All posts by bconley

Band, Chorus, Concerts, Jazz, Music Department, Orchestra

2023 Upcoming NOVA Spring Concerts!

January 17, 2023 bconley

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

Featuring the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble & Special Guests!

• Master class with Sarah Whitney

Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 2:00pm-4:00pm in room AFA-118

• Solo Violin Recital with Loop Pedel by Visiting Artist Sarah Whitney.

(As a soloist, Sarah has collaborated with the Alvin Ailey and Jose Limon dance companies, as well as featured on-stage with Adele, Ellie Goulding, the Transiberian Orchestra, NAS, Jeff Beck, Tommy Lee, Father John Misty. Active as a recording artist, Sarah has performed on albums with Darlene Love, Josh Ritter, Stephen Kellogg and can be heard on William Bolcom’s Grammy-winning album ‘The Songs of Innocence and Experience’. She has performed electric-violin with DJ’s Doug E. Fresh and DJ Spooky, as well as opened for Jennifer Hudson and Diana Ross.).

• 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.

Band, Choir, Chorus, Concerts, Jazz

A Holiday Concert: Joy To The World

December 8, 2022 bconley

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

The NOVA Community Chorus during, ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

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.

Trumpeter Paul Klontz performing Joy to the World with The NOVA Community Chorus during, ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

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

The NOVA Community Chorus Performing ‘Carol of the Bells’ during ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

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.

Tatiana Loisha performing with The NOVA Community Choir at The Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

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.

Philip Tinnin performing Winter Wonderland with the NOVA Community Chorus as part of the NOVA Holiday concert ODE To JOY on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

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

Alondra Gutierrez-Rivera. A.J. Foley. Emma Brush singing Winter Wonderland during the rehearsal for the NOVA Holiday concert ODE To JOY on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

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.

Ally Richardson and Mary Yee perform Ode To Joy with The NOVA Community Chorus during ‘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 Conley

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!

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 Conley

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

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

Adonnis Colindres-Rosado Performing, ‘When your Smiling’ with 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 Conley

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.

Lisa Eckstein directs the NOVA Alexandria Band performance of Overture to a Winter Celebration 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 Conley

NOVA Alexandria Band 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 Conley

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

Former Director of the NOVA Alexandria Band performing, Carol of the Drum with the band 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 Conley

A Rollicking Hanukkah

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

Heather Planey performing with the NOVA Alexandria Band 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 Conley

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

Featuring the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble & Special Guests!

• 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.

Concerts, Orchestra

Let Freedom Ring: The NOVA Symphony Orchestra

November 15, 2022 bconley

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra, directed by Christopher Johnson at the “Let Freedom Ring” concert on Friday, November 11th, 2022 at 8:00pm at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

One of the many great gifts one gets by coming to the NOVA Symphony Orchestra concerts, is that Maestro Christopher Johnston spends great time considering and writing phenomenal program notes. Usually, only the guests get to read all about music. I think his notes are best served with a side of photographs from the wonderful concert.

We began with the famed Overture to William Tell by Rossini!

“Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) was one of the most celebrated Italian composers of the 19th century and consequently enjoyed widespread success, prestige, and wealth during his life. He was one of the most prolific opera composers, and William Tell was his thirty-ninth and final opera. the four-act opera is based on Friedrich Schiller’s play (“Wilhelm Tell”), which tells the story of William Tell, an archer and Swiss hero who helps to liberate Switzerland from Austrian Occupation. Though the opera is rarely performed, the overture (the introduction to the opera) remains a concert favorite.”

“The overture is divided into four sections: 1 Dawn, a lyrical cello quintet, 2 Storm, a musical representation of the onset and retreat of a violent thunderstorm, 3 Ranch des Vaches (“call of the cows”), a pastorale featuring an English horn and flute duet, and 4) Finale: March of the Swiss Soldiers, a dynamic gallop heralded by trumpets and played by the full orchestra. Much of Rossini’s musical motives have become mainstays of popular culture. Most notably, the melody from the Finale has been cemented into radio and television history as the opening theme to the radio and TV version of The Lone Ranger”

Symphony No. 1 in A-flat major, “Afro-American” by William Grant Still.

Composed in 1930, William Grant Still’s (1895-1978) Symphony No.1 “Afro-American,” was the first written by a African American and performed for a United States audience by a leading orchestra. Premiered in 1913 by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and later published in 1935, it it a symphonic form with blues progressions and rhythms characteristic of popular African-American music at the time. Still sought to demonstrate how the blues could be raised to the highest musical rank, as it was often considered to be music that was not appropriate for the concert hall.

The symphony comprises four movements: Longing,” “Sorrow,” “Humor,” and “Aspiration.” The second is calm and reflective of the movement. The third movement creates a light-hearted, celebratory atmosphere using fast rhythmic patterns accompanied by tenor banjo. The fourth opens with a somber melody in the strings and closes with a grandiose and satisfying finale in the minor mode.

