Four of the 18 members of the Traverse Symphony Brass Ensemble who will be performing a free concert at the Dune Climb are pictured, including principal horn Robert Pavelek of Suttons Bay, principal trumpet Robert Hicks, trombonist James Perez, and associate principal trumpet Scott Sorensen.

The Traverse Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Ensemble will perform Sousa marches and works by Dukas, Copeland, Brahms and Scott Joplin at the Sleeping Bear Dune Climb on Sunday, July 15.

The free concert, which is part of the summer-long Manitou Music Festival, will showcase the 18-piece ensemble that is being conducted by Kenneth Bloomquist of Northport, one of the leading band conductors in America.

Bloomquist, professor emeritus of Michigan State University, retired in 1994 after 24 years. He served as the director of bands for 14 years and director of the School of Music for 10 years. Bloomquist still conducts around the world each season.

“We are delighted to be featured at the annual family Dune Climb concert, and we appreciate the invitation extended to us by the Manitou Music Festival,” TSO executive director Andrew Buelow said. “It has become a beloved annual tradition for many, both tourists and residents. We invite everyone to come and have a good time listening to beautiful brass music in a truly inspiring setting.”
Festival Chairman TJ Ewing echoed Buelow’s sentiments.

“We are very excited to have the Brass Ensemble perform at this year’s Dune Climb concert,” he sad. “Hearing the ensemble’s instrumentation over the unique venue of the Dunes will be a very special experience.”

There is no charge for the 7 p.m. concert. However, a National Park pass is required. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnics.

The Manitou Music Festival is a presentation of The Glen Arbor Art Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the furthering of the arts in the Glen Lake area.

For more information, call 334-6112.