The Rio Grande Valley Winter Texan Orchestra, under the direction of Jim Scothorn of Findlay, Ohio, will perform series of concerts. The first two concerts will be held Saturday, February 8, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located at the intersection of Pecan Street and Col. Rowe Boulevard in McAllen. They will also perform a concert at Pharr South on February 10, at 6:30 p.m. and Paradise Park, Pharr February 11, at 7 p.m.
A variety of music will be played, said Scothorn. It will be a combination of Broadway shows and a patriotic theme. One portion will honor Louie Armstrong who was known to his fans as "Satchmo." Armstrong’s songs, "What a Wonderful World," "Hello Dolly," "St. Louis Blues," and "When the Saints Go Marching In," will be featured.
The music of Jerome Robbins, who was famous during the 40s to the 60s will be included. Songs like "Sunrise, Sunset" will have the listener looking back in time. Two of his songs from "West Side Story," "America," and "Somewhere," will be included along with "Comedy Tonight."
Other songs include "Victory at Sea,” by Richard Rogers, Carmin Dragon’s renditions of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and “America, the Beautiful," will be played.
The Winter Texan Chorale will join the orchestra to sing "I Believe," and "Ave Maria."
There will also be a time when the audience is asked to join in on songs such as "Daisy," "Little Brown Church in the Vale," and "Shade of the Old Apple Tree."
Scothorn takes a turn at conducting every two years. He is a former music teacher, who is still active in a swing band in Ohio. He also sings in a double male quartet.