Wind Ensemble welcomes gusts of honor

The Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble will present its annual Seasonal Celebration Concert at the Yachats Commons this Saturday, Dec. 10.

The program will draw heavily on Christian, Jewish, Solstice and Kwanzaa traditions. Featured are “Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson, “Hanukkah” by Bill Archer, a concert band arrangement of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” “A Kwanzaa Celebration” by John O”Reilly and, of course, Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” There will also be opportunity for audience participation with a carol sing-along.

Refreshments will be provided at intermission.

The concert is free but a donation of $5 per person and $10 per family would be appreciated to benefit South Lincoln Resources and the Yachats Food Pantry.

The Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble is made up of roughly 35 professional and amateur musicians from the Central Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley. The ensemble is unusually blessed this year by having no less than three conductors, who will rotate directing duties throughout the concert. Evelyn Archer is principal bassoonist and conducted the concert last year. Dr. Ernest Hills plays trombone when not conducting, and comes to Oregon from the University of California at Sacramento. Edward Restivo is the instrumental music teacher at Siuslaw High School and plays baritone sax when not leading a band.

The ensemble has provided entertainment for more than two decades and plays several concerts per year throughout the region.

As part of the its outreach program, the band provides scholarships to local music students, mainly from Newport, Waldport and Siuslaw high schools. Those interested in applying should contact the music teacher at their local school.

The concert begins at 2 pm at the Yachats Commons, located at 441 N Hwy. 101. For more information, go to pcwindensemble.org.