by Timberly Kazmarek Marbes
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2024 Digital Issue
On a balmy July afternoon last summer, a 32,000 square foot hangar at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (KGRB) transformed into a symphonic haven, resonating with the majestic melodies of an orchestra concert. The Civic Symphony of Green Bay (a volunteer community orchestra) partnered with Pilotsmith (one of the largest flight schools in Wisconsin) to present a unique event merging the worlds of music and aviation.
At the heart of the celebration was a commitment to community accessibility. The concert aimed to break down barriers to cultural engagement, inviting families, aviation enthusiasts, and music aficionados alike to partake in the festivities. Through the generosity of several sponsors – especially Charlie Smith and Al Timmerman’s donation of the Pilotsmith/Jet Air Group hangar as a venue – the event was free of charge and open to all.
From the moment the hangar doors slid open at noon, attendees were greeted with an assortment of family-friendly activities, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
For aspiring aviators, Pilotsmith beckoned with the promise of flight simulator adventures and insights into the world of aviation. Pilotsmith has five Wisconsin locations and provides training for private pilots, instrument ratings, and multi-engine, commercial, and certified flight instructor certificates. Several flight instructors were on hand to answer questions about pilot careers and recreational flying. The biggest hit of the event was the full-motion simulator where people lined up all afternoon to test their flying skills.
Heid Musics “petting zoo” allowed budding musicians to try various string, wind, and percussion instruments under the guidance of volunteer musicians from the Civic Symphony. The sounds (and sometimes ensuing laughter) echoed throughout the cavernous hangar space. Heid Music offers lessons and instrument rentals at their locations throughout Wisconsin.
The atmosphere buzzed with creativity as children crafted souvenir popsicle-stick kazoos which could convert into airplanes – a perfectly-themed keepsake toy for the occasion! Vibrant designs adorned the children’s faces, courtesy of Face Painting by Lori & Friends. Small handcrafted wooden trucks donated by Rick’s Toybox, Inc. put smiles on many little faces.
The concert unfolded with music celebrating the spirit of flight and the essence of patriotism. Special guest vocalists Darren and Shelly Johnson from Daddy D Productions lent their talents to the show. Concertgoers enjoyed many flying-themed selections, such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Come Fly With Me,” and “Danger Zone” from Top Gun. Plus there were moving renditions of “Summer Wind” and “Over the Rainbow.” Many in the audience sang along, and some even got up to dance in the aisles.
The orchestra brought a little humor and programming creativity with “Gonna Fly Now,” from Rocky, the flying broomstick song from Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone, and the flying theme from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. A virtuosic arrangement of “Flight of the Bumblebee” highlighted some of the ensemble’s principle players.
The patriotic half of the repertoire contained toe-tapping Sousa marches, “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America the Beautiful,” and music from Band of Brothers. Veterans and enlisted members of the military stood to be honored during “Armed Forces Salute,” a medley of the hymns of the five branches of the military.
Against this backdrop of artistic expression, static displays showcased an array of aircraft. Dan Fulwiler brought his historic Dornier, Charlie Smith of Pilotsmith displayed his SR20, the Civil Air Patrol brought their Cessna 182T, and Dennis Martin arrived in a rotorcraft from Enstrom Helicopter. Attendees could take a look inside the aircraft and ask the pilots questions. Austin Straubel Airport drove their enormous snow removal equipment so people could get an idea of what’s needed to keep the airport’s 3.1 miles of runways (not to mention taxiways and ramps) clear of snow in winter!
With food trucks on site, patrons could purchase lunch and snacks to sustain them through the afternoon’s activities. There was free parking at neighboring Oneida Bingo and Casino, along with a complimentary shuttle bus to the venue. The nonprofit orchestra raised funds with free-will donations and a raffle drawing for a discovery flight through Pilotsmith and season tickets for the Civic Symphony of Green Bay.
More than 1,200 people attended the free family-friendly event last summer, and the orchestra is planning an encore performance this year on June 15, the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend. This year’s repertoire will consist of father-themed and patriotic music, with special guests from the Lake Effect Barbershop Quartet. Jet Air Group will again offer free fly-in parking at the FBO and a fuel discount for all fly-in aircraft.
The Civic Symphony of Green Bay (CSGB) has been testing strategies to attract new patrons to the world of orchestral music. Their slogan is “Music you like, by people you know,” and they often partner with other local organizations to share music in unique and interesting ways.
In November 2022, the orchestra presented its “Gridiron Gala with the Symphony” in the iconic Lambeau Field Atrium. The dance music concert also included optional dance lessons from Green Bay Ballroom dance instructors, behind-the-scenes stadium tours, and a buffet dinner in the balcony overlooking the atrium.
CSGB’s “Film Favorites” concert shared music from movies, plus bonus features where, rather than asking patrons to keep all phones turned off and out of sight, they were invited to use their devices to participate and learn more about the music. Their interactive website included trivia questions about the composers and pieces, real-time program notes, and a camera angle of the conductor from the musicians’ POV.
Earlier this year, more than 100 student musicians joined CSGB on stage to demonstrate the “Musician’s Journey: Beginner to Adult.” Students were welcomed from the Suzuki Academy of Green Bay, De Pere Middle School Orchestra, Green Bay East High School Chamber Orchestra, and St. Norbert College String Orchestra, along with winners of CSGB’s biennial concerto competition which gives scholarships to talented student musicians.
The “CSGB @ GRB” event kicks off the orchestra’s 30th anniversary season. Other planned concerts throughout 2024-2025 include a food and music collaboration with the culinary students at Preble High School, the choral masterwork Carmina Burana with 300-plus singers, a brand-new orchestral composition about King Arthur, and an entire program devoted to music from video games. More information about the Civic Symphony of Green Bay and their upcoming season can be viewed at gbcivic.org.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Timberly Kazmarek Marbes is the executive director of the Civic Symphony of Green Bay, leading the organization’s strategic efforts, grant writing, and marketing activities. She is also their principal clarinet performer and music librarian. Timberly enjoys photography and traveling, and lives in Ashwaubenon, Wis., with her husband Dan who serves as CSGB’s board president, plays principal trumpet, and is an instrument-rated commercial pilot.