“The Old Boatman”

Florence Prince (1887-1953) originally composed “The Old Boatman” for solo piano, specifically for the benefit of her developing piano students. Upon hearing it , Dana Paul Perna found it very reminiscent of Edvard Grieg, specifically his “Lyric Pieces,” and ” and 19 Norwegian Folk Tunes,” Op 66. With that in mind, he proceeded to score her work in the literal transcription for string orchestra in 2002. Upon the advice of conductor, John McLaughlin Williams, Perna extended his initial transcription of Price’s piece, completing the more comprehensive arrange heard this evening.

The world premiere of this arrangement took place on October 19, 2017, at MATCH (Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston) in Houston, Texas by Orchestra Unlimited under the direction of Kirk Smith.

Finlandia, Op. 26

Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) composed Finlandia in 1899 and revised it in 1900. It was an agreed upon contribution by the composer to the Press Celebrations of 1899, a covert protest against increasing censorship from the Russian Empire. It was the last of seven pieces performed as an accompaniment to a tableau depicting episodes from Finnish History.

The premiere was on July 2, 1990, in Helsinki with the Helsinki Philharmonic Society conducted by Robert Kajamus. To avoid Russian censorship, Finlandia had to be performed under alternative names at various musical concerts. Famous examples include Happy Feelings at the awakening of Finnish Spring, and A Scandinavian Choral March.

Most of the piece is taken up with rousing and turbulent music, evoking the national struggle of the Finish people. Toward the end , a calm comes over the orchestra, and a sense of melodic hymn is heard. Often incorrectly cited as a traditional folk melody, the hymn section is of Sibelius’s own creation.

“Victory at Sea”

After retiring from the service in 1948, Henry “Pete” Salomon began work on developing the concept for a “telementary” that would chronicle the US Navy’s war-winning efforts in all theaters of conflict during World War II. The title of the work would be “Victory at Sea.”

In the year after its first broadcast (1952), “Victory at Sea” won numerous awards, including a Peabody and an Emmy, and a George Washington Medal from the Freedoms Foundation. Composer Richard Rodgers (1902-1979), fresh from his work on The King and I, also, received a Distinguished Service Award from the US Navy. His theme for “Beneath the Southern Cross.” a favorite of series theme music devotees, was given words by Oscar Hammerstein II and became the hit song “No Other Love.” In many ways, thought, it was arranger/orchestrator Robert Russell Bennett’s score, recorded by RCA and released on two LP records that had the most enduring influence and became a fixture in millions of households.

The score’s most famous fan was US Navy WWII veteran Richard M. Nixon, who was known to play it at a high volume after political victories and made it echo down the halls of the White House during his six years as president of the United States. Still played by many orchestras and radio programs on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the guns and strings of “Victory at Sea” continue to resonate in the twenty-first century.

Reception cake for The NOVA Symphony Orchestra concert “Let Freedom Ring” concert on Friday, November 11th, 2022 at 8:00pm at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

If you enjoyed coming to hear the NOVA Symphony Orchestra, please return for our upcoming concerts!

• Dec. 6, 2022 (8pm concert): NOVA Holiday Concert with the

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

Band, Concerts, Music Department

45th Anniversary Celebration Concert and Tribute to Doris Miller

October 31, 2022 bconley

Tonight’s concert celebrates the Alexandria Band’s 45th Anniversary!!!

Celebratory Cake! The 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert and Tribute to Doris Miller at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Walking through history! The 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert and Tribute to Doris Miller at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Everyone was so excited for the evening! Dr. Camphouse and Dr. Eckstein were so happy to meet with our Alexandria Provost, Dr. Haggray.

Dr. Annette Haggray, Provost of The Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, with Dr. Mark Camphouse, composer and Band Director George Mason University and Nova Alexandria Band Director, Dr. Lisa Eckstein. The 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert and Tribute to Doris Miller at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Tonight was a rare moment to bring the past to the present with an entire history of the band, set out in the foyer for all to enjoy. We begin with Dr. Robert Petrella, (aka “Dr. Bob”), who is the fouder and Director emeritus of the NOVA Alexandria Band. He founded the ensemble in 1977 with 17 members and directed the band for three decades. Now, the group has 70+ members. The band has performed at the Kennedy Center, George Washington Masonic Temple, The Old Post Office Pavilion and Georgetown University. Dr. Bob still participates in the band by playing in the clarinet section and occasionally guest contacting.

Our next director was Wendy Matthews! Dr. Wendy K. Matthews is an Associate Professor of Music Education at Kent State University. She holds degrees from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland-College Park, and George Mason University. Prior to joining the faculty at Kent State University, Dr. Matthews led the music department at Northern Virginia Community College as Assistant Dean and directed the Alexandria Campus Band, Orchestra, and Chamber Winds. Wendy directed the band between 2007 and 2012.

Currently, Lisa Eckstein (aka Dr. Ecks