by Meru S.
The evening was cold and windy—so unusual for a late Californian May—as we drove to the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center. A blanket of gray clouds obscured the sky. For just a few moments, a barely visible drizzle sprinkled our car’s windshield. When we pulled into the Dougherty Valley High School parking lot, I could see a trickle of audience members about to enter the theater
In the foyer, an usher offered us a program for the night’s concert. On the first page, printed in an elaborate design, was the title- San Ramon Symphonic Band Presents A Night at the Cinema. Below the title was an illustration of some popcorn, a drink, tickets, and other movie-themed objects surrounded by musical notations. Inside were the names of the Band members and a list of the music that was to be performed. Reading through them, I recognized many, including excerpts from the soundtracks of Marvel and Pixar films. On the back was a bio of the symphony’s conductor, Mr. Larry B. Colón, who has been their director for over ten years.
Once we had found ourselves seats in the center of the moderately crowded auditorium, we only had to wait for the show to begin. The sound of the instrumentalists warming up resonated throughout the hall. In about ten minutes, the lights dimmed, and the Master of Ceremonies (also a brass player for the band) stepped forward to welcome Mr. Colón onto the stage. After doing so, he proceeded to introduce their opening song- an epic and wild fanfare from the film Silverado.
For their next piece, the band launched into a joyful and familiar selection of themes and songs from Pixar movies- Ratatouille, The Incredibles, Cars, and Toy Story. Following a cheerful and lighthearted finish to the collection, they went on to narrate the tale of The Lion King through the highlights of the cherished movie’s soundtrack.
The band began the medley with the jocund music of The Circle of Life, celebrating the marvels and beauty of nature. They expressed Simba’s excitement and anticipation at realizing his destiny as king in I Just Can’t Wait to be King, and navigated the malicious twists and turns of Be Prepared. Following Scar’s and the hyenas’ vengeful refrains, came the blithe and jazzy tunes of Hakuna Matata, which merged gracefully into the flowing, romantic melody of Can You Feel the Love Tonight. They concluded the first half of their concert with the triumphant King of Pride Rock.
After a short intermission, the band transported us and our fellow audience to the interstellar travels of Peter Quill, Rocket Racoon, Gamora, Groot, Drax, and Mantis with the lively 80’s style music of The Guardians of the Galaxy. To continue the space travel theme were selections from Apollo 13.
Next up were the melodious Celtic tunes from How to Train Your Dragon, and to bring to an end the concert, the band performed a march from “1941”.
Following multiple rounds of applause and the return of the theater lights, we gathered our belongings and exited the theater. Once we were in the brightly lit lobby, we thanked the usher and stepped out into the biting air, the night’s music resounding in my mind.
Formed over thirty years ago, the San Ramon Symphonic Band is open to musicians ages fifteen and over. Past performances have been-
Song and Dance (March 2023)
Musical Playground (May 2023)
The Music of Star Wars (November 2023)
The Spirit of Mexico (March 2024)
For more information on the San Ramon Symphonic Band and upcoming fall performances, please visit-
The Lighthouse 