Briefs November 16, 2010

| November 16, 2010 8:00 PM

Middle school bands to play at NIC gathering

More than 300 middle school students from throughout the region will perform with the North Idaho College Wind Symphony in the annual "Gathering of the Bands" concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17 in the Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center.

This annual event brings together eighth-grade band members from area middle schools for a joint performance with peers and mentors. Student groups will perform under the direction of guest conductors Ryan Dignan, Sandpoint Middle School band director; Lee Shook, band director at Northwood Middle School in Spokane; and Dave Weatherred the music and arts supervisor for School District 81 in Spokane.

This year's concert is themed "A Salute to Veterans" and will focus on patriotic pieces. Highlights include well-known theater performer and local music teacher Julie Powell's vocal rendition of "The Minstrel Boy" and "Lonely Beach," which is a musical re-enactment of the Allied troops landing at Normandy. All of the bands will join together for the performance of John Phillip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever March" as the concert's grand finale.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Information: (208) 769-3276

Kids' book drive is Wednesday

A "Books for Tots" drive is set for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Tito Macaroni's, 210 Sherman Ave.

The Coeur Group is organizing the event to collect books for under-priviledged children in the area. The public is welcome to bring new books for kids up to 12 years old.

RSVP to Buddy Le at 964-2056 or buddy@cdagalleries.com

Road Safe Class set for Saturday

The Idaho State Police will hold a Road Safe Class on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 9 a.m. at the Idaho State Police Region Office, 615 W. Wilbur Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

This is a classroom setting designed to educate drivers of all ages on the typical problems associated with winter road conditions in Idaho. There is no cost for the class.

Please call (208) 209-8620 Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to reserve a seat. Class size is limited to 60 people.