Mercer Community Band
"Best Free Entertainment on a Friday Night"
Mercer, Pennsylvania


"Sounds of the Season Concert"
December 1, 2012
Mercer Community Band Woodwind Quintet performed before the concert in the lobby.Johnny Oakes performed before the concert in the auditorium. Concert attendees contributed to the local food bank with food or monetary donations.50-50 raffle tickets helped support the cause as well.Many concert goers arrived early to enjoy the opening music and greet friends.Dave Portman, Master of Ceremonies, opened the concert by welcoming the audience.Dr. Hendley D. Hoge, Director in his 35th year, took an opening bow with the band.The band opened the concert with "The National Anthem".Mt. Calvary Commandry #67 presented the colors."It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" was the first selection performed by the band.The band also presented ""Let It Snow, Let It Snow".Instrumental soloist, Jim Flowers, performed "All Is Calm" with help on the piano from Brittany Baker.Mr. Flowers also entertained the audience with "Flight of the Bumble Bee".Mr. Flowers also played "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".A large crowd was on hand for the great music.The Mercer Clarinet Quintet presented "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"."A Holiday Medley" was well received by the audience.Assistant Director, Doug Butchy, conducted "A Christmas Festival".The band took a well-deserved bow after the selection.Featured vocalist, Joni McFarland, began her selections with "The Christmas Waltz".Ms. McFarland also performed "Cantique De Noel".Ms. McFarland's presentation of "a Grown-up Christmas List" was an audience favorite.Ms. McFarland and Mr. Flowers teamed up for "Baby, It's Cold Outside"."Holly Jolly Christmas" was performed by the band.Dr. Hoge addressed the audience and awarded door prizes.Dave Portman, Master of Ceremonies, was honored for his thirteen years of service to the band.Dave will be moving to North Carolina after the first of the year.Assistant Director, Doug Butchy, thanked Mr. Portman for his service.Mr. Portman told the audience how much he will miss the band, and thanked Dr. Hoge for the opportunity to be part of the team.In his final duty as M. C., Mr. Portman introduced Santa Clause with the band's performance of "Here Comes Santa Claus".Santa greeted member of the audience on his way to the stage.Santa took over briefly as director of the band.Santa met others in the audience during the singing of "White Christmas".The audience joined in the singing.Dr. Hoge led the singing with help from Joni McFarland and Jim Flowers.Many of the band members put on their Santa hats for the last two selections.After the concert, Santa listened to the Christmas wishes of the good little boys and girls.