A SAXSATIONAL EVENING — The Headwaters Council for the Performing Arts (HCPA) presented “SAXsational with Rob Verdi” at the Northland Pines school auditorium in Eagle River last Friday, giving students a chance to perform with a professional musician. Verdi, a Los Angeles–based saxophonist with Disney’s entertainment division, joined Northland Pines High School Band Director Bethany Puffer to lead students in a program that included “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Tequila,” and the “Pink Panther” theme. The event also honored the legacy of longtime music educator David E. Anderson. —Staff Photos By CHRISTINA BRANDMEIER
With only one 90-minute rehearsal, students delivered solos — some planned, others improvised when Verdi tapped them on the shoulder.
Area musicians, including Laura and Gerry Plank (pictured), performed with students, along with Crandon High School participants.
Anderson was Eagle River’s band and choral director from 1952 to 1985 and a founding member of HCPA, remembered as an influential educator and community arts advocate.
The performance was supported by the David E. Anderson Fine Arts Student Outreach Fund, established by Lori (Anderson) Sommerfield and her siblings after their father’s death.
Sommerfield displays her father’s memorabilia, previously exhibited at Olson Memorial Library.
Sommerfield and her sister, Terri, pose before the show honoring their father.
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