 Paul Stroud Concerts by the River series, sponsored by the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department,  will feature some of the most talented youth and teen musicians in the area in a night of “Classics on the River” with musical performances by the Decatur Youth Symphony  and the Austin High School Jazz Band.  All concerts are open to the public and are held at Rhodes Ferry Park. Concerts begin at 6:00 PM and usually conclude by 8:00 PM.  For updated schedule information, please call 256-341-4818 or visit www.decaturparks.com.  In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced after 4:00 PM and will be posted on the Decatur Parks and Recreation Department’s  website and Facebook Page and the Decatur, Alabama Facebook Page. 

 The Decatur Youth Symphony was formed in 2004 as a program of the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department and is affiliated with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.  Thomas Davis serves as the musical director and symphony conductor for the group.  In addition to financial support from the City of Decatur, the group is also funded through grants and private donations.  The Decatur Youth Symphony is open to students through an audition process, and offers three different levels of participation to include the Youth Symphony, the Solaris Strings and  the Apollo Strings.  A Decatur Youth Orchestra was also developed in 2010.  The Decatur Youth Symphony also partners with Decatur Youth Services to offer a Summer Music Program teaching percussion and strings to students enrolled in Camp Safe Haven.  All programs are designed to give students a chance to learn, rehearse and perform under the direction of qualified instructors and conductors, building a lifetime love of music and performance.  Music is chosen both to excite and challenge students as they develop their musical skills. 

The Austin High School Band was formed in 1965 with just seven students.  Under the direction of Mr. William Brunner, the band grew, and became recognized as one of the premier instrumental music programs in the state of Alabama.  A vital part of the band program at the school is the Austin High Jazz Band.  Directed by Mr. Clay Sloan, the jazz program at Austin High School provides students with an appreciation and understanding of jazz history as well as the skills necessary for jazz performance.  The Austin High School Jazz Band performs many times a year in the Morgan County and Decatur area.  Its students have been selected for membership in the prestigious All-State Jazz Band, and have participated in numerous jazz clinics and camps throughout the southeastern United

Concert-goers are invited to bring their picnic baskets, lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy a free evening of entertainment on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River.  Please call 256-341-4818 for more information. View a promotional video of Concerts by the River by FREEDOM LIGHT PRODUCTIONS by visiting www.decaturparks.com or at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t73TNz2csc