Sterling College’s Symphonic Band is turning up the volume and bringing down the house with Confusical Popcert #26: Legends of Rock, set for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27 in Culbertson Auditorium. The high-voltage concert is free and open to the public and promises to be a thrilling tribute to the icons of rock music – from Elvis to Queen, The Beatles to Bon Jovi.

Why Legends of Rock? “Why not?” says Director Larry Brownlee with a grin. “The music is energetic, exciting, and just plain fun to listen to. And it’s a great way to close out the school year.”

The concert is a musical time machine, featuring 37 legendary songs from 11 iconic artists, ten of whom have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The audience can expect unforgettable arrangements of hits from Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf, Chicago, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Journey, Queen, Guns N’ Roses, and Bon Jovi.

The program includes electrifying jazz band arrangements like “Make Me Smile” by Chicago and “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses – works that push the ensemble with complex rhythms and dynamic flair. A symphonic arrangement of a Led Zeppelin medley brings the raw energy of rock into a full concert band setting in what Brownlee calls “a great arrangement that puts the rock band into a symphonic setting in a very exciting way.”

While the driving rock beats are the stars of the show, Brownlee says there are also beautiful ballads sprinkled throughout to offer contrast and showcase the band’s dynamic range. “The students have really grown as musicians this year,” he adds. “Their sight-reading skills, technical precision, and ability to handle challenging pieces have all improved. It shows in the quality of this performance.”

While students are most familiar with legends like Elvis and The Beatles, the full range of selections spanning generations of rock – offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping anthems and beautiful ballads to keep the experience varied and compelling for all listeners.

Brownlee expects audiences will be swept up in the energy. “The music is very energetic and just fun to listen to,” he said. “And there are also some beautiful ballads that break up the power of the heavier songs.”

More than just a great concert, Legends of Rock is also an opportunity to appreciate the historical and cultural roots of popular music. “Rock music is a part of our heritage,” said Brownlee. “It evolved out of blues, country, and jazz in the 1940s and ’50s and was hugely influential in shaping today’s music.”

The concert is offered free of charge and will also be live streamed on the Sterling College Music Facebook page. In addition to the concert, year-end band awards will also be presented.