Pops Plays

Concert-goers bore the summer heat on the Fourth of July - with a high of 107 - while getting a musical high to the tunes of the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra.

Young and old swayed to and fro, or tapped their toes beneath the shade, joining in singing to patriotic music, "yahooing" to mother and daughter Cecilia Yale and Georgette Twain's dueling banjos - and there were even songs for the little ones.

"It was a good program," said Carson Valley Pops Orchestra conductor Danny Yale. "It was quite a good crowd, considering the temperature."

About 200 people attended the performance, which began at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Heritage Park. The 40-piece orchestra played patriotic tunes such as the "El Capitan March," "Stars and Stripes," "Washington Post March" and a salute to the servicemen.

"We put together a special arrangement that salutes each of the services," said Yale.

The crowd really enjoyed a hoedown arrangement performed by his wife Cecilia Yale and his mother-in-law Twain, he said. Plus, the children and adults alike showed appreciation for the "Star Trek Medley" and Cecilia's performance of "It's a Small World" on her violin.

Additionally, the band played familiar songs in a salute to America such as "Oh Susannah" and "Pop Goes the Weasel."

The event was presented by the town of Gardnerville.

"It was a really nice selection. It met everybody's interest," said town of Gardnerville office assistant senior Marie Nicholson," who attended with family members of all ages.

"It was a fun time," said Town Manager Jim Park. "We are really pleased with the Fourth of July turnout."

Park said Carson Valley Pops Orchestra will be returning to Heritage Park next year. He feels the event complements the Sierra Philharmonic League's presentation at Mormon Station State Historic Park in Genoa, which performed later in the day on the 4th.

"Folks can attend Heritage Park first, then go to Genoa," Park said.

He also plans to have the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra perform before the Movies in the Park next year.

"It will make a nice, full evening out of it," he said.

As Heritage Park events continue to grow, he said, so will the existing trees at the park. Until then, Park plans to bring more portable shade structures and possibly some wading pools next year. This year, many people brought their own shade structures and picnics, or purchased food and beverages from vendors.

"Jim Park and his staff were so tremendously helpful," said Danny Yale, who founded the orchestra in 1999. "They set up the chairs, they set up the sound system. I'm flabbergasted. They were just wonderful."

Georgette Twain was inducted into the Banjo Hall of Fame in Guthrie, Okla., in May.

The Carson Valley Pops Orchestra's next concert will be on Oct. 20 at St. Gall Catholic Church. For more information call 267-5575.