The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble, and The NOVA Alexandria Band!

What better way to enjoy the holidays than with ‘Joy to the World,’ featuring Paul Klontz on Trumpet!  Although the renowned work was originally written in 1719  by English Composer Isaac Watts, we most often are enjoying the  American arrangement by Lowell Mason.

The spirit of peace was elaborated through ‘Carol of the Bells’, a Ukrainian Folk Song written in 1914 by Mykola Leontovych. 

The work is about generosity and proclaiming a bountiful new year for all.  It was later arranged in 1922, by American Composer, Wilhousky for a performance by the Ukranian National Chorus at Carnegie Hall.

A rhythmic rendition of Winter Wonderland featured our own Philip Tinnin on drum set.  The famed song was originally inspired by the sight of fresh fallen snow in Honesdale Pennsylvania.

Alondra Gutierrez-Rivera,  A.J. Foley. and Emma Brush had just as much fun singing Winter Wonderland during the rehearsal before the hall opened!

The warmth of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’

This was soon followed by rousing rendition of Hine Ma Tov featuring Tom Munger on tambourine and dancers:

Alondra Gutierrez Rivera, Lillian Jeng, Marissa Mulero, Preet Singh, Cecilia Brakffield, Jackie Cohan, Roberta Comer, Bailey Lee, Na Lin, Daniela Santos, Carol Uri, Ana Vaquerano, Huy Anh Le, Isaiah Dillard-Scott, Johnny Lazo, Carment Mendoz, Aj Foley, and Daniel Hall.

The Chorus inspired us all with Three Carols: Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas before ending with Beethoven’s An die Freude (Ode to Joy), from his Symphony No. 9!

Ally Richardson and Mary Yee singing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.

Our next ensemble, under the direction of Shannon Gunn, brought us a set of great holiday numbers Jazz Style!  The NOVA Nighthawks began their set with Let it Snow!, Let it Snow!, Let Snow!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Adonnis Colindres-Rosado Performing, ‘When your Smiling’ by Shay and Fisher.

The group followed with Frank Foster’s Shiney Stockings and Thad Jones ‘A Child is Born.’

The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyBefore we knew it we were being serenaded by Bob Coyne and Regina Begliutti with, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ by  by Frank Loesser.

Hat’s off to The NOVA Nighthawkes!

After a short intermission it was time for the NOVA Alexandria Band directed by Dr. Lisa Eckstein!  The first piece was Overture to a Winter Celebration by James Stephenson.

Carol of the Drum by Katherine Davis sent us on an unexpected and familiar journey.

A Rollicking Hanukkah

Heather Planey and the NOVA Alexandria Band performing Roger Zare’s December Lullaby.

The evening ended with a phenomenal ‘Sleigh Ride’ written by Leroy Anderson.

Another amazing Holiday Concert has to come to an end.  If you enjoyed this evening please come back support our Spring Concerts!

SPRING 2023

Thursday, February 23, 2023: A Children’s Concert featuring:

The NOVA Alexandria Band and special guests:

· March 28 (7:30pm concert): A Tribute to Gospel Concert

• March 31st 7:30pm – Solo Violin Recital with Loop Pedel by Visiting Artist Sarah Whitney.  ROOM 118 of the NOVA Alexandria AFA (Fine Arts Building) at the Alexandria Campus. 

• April 18, 2023, 8 pm in Schlesinger Hall

• April 27 (8pm concert): The NOVA Symphony Orchestra at the Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria!

PROGRAM:
Aaron Copland. Fanfare for the Common Man.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17.

• May 5 (8pm concert): NOVA Music Dept. Spring Concert with the choir, jazz, and concert band ensembles.