The evening NOVA Holiday Concert began with Chad Steffey directing the NOVA Community Choir in Magnificat in C Major, D. 486 by Franz Schubert.  Soprano – Shelby Young, Altos – Halina Banas-Jones & Jackie Cohen, Tenor – Dave Shepherd and Bass singer Dylan Nohilly performed beautifully.

This was followed by, “In the Bleak of Winter” by Harold Darke, featuring Tenor Marcos Sonnenber-Nieves and Soprano, Barbara Shepherd.

It was so wonderful to hear a variety of holiday works.  “Ocho Kandelikas” Landino Song for Channukah, by Flory Jagoda was lovely and the final choral work was simple and beautiful, “A Merry Christmas” West Country traditional Song, arranged by Arthur Warrell.

The Jazz Ensemble was on it!  Their holiday program included, “Mary Did you Know?” by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green.

They did a great rendition of Gordin Goodwind’s jazz arrangement for Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing/

Jay Livingston and Ray Evans’ Silver Bells was a huge hit.

Of course the biggest surprise was a jazzy Joy to the World. We were all so excited during the applause, I accidentally got of this fun image : )

The NOVA Alexandria Band was at the ready, for the next section. We began with A Chanukah Celebration, arranged by David Bobrowitz.

I love it when the band don a great cap!

Minor Alterations: Christmas Through the Looking Glass by David Lovrien, followed, just before Greensleeves.

The students have been working hard all semester and this was a perfect night to shine!  They all did an amazing job!

The Christmas March was really fun!

For the finale, Lisa turned to the audience to conduct the Singalong, Christmas Finale!  The lyrics were on the back of the program : )

The audience really enjoyed it!

We were luckily joined by our NOVA leadership!  President Ralls, our Alexandria Provost, Annette Haggray and The Dean of the Arts, David Epstein were all in attendance.

The concert was huge hit and the round of applause was rewarding for all.

The students work so hard in all our Music Programs, between the Band, Choir and Jazz Band and this is their big opportunity to perform for family and friends.  We really appreciate your support.

Please Join us for our next, wonderful evening Concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center!  The Band will be putting on the Annual Children’s Concert!  Thursday, March 7th, 2019 at 7:30 pm.  The Concert will feature special guest soloists: Trumpeter Dennis Edelbrock, Trombonist Harry Watters, and clarinetists Brian Jones and Charles West! We will also provide the world premier of a piece by composer Robert Thurston!  Joining us will be The George Mason Elementary School Jazz Band, The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble, The Alexandria City Public Schools Student Finalists in the National PTA Reflections Program and the band will be joined by area School Band and Orchestra Students!!!  It’s going to be quite the night!!!!

For more information, please contact Lisa Eckstein leckstein@nvcc.edu