(Kent Kraft/For the Gazette) Conductor Micah Erickson leads the Copper Country Community Band during their concert Thursday evening in Houghton.

HOUGHTON — The Copper Country Community Band kicked off their summer programming with a concert at the Portage Lake United Church on Thursday, June 11. With several dozen performers and two directors, the band performed nine songs for the audience.

Micah Erickson, band director at Lake Linden-Hubbell Schools, welcomed everyone attending in person and virtually, and led the band through the first two songs of the night. The first piece was one he found appropriate for summers in the U.P., a piece titled “Danza Zanzare” which, translated, means “Dance of the Mosquitoes.” During the fast-paced tune, brass players took out their mouth pieces to mimic the buzzing of mosquitoes and between the percussion and clapping, the attempts at those getting bit to rid themselves of the pesky bugs.

While Erickson directed the first two pieces, co-director Amy Johnson, band director at Dollar Bay Schools, was in the band playing saxophone. She took over directing the next three songs, and Erickson joined the band to add his trombone to their sound.

Erickson took over directing another two songs, then Johnson led the band through the final two songs, concluding the event with Sousa’s “Liberty Bell.” In between songs during the performance, both Erickson and Johnson addressed the audience with reasons behind their choices, explanations of how pieces they were about to hear were arranged to convey certain emotions or reactions, and even a few jokes.

“Directing this band makes my music heart happy,” said Johnson during one interlude. She has been with the Copper Country Community Band for a few years now and enjoys the experience. “I have 15 students in band at my school, and then I get here and see I have four horns, and tubas, and more.”

The larger band allows her to pick out musical pieces she just doesn’t have the numbers for with her school work, she said.

Erickson expressed a similar sentiment.

“There are certain pieces even my high school students just aren’t ready for, but I can bring them to a larger band like this with great musicians,” he said.

This was mentioned before conducting “Highlights from Wicked” which he was very excited to perform with the band.

Both Erickson and Johnson made sure to express they love their work with their school bands as well, and being able to do both is exciting and engaging work. In order to keep performing every summer, they need donations for the Copper Country Community Band which people can give during their concerts.

While the band also performed at the May 1 benefit concert, this concert was their official start to their summer schedule which includes performances on June 25 at Daniell Park in Laurium, July 6 at the Keweenaw Heritage Center in Calumet, July 15 at the Calumet Theatre, July 29 at Chassell Farmers Market, and Aug. 20 at Lake Linden Park. All concerts are at 7 p.m., except the Calumet Theatre which is at 7:30 p.m.

Erickson and Johnson encourage the public to keep an eye on the Copper Country Community Band’s Facebook page to get updates and announcements about their performances.