For the second time in 24 years, De Anza College hosted the Northern California Community College Honor Band and the De Anza Symphonic Winds concert with professional guest clarinet soloist Michael Corner Feb. 23 at the Visual and Performing Arts Center. 

The center began to crowd with family members and viewers who looked forward to the performances. 

Not only were the viewers’ eyes cast upon the talented bands, but also on two others who were an important component of the concert, guest band director Dr. Royce S. Tevis and the special guest clarinetist Michael Corner. 

Tevis is a nationally-recognized conductor with 30 years experience who currently conducts for California State University Chico and is a consultant of concerts in marching and jazz bands throughout the United States. 

Corner, a principal clarinetist of Symphony Silicon Valley, has played with other symphonies and orchestras, including the Boston and San Francisco symphonies.

The concert started with the De Anza Symphonic winds, conducted by John Russell, which played “A Symphonic Prelude,” “Concerto for Clarinet,” and “The Quest for Peace.”

After De Anza’s band performance, Northern California Community Colleges Honor band, conducted by Tevis, took the stage. The honor band performed songs from “Klaxon” to “La Fiesta Mexicana,” and “Chimes of Liberty March.”

   “This year, we have 11 community colleges participating and each band director nominates several of their best players to come to the honor band to audition for first chair in each section,” said Robert Farrington, Director of Bands at De Anza College. “We have a good and interesting program. The band sounds a lot better than it did last year.” 

Each of the band members and special guest conductors had to go through a rigorous rehearsal time to prepare for the concert. 

“It’s a lot of work,” said Farrington. “I’m dead tired but it’s worth it since we only have to do it every 24 years.” 

Audience members cheered throughout the performances and eagerly waited to hear more of both bands. 

“I thought it was really interesting this was one of the few bands I’ve heard but I enjoyed the performance,” said audience member Eric Runnel, 20. 

With a successful night for both bands, the De Anza Music Department now has another 24 years to prepare for another triumphant concert.