Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

The Great American Main Street Band is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. The band was founded in 1985 by conductor and arranger, Rick Benjamin. Benjamin had a vision of creating a band that would perform the music of the early 20th century, specifically the music that was played in small towns across America during that time. The band's name is a nod to the Main Street of small towns, where bands would often perform on street corners or in local parks. The Great American Main Street Band is made up of some of the finest musicians in the country, many of whom have played with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. The band's repertoire includes music from the early 20th century, including ragtime, early jazz, and popular music from the era. The band also performs music from the silent film era, including music that was written specifically for silent films. One of the highlights of the Great American Main Street Band's career was their performance at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. The band was chosen to represent the United States at the Olympics, and they performed a program of American music that included works by George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, and John Philip Sousa. The band has also performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and at the Lincoln Center in New York City. They have also performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the country, including the Boston Pops and the Philadelphia Orchestra. In addition to their performances, the Great American Main Street Band has also recorded several albums. Their first album, "The Great American Main Street Band," was released in 1987 and featured music from the early 20th century. The album was well-received by critics and helped to establish the band as one of the premier ensembles in the country. The band's second album, "Silent Film Music," was released in 1990 and featured music that was written specifically for silent films. The album was a critical success and helped to further establish the band's reputation as one of the leading ensembles in the country. Over the years, the Great American Main Street Band has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1992, the band was awarded the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an artist by the United States government. The band has also received several Grammy nominations for their recordings. Today, the Great American Main Street Band continues to perform and record music from the early 20th century. They are considered one of the premier ensembles in the country and are beloved by audiences around the world. Their music is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of America and serves as a reminder of the important role that music has played in our country's history.

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