Laguna Concert Band Features Famed Chicago Symphony Tubist Gene Pokorny

News release from the Laguna Concert Band:

The 70-piece Laguna Concert Band is returning to the Laguna Playhouse, Sunday, February 19 at 3 p.m. with a packed “tuba-centric” program featuring one of the world's finest tuba players, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Principal Tuba, Gene Pokorny, as well as Disney Voice actor, tubist and arranger Bob Joles. The concert is certain to be another crowd pleaser.

The LCB, well known for “putting on a show,” has continued its tradition with diverse programing to include Arron Copland’s "Fanfare for the Common Man" and "A Lincoln Portrait," the classic work of “Tubby the Tuba” (narrated by Disney Voice, Bob Joles), Frank Tichelli’s Loch Lomond, Vivaldi’s Double Concerto (arranged for Tuba), and big-band chart,  Bill Liston’s, Rogers and Hart Medley with the talented Linda Hughes performing vocals.

In front of the band will be Master of Ceremonies, Lona Ingwerson, Music Director/Conductor Ed Peterson, and conductors Dr. Bill Nicholls and Pete Fournier.

Traditional marches, unusual arrangements such as Tubaler’s Holiday (adapted from  Leroy Anderson’s Bugler’s Holiday for this concert by arranger Bob Joles), and American themes, with the Carmen Dragon arrangement of American the Beautiful, and the medley of Disney works, A Disney Celebration (arrangement Bob Joles), will round out a full afternoon of music.

Tickets are $10 at the box office (949) 497-5747, and are reserved seating. Additional information on the Laguna Concert Band schedule can be found on-line at www.lagunaconcertband.com.

Interview with LCB music director Ed Peterson:

When did you first meet Gene?

I grew up in Downey – attended Downey High School and came back to “student-teach” at Downey High School.  I was the assistant conductor (and player) in the Downey City Youth Band – Gene played tuba in the band and attended Warren High School in Downey.  We both played and performed together in the Downey Symphony and the La Mirada Symphony for a couple years. 

How long did you teach him?

In 1970, I was offered the position of HS Band Director at Warren HS in Downey.  Gene was going into his Senior Year and I was given the opportunity to teach my first HS Band program.

The program was in a “shambles” and only had about 25 members in the band at the end of Gene’s Junior year.    With my musical contacts in Downey, I spent every day all summer calling musicians at the HS and the feeder Junior High School PLUS many parents of potential musicians. 
The result was the Warren HS Band had nearly 50 members to start the new Fall Season and School year.   The band got a lot of positive attention from the entire school and was a positive experience for everyone.

I included Gene in every possible ensemble the entire year.  Concert Band/Marching Band/Brass Ensemble/ Jazz Band, etc.  He was the foundation of the entire band and proved to be an incredibly dedicated musician.   Gene was probably the “hardest working” High School level musician I had the privilege to work with in my career.

How have you kept in contact?

Mostly by email over the last 15 years.  I also took advantage of attending Gene’s recital at UCLA in the 80’s and meeting with him to “catch up” a couple other times when he was in the area.

How did the Bob Joles contact work out?

When it was determined that we would do Tubby the Tuba, Gene offered to put me in contact with Bob Joles in Hollywood.  Gene indicated that he was a wonderful Professional “voice artist” – and a tuba playing friend.   Bob was very excited to jump on board for the event.

What is your assessment of the LCB today vs. 2 years ago?

This is a different BAND.  The playing level and sophistication of the musicians has improved and the players that have been attracted to the band in the past two years has made a profound difference to the organization.

What does it mean to the band to work with Gene?

The is a unique opportunity for LCB.  Gene is considered one of the finest tuba players in the world.  He occupies the Principal chair of the CSO and is recognized for this accomplishment by the entire music world.   To have Gene agree to perform with us is a high level compliment.  It also means Gene trusts my judgment as music director.

This is an opportunity for the band to “stretch” to another level of performance and be in the “spotlight” of our local music community.  We will most likely get a number of people attending that would never see our band.   It is an opportunity to “brand” our group as a significant music organization in the Southern California.


What does it mean to the city of LB to have the LCB develop into a fine Concert Band?

Laguna Beach is world-reknown for the ARTS and,  as such, a fine performing Concert Band  adds cultural depth to the community further enhancing it’s well-deserved reputation.  The city and community support has been outstanding and we are determined to become a band which inspires a growing appreciation of traditional Concert Band and Wind Ensemble music.