Mentorship is an extremely important part of learning to play music. Young musicians learn not just notes and rhythms from their elders, but how to treat themselves and other musicians. Slayton Thompson has been a mentor to two generations of musicians. He encouraged a young Steve Shanley nearly 30 years ago, and more recently, pianist and composer Jon Snell, a Cedar Rapids native who now lives in New York City.
Steve commissioned Jon to write a piece featuring Slayton on harmonica. The world premiere of “Kingdom Making” is the featured piece this week with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, performing in a new venue, Hughes Park on Wednesday, and Bever Park on Sunday. Also on the program will be a piece saluting the Olympics and a medley from “How To Train Your Dragon.”
Plus, free ice cream for the all kids attending the Wednesday concert!
All shows at 7:30pm. Livestream at facebook.com/crmuniband. More information at crmuniband.org.
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