The Satuit Band, a community symphonic concert band, based in Scituate since 1933 takes the stage for a rare off-season concert “Resonance: The Sound of Spring,” on Sunday, April 12, 2 pm, at Old South Union Church, 25 Columbian St., South Weymouth. The performance features a world premiere work, distinguished solo artistry, and a rich mix of classical and contemporary band literature. Admission is free, and the performance is open to the public.
In “Resonance: The Sound of Spring,” a program highlight is the world premiere of A. Douglas Wauchope’s transcription of Arthur Honegger’s piano concerto “Concertino for Piano and Orchestra H.55,” featuring renowned pianist Louis Stewart as soloist. Stewart is a Professor of Composition at Berklee College of Music, a seasoned pianist and soloist with multiple symphony orchestras in the Boston area, and a composer of acclaimed works, including “Concertino for Piano and Band,” premiered locally in Hingham.
Stewart’s performance in “Resonance” marks an exciting collaboration between the Satuit Band and one of New England’s most respected piano artists. The concert program includes diverse symphonic selections ranging from Mozart to Gershwin, showcasing the ensemble’s versatility and commitment to diverse repertoire:
Concert Program:
“Marriage of Figaro,” W.A. Mozart, transcribed by Earl Slocum
“Metroplex,” Robert Sheldon
“On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss,” David Holsinger
“Piano Concerto,” Arthur Honegger, transcribed by A. Douglas Wauchope (World Premiere)
“March of the Belgian Paratroopers,” P. Leemans
“First Suite in E-flat,” Gustav Holst
“Gershwin!” George Gershwin, arr. Warren Barker
Satuit Band’s Music Director Charles A. Shaffer leads this performance with expertise drawn from deep roots in music education and community bands. Shaffer holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education and brings decades of experience conducting and teaching, including growing high school and community ensembles throughout New England.
A. Douglas Wauchope, Conductor Emeritus of the Satuit Band, and transcription composer for the premiere work, is celebrated for his long and distinguished service to the ensemble. A seasoned trombonist and educator with tenures with institutions including South Shore Conservatory, New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music, Wauchope has been a fixture in the South Shore music scene for decades.
Arthur Honegger (1892–1955), the Swiss-born composer of the original “Concertino for Piano and Orchestra H.55,” was a member of the influential group Les Six. His music is known for its dynamic rhythms, poignant counterpoint, and richly expressive harmonic language — elements that come vibrantly to life in this new band transcription.
“Resonance: The Sound of Spring” is supported in part by a grant from Weymouth Cultural Council, a local agency supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
All are welcome to this afternoon of superb community music-making and a rare opportunity to hear a new work unveiled by one of the region’s most beloved musical ensembles. For more information about the fully accessible concert venue Old South Union Church, visit
oldsouthunion.org. To learn more about the Satuit Band, becoming a member, its summer concert season, or to donate to support the ensemble, visit
satuitband.com, and follow The Satuit Band on Facebook.
About the Satuit Band
Founded in 1933, active for more than nine decades, the Satuit Band is a community symphonic concert band, based in Scituate, Massachusetts, dedicated to enriching the cultural and musical life of Boston’s South Shore. The ensemble serves as an artistic home for student and adult non-professional instrumentalists, providing opportunities to continue performing in a high-quality, organized ensemble beyond high school or college.
The Satuit Band’s mission is to foster musical excellence, community engagement, and lifelong learning through the performance of diverse and engaging symphonic band repertoire, under the leadership of Charles A Shaffer, music director. Each summer, the Band presents an average of 14 free public concerts throughout the South Shore, including Scituate, Hull, Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell, and surrounding communities, reaching thousands of residents and visitors annually. Over the decades, the Satuit Band has entertained and inspired hundreds of thousands of patrons and remains a cherished cultural tradition in the region.
The instrumental ensemble numbers between 60 to 100 members of all teen and adult ages annually, serving as a living bridge between generations, offering a rare stage where students perform shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned adult musicians. Through mentorship and performance, students gain confidence, technical skill, and exposure to professional ensemble standards — experiences that often inspire them to continue in music education or community arts.
To learn more about the Satuit Band, becoming a member, its concert season, or to donate to support the ensemble, visit
satuitband.com, and follow The Satuit Band on Facebook.
