New concert band performs for first time

SAN MARCOS — The Palomar/Pacific Concert Band, in its inaugural performance, will present “WinterFest” at 2 p.m. Dec. 5. The performance will be held in the Howard Brubeck Theatre on the Palomar College Campus at 1140 W. Mission Road in San Marcos.
Director Kenneth Bell will lead the symphonic wind/brass/percussion group in performances of holiday favorites, including music and ballet scenes from “The Nutcracker,” “Swan Lake,” “Babes in Toyland,” and the “Festive Sounds of Hanukkah.” They will be joined by the Palomar Dance Ensemble, directed by Molly Faulkner.
The 60-member ensemble was formed earlier this fall with the merger of two longstanding North County ensembles, the Palomar Concert Band and the Pacific Coast Concert Band. It is believed to be one of the largest ensembles of its kind in San Diego County.
“We are very pleased and excited to have been invited to be part of the Performing Arts Department at Palomar College,” said Bell, who has directed the Pacific Coast Concert Band for the past 17 years. With the helm of the Palomar Concert Band left open by the retirement of conductor Carl Hammond in 2008, plans for the merger began to take shape.
“Our musicians have appeared in over 400 concerts in venues ranging from concert halls, parks, band shells to schools and theaters,” Bell said. “We look forward to continuing our performance schedule of concerts, including marches, musical theater, classical, big band and commissioned pieces.”
Tickets for “WinterFest” are $12 general, $10 seniors/staff, and $8 students. Advance purchases can be made online at www.palomarperforms.com, or by calling the box office at (760) 744.1150, ext. 2453.