KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
December 8, 2019
By Pat Baldwin
Celebrate the Christmas season with the Lone Star Symphonic Band's
annual Christmas concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, December 15 at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Katy.
The all-volunteer Lone Star Symphonic Band performs this Sunday at 4 p.m. at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church at 22111 Morton Ranch Road in Katy. Tickets are $7 per person and can be purchased online. Click here to order tickets.
Love of Music
“The biggest thing we try to provide the community is an outstanding performance at an affordable price point,” Bob Bryant, music director, says. “This is truly a community band. We play for the love of music.”
About 75 members strong, the band includes avid musicians from all walks of life and a membership ranging in age from high school students through members in their 80s. About 20 instruments are currently featured in the band.
The Christmas concert will feature favorite Christmas songs and perhaps a few musical surprises as well as a visit by Santa Claus.
“It’s super family friendly,” says trumpet player Jason Harrison. “And it’s one of the best deals in town.”
Community Focused
The band, launched in 1993 as the West Houston Concert Band, offers performances throughout the year. Its mission focuses on offering the community quality performances that balance audience appeal with challenging music for members.
“We promote lifelong opportunities and growth for skilled musicians,” Bryant says. “One of the blessings of music is that you can do it for a lifetime.”
Very few of the band’s members have music as a vocation. Still, if someone wants to learn an instrument, the band provides the community many resources for music education.
Bryant has served as the band’s music director since 2007. He retired from Katy ISD in 2015 after more than four decades in public education. Most recently, he served more than 15 years as executive director of fine arts in the district.
Upcoming Schedule
Several concerts already are scheduled for 2020. Each performance is slated for 4 p.m. at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Katy. Single and season tickets are available. Here’s the current calendar, with more to come.
March 1 - God Bless Texas!
May 3 - Something Old, Something New
June 28 - Celebrate America!
In addition to community concerts, the Lone Star Symphonic Band occasionally offers performances by smaller ensembles. Contact music director Bob Bryant via email here to inquire about their availability.
Bryant notes the band is community supported and accepts one-time and recurring monetary donations. He says donors can designate a specific initiative or give to the general fund. Donors also can donate to the band through Amazon’s Smile program, which provides donations to charitable organizations without changing the price for goods purchased on Amazon. Instructions are provided on the band’s website.
More Information
For more information and to purchase concert tickets, visit their website here.