On Thursday, March 7th we gathered in the concert hall at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center for a great evening of music and fun, all around.
The NOVA Community Band began the evening with The Thunderer by John Philip Sousa, followed by Children’s March “Over the Hills and Far Away” by percent Grainger.
Clarinet soloists, Brian Jones and Charles West joined the band for Il Convegno by Amilcare Ponchielli. Hearing them together was a treat! What incredible nuance!
Trombonist Harry Watters took the crowd with Cherokee by Ray Noble and Over the Rainbow, by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. What a phenomenal stage presence!
The last piece from The Band for their first performance section, offered up a beautiful World Premiere by composer Robert Thurston, titled “Civil Discourse” which featured Dennis Edelbrock on Trumpet. The piece’s complexities and journey was stunningly written and we were lucky to have Robert Thurston in the audience to hear it performed.
The George Mason Elementary School Jazz Band rocked the house with Michael Sweeney’s “Blue Machine” and the Sesame Street Theme by Joe Raposo. Director, Heather Rosner, has everyone at a superb level of musicianship.
The annual Recognition for Student Winners from Alexandria City public Schools in the Visual and Performing Arts Categories of the National PTA Reflections Program was another heart-felt moment. Each student winner had the opportunity to tell the audience about their award.
The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Richard Seracino, performedDouble Play by Carl Strommen, Buckjump by Troy Andrews and Mdke Ballard, and Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder.
The final number of the night brought school children from area elementary and middle schools together with the NOVA Alexandria Band.
They all played Havana and Fanfare and Fireworks!!! What a great experience it was for everyone!!!
Please join us at The Torpedo Factory in Alexandria for a great benefit concert with the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble!
Also, PLEASE COME TO THE LAST CONCERT OF THE SEASON!
May 3rd, 8:00-9:30PM at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center!
We will have a combined concert featuring ALL of our ensembles! The Community Choir, The NOVA Alexandria Community Band and the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Band!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
For more information contact Lisa Eckstein at Leckstein@nvcc.edu