Canton and Plymouth bands to perform together in special concert
The Canton Concert Band and Plymouth Community Band will combine forces for the first time at the Village Theater at Cherry Hill at 7 p.m. May 4. for a “Spring Spectacular” concert. Each ensemble will present a unique variety of music, followed by a combined performance of both bands playing together as one.
Under the direction of Ryan Hoffman, the Canton Concert Band has been a staple ingredient in the Canton Community for 20 years. The 52-member concert band performs year-round at different events throughout the community and presents three annual performances in the fall, winter, and spring at the Village Theater at Cherry Hill.
“We are thrilled to be able to present this collaborative performance to ring in the spring,” said Hoffman. “Both bands have been hard at work, creating a program of music that will appeal to any audience.”
With a Bachelor of Music degree from Wayne State University, Hoffman studied music education as well as jazz and composition. Prior to conducting the Canton Concert Band, he played in their trumpet section. Currently, he also plays in the Northridge Church orchestra and enjoys private teaching, as well as writing music.
The Plymouth Community Band under the direction of Carl Battishill comprises 55-75 volunteer, amateur musicians who enjoy coming together to make music in a “concert band” arrangement. Members come from all walks of life, have diverse backgrounds and experiences, and range in age from teenagers to octogenarians, a spokesman noted.
Battishill has been the director of the 65-year-old Plymouth Community Band for the past 45 years. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of Michigan, and was a music teacher in schools in Frankfort, Plymouth-Canton, and West Bloomfield for 48 years. Now retired from teaching, he spends his time with family and friends, working in the yard, and attempting to play golf.
Tickets for Spring Spectacular are $12 - $14 (fees included) and can be purchased online at www.cantonvillagetheater.org or by calling the Village Theater Box Office at (734) 394-5300. Box Office hours are from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the box office one hour prior to show time.
The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton. For more information about this special performance, call (734) 394-5300 or visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org.
