By Connie Ballenger
In 2024, Glen Mar’s Summer Concert Series’ cup runneth over with support. It was blessed with a $5,500 grant from the Howard County Arts Council, a generous donation from “Friends of the Music Program at Glen Mar Church,” a substantial contribution in memory of Karen Angle, and the sponsorship of Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home in Ellicott City.
Having already obtained the Howard County Arts Council’s pledge of a $5,500 grant for our 2025 season, support for next year’s series is moving in the right direction.
Information about our 2025 concerts will be posted as it becomes available. All concerts in this series are free.
The four concerts in our 2024 series covered a variety of music, were executed flawlessly, and drew rave reviews from the audiences.
With their tuba, horn, trombone and two trumpets sounding, members of the Monumental Brass Quintet marched down a Spirit Center aisle on May 31 to kick off the series. To the delight of the 160 people attending, the quintet performed a variety of pieces ranging from classical music by J.S. Bach to a ceremonious John Philip Sousa march.
For many, the June 21 Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet concert began with eating hot dogs topped with sauerkraut, chili sauce, or cheese along with macaroni salad prepared by Glen Mar’s own Chef George Dohner.
At the main event, the Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet bedazzled a crowd of 250 people with original and traditional old-time music in the Spirit Center. Ken and Brad, a father-son duo, along with Rachel Eddy and Alex Lacquement, weaved sounds from the clawhammer banjo, fiddle, guitar, hammered dulcimer, violin, upright bass, gourd banjo, and harmonica to create energetic, foot-stomping music. After the concert, the professional musicians jammed with about 15 audience members who had brought their own musical instruments.
Patriotism and unity were on full display to the 400 people attending The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band concert in the Spirit Center on July 19. They heard America the Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner, and God Bless America in addition to songs focusing on different sections of the country. Videos showing the stunning beauty and diversity of this great land were displayed on screens while soldiers in dark military dress uniforms performed flawlessly.
The expertise of Quey Percussion Duo members Dr. Gene Koshinski and Dr. Tim Broscious was on full display at our August 16 concert at what looked like a percussion playground set up in the Spirit Center. One hundred sixty people watched and listened as the musicians blew conches, beat a wide variety of drums, tapped a marimba, and jiggled bells wrapped around their ankles.
This series started in 2017 at the suggestion and under the guidance of Glen Mar Music Director Dr. Sophie Hong. She is aided by a volunteer committee, most of whom have a deep well of musical expertise. Over the years, the series has featured opera, big band, a youth symphony orchestra, and percussive dancing performances.
For the latest Summer Concert Series information, visit our Summer Concerts Page.
