February 23rd, marked another amazing Children’s Concert! Our director, Dr. Lisa Eckstein, began the NOVA Alexandria Band’s program, with “Flourishes!” by William Owens. A wonderfully dynamic and inspirational opening to a fun-filled evening!
Lisa Eckstein conducts The NOVA Alexandria Band for ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
The was followed by Matt Bandman’s World Premier of his work “Red Rocks Saga. Matt has been composing since high school and waht started as a hobby has turned into a passion.
Matt Bandman conducts the world premier of his work, “Red Rocks Saga with The NOVA Alexandria Band for ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
He has received multiple recent commission offers and has become a published composer with Chris Sharp music publications. Between 2018-2022, the NOVA band premiered two of his works: Roses of Galante and The Tattered Flag.
Matt Bandman conducts the world premier of his work, “Red Rocks Saga with The NOVA Alexandria Band for ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Our next special guest, Denny Edelbrock, joined the band for Alberto Pestalozza’s , “Ciribiribin.” As with every other year we all begin to hold onto our hats as Denny takes us on a lively musical journey! Denny has been described by the Washington Post as having “incredible technique” and performing with “reckless abandon.”
Denny Edelbrock joins the stage to perform with The NOVA Alexandria Band for ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
He has a performing career spanning 48 states and 14 countries. He was member of the U.S. Army Band and the Army Brass Quintet for 35 years.
Denny Edelbrock performs Ciribirbin, with The NOVA Alexandria Band for ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
He was performed at the White House, state funerals, inaugurations, and, “in recent years, …with the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets, The New York Metropolitin Opera, recorded with The National Symphony Orchestra and was featured as a soloist in Messiah for the world’s first webcast, Opening Ceremonies for the Olympic Games, and been on NBC’s Today Show and NPR’s Prairie Home Companion. And that doesn’t even cover his recording for movie soundtracks!
Denny Edelbrock performs Ciribirbin, with The NOVA Alexandria Band for ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
The Band’s next musical serving was the famed, “Raider’s March by John Williams. The energy filled the hall!
Lisa Eckstein conducts The NOVA Alexandria Band for ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
And for the last piece by the Band, we had Leroy Anderson’s Bugler’s Holiday was performed by nine trumpeters!!! Steven Blake, Alfredo Hernandez Cruz, Jack Dusek, Dennis Edelbrock, Julius Gatto, Josh Redhelm, Alex Tavares, Elizabeth Todd and Dawn Wilson.
(Alphabetical order): Steven Blake, Alfredo Hernandez Cruz, Jack Dusek, Dennis Edelbrock, Julius Gatto, Josh Redhelm, Alex Tavares, Elizabeth Todd and Dawn Wilson performing “Bugler’s Holiday.” with The NOVA Alexandria Band for ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
After a short intermission, The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble enjoyed the stage!
The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Director Richard Seracino programed a phenomenal set beginning with Billy Strayhorn’s “Take the ‘A’ Train.
The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Moondance by Van Morrison was the second musical work.
The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
This was followed by The George Mason Elementary School Gyil Ensemble, under the direction of Heather Rosner, performing the African song Na Wa Seb.
The George Mason Elementary School Gyil Ensemble, under the direction of Heather Rosner, performing at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Finally Paul Norris directed the Swanson Middle School Jazz Ensemble!
Swanson Middle School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Paul Norris at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
They began with Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham
Swanson Middle School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Paul Norris at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.Swanson Middle School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Paul Norris at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
“Just Before I Close my Eyes” by Larry Neeck.
Swanson Middle School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Paul Norris at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Grand Finale was a combined performance of school children from area elementary and middle schools, all performing with The NOVA Alexandria Band!
Lisa Eckstein conducts The NOVA Alexandria Band and guest students and teachers at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.Lisa Eckstein conducts The NOVA Alexandria Band and guest students and teachers at ‘A Children’s Concert’ on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
We swing into the Finale with, “Great Beginnings” by Michael Kamuf.
Our last piece of the evening is a huge fan favorite… Surfin’ U.S.A by Chuck Berry and Brian Wilson.
What a phenomenal way to end a truly exciting evening!
A huge thanks to all the students, schools and participating teachers! Our Grand Finale included students from:
Arlington Science Focus Elementary, Charles Barrett Elementary, Francis C. Hammond Middle School, George Mason Elementary, Swanson Middle School, Williamsburg Middle School
And to our participating teachers:
Michelle Shine, Erin Flynn-Pace, Dawn Wilson, Heather Rosner, Rick Seracino, Paul Norris Daniel Edwards.
To enjoy more music, please join us for our upcoming concerts:
· March 28 (7:30pm concert): A Tribute to Gospel Concert
Featuring the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble & Special Guests!
• April 18, 2023, 8 pm in Schlesinger Hall
The NOVA Community Chorus with special guests from The U.S. Army Chorus and the Arlington Community Chorus. Selections include The Battle Hymn of the Republic, a world premiere of Peace Restored by Dr. Jonathan Kolm, movements from Dona Nobis Pacem by Vaughan Williams, Hope Lingers On and Shalom by Dan Forrest.
• 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.
And this summer in the Northern Virginia Community College Fine Arts Building, room 118 we will have The NOVA Symphony Orchestra!
We Hope to See You There!
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