The Westchester Band Brings Scarsdale Together in Chase Park

On Thursday, July 23rd the Scarsdale community gathered at Chase Park for a wonderful summer evening filled with live music, warmth, and community spirit. Audience members of all ages lined the park with lawn chairs, and blankets, settling in to enjoy the fifth free concert in the seven event series under the sunset. Hosted in the heart of Scarsdale Village, the event showcased the deep sense of togetherness that defines our local community.

Conductor Alan Hollander led the talented musicians through a richly varied program designed to delight listeners of every generation. The performance opened with the band's traditional, uplifting rendition of America the Beautiful. The program quickly energized the park with James Barnes' lively piece Capriccio, followed by an exceptional solo performance by trombonist Doug Denniston on Alexandre Guilmant's Morceau Symphonique.

A highlight of the evening was the highly anticipated Mystery Song segment, which invited attendees to participate in a fun musical guessing game. Audience members enthusiastically identified five iconic hits from the 1980s, including Thriller, Time After Time, Eye of the Tiger, Up Where We Belong, and You Give Love a Bad Name. Following the excitement of the game, the band transitioned into a moving performance of Frank Ticheli's Shenandoah, offering a moment of quiet reflection under the summer sky.

Hollander introduced Jacques Offenbach's energetic march, The Drum Major's Daughter Overture. Residents interested in hearing this piece can view a recording of the performance on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hasyfPZARE.

The ensemble then treated the audience to a captivating medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless selections from The Phantom of the Opera, creating a memorable Broadway experience right in Chase Park.

The concert concluded with thoughtful tributes to senior community members through classic vintage selections. Clarinet soloist Tom Heimer and trumpet soloist Frank Huber delivered spirited solos during Dixieland Jam, while the saxophone section took center stage for Glenn Miller In Concert. As tradition dictates, the night closed with a rousing rendition of Stars and Stripes Forever, featuring a unique seasonal touch as the oboe section performed the trio passage.

Sponsored by the Scarsdale Department of Parks and Recreation, local merchants, and generous donations, these free performances continue every Thursday evening at 8:00 PM in Chase Park through August 6, 2026.  In the event of rain, concerts take place at Scarsdale High School. Bring your loved ones and a comfortable chair to join in celebrating great music and community spirit throughout the summer season.

See more on the series here: https://westchesterband.org/