The Royal Oak Concert Band will close out its 2024-25 indoor season with a vibrant, multimedia celebration of the natural world.

The concert, entitled Nature’s Wonders, is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, in the auditorium of Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave.

Themed around the sights and sounds of the Earth’s natural beauty, the performance promises to immerse audiences in a symphonic journey through forests, oceans and skies, complete with visuals and vocals.

“We wanted to create a concert that captures the emotional and sensory experience of being in nature,” said Emily Borus, the band’s executive director. “Music is a powerful way to evoke imagery, and we found a treasure trove of compositions that bring to life everything from the grandeur of the redwoods to the joy of a summer day.”

The concert is part of the band’s regular indoor season, which features four themed concerts between September and May. Nature’s Wonders will showcase both the Royal Oak Concert Band and its sister ensemble, the Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra, in a shared program that highlights the versatility and community spirit of the local musical institutions.

The jazz ensemble opens the concert, under the direction of Jim Cann. The 18-piece jazz group will perform a dynamic set featuring beloved standards such as “Summertime,” “Tangerine” and “How High the Moon,” with guest vocalist Re’Monda Sheffield lending her smooth and expressive voice to the selections.

“She has a stunning voice that really brings the music to life,” Borus said. “Re’Monda adds a rich, soulful layer to the concert experience.”

Following the jazz set, the Royal Oak Concert Band will take the stage, led by longtime conductor Kevin R. Czarnik. The program includes pieces that musically depict natural settings and elements — “The Redwoods” by Rosanno Galante, “Under the Sea” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and “Earth, Wind and Fire,” among others. A highlight will be “Singin’ in the Rain,” performed with vocalist Sarah Bem.

The band’s performance will be accompanied by a curated slideshow projected above the stage, featuring nature photography submitted by band members, friends and family. The visuals, selected to match the mood and setting of each piece, offer a multi-sensory experience for the audience.

“It’s a way to bring the audience even closer to the music,” Borus said. “You hear the notes and feel the emotion — and now you’ll see the places we’re playing about. It’s personal, moving and a great example of community creativity.”

ROCB has deep roots in Royal Oak, dating back to its founding in 1963 as part of Oakland Community College’s adult education program. It later transitioned into a standalone community band, offering adults of all ages the opportunity to make music together.

“We’re a volunteer organization,” Borus explained. “Aside from a small honorarium for our directors, everyone involved is here for the love of music. That spirit is what makes our performances so meaningful.”

Following Nature’s Wonders, the band will head outdoors for a trio of free summer concerts that shift from nature-themed to crowd-pleasing patriotic and Broadway favorites. The summer series kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the Madison Heights Active Adult Center. On Monday, June 23, the band performs on the patio of the Royal Oak Senior Center, and on Wednesday, June 25, both ROCB and WAJO will appear together at Clawson City Park as part of the city’s Fourth of July celebrations.

“These concerts are informal, fun and free to attend,” Borus said.