Photo submitted to the Times Observer Silver Winds Flute Choir prepares for Flutes, Flags, and Flowers upcoming concert on Sunday at the First Lutheran Church in Warren. Back row, standing from left, are Becky Darbee, choir coordinator; Deena Winters, Nancy Scott, Betty Fitzgerald, Ellen Scalise and Laura Whitten. Front row, from left, are Pat Murphy, Lee Reynolds and Judi Danielson. Not pictured is Jessalyn Peterson-Palmer.

The Silver Winds Flute Choir will present Flutes, Flags, and Flowers on Sunday at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of the First Lutheran Church, 109 Third St, Warren.

The program welcomes the arrival of spring with a selection of American tunes, floral-themed pieces, and compositions by American arrangers and composers.

The concert will open with the traditional round White Coral Bells, a fitting piece to usher in the Western Pennsylvania spring. Following this, the choir will perform the moving and inspirational You Raise Me Up (Loveland and Graham/arr. Story), reminding audiences of the support and strength found in others.

The program will also feature selections celebrating the American experience, including Franz Doppler’s American Duet, America the Beautiful (Ward/arr. Via), Sousa’s The Liberty Bell March (arr. Holcombe), and American Patrol (Meachem/arr. Aquaviva). These pieces incorporate well-known melodies such as Hail Columbia, The Star-Spangled Banner, Boatman’s Song, Yankee Doodle, Columbia the Gem of the Ocean, and Dixie.

The Appalachian Suite by Kelly Via is a concert highlight, which arranges four traditional American folk tunes: Wayfaring Stranger, Bridle and Saddle, Come All Ye Fair and Tender Maidens, and Fiddle Tunes. Other traditional selections include American Folk Hymn and Swedish Folk Hymn, featuring the melodies of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing and Children of the Heavenly Father, arranged by Erik Myer.

Adding to the floral theme, The Flute Garden by Ricky Lombardo will take listeners on a journey through four whimsical movements: Dainty Daisies, Buzzing Bees, Blossoms in the Wind, and Rockin’ Roses.

The program will also include fun selections from The Lion King, including Hakuna Matata and Circle of Life. The flute melodies are accompanied by an engaging drum-like rhythm.

Founded in 2007 by five flutists, the Silver Winds Flute Choir has grown to a dedicated ensemble of musicians who share a love for flute music. Four of the founding members–Becky Darbee, Betty Fitzgerald, Pat Murphy, and Laura Whitten–continue with the group today. They are joined by longtime members Nancy Scott, Ellen Scalise, Deena Winters, Jessalyn Peterson-Palmer, Judi Danielson, and Lee Reynolds. With ten flutists, the ensemble incorporates bass and alto flutes, enriching the depth and range of its sound.

The choir’s repertoire spans classical pieces arranged for flute choir, contemporary compositions, Celtic and traditional tunes, and sacred music.

“This has been an enjoyable program for the flute choir,” said Becky Darbee, choir coordinator. “The familiar marches, folk tunes, and hymns are fun even when repeated weekly. We are so happy to be able to play these selections for you. I know I think about the times I proudly sang America the Beautiful and heard The Liberty Bell March and American Patrol, even with music alone, the lyrics run through my head. We hope you enjoy the program as much as we do.”

While admission is free, donations will be accepted to help support the choir and local charitable efforts. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the senior community meals program operated by the Allegheny Community Center. This initiative provides nutritious meals and social interaction opportunities at five locations throughout the county: Warren, Endeavor, Marienville, Tidioute, and Sheffield.

For more information, contact Darbee at 814-688-2054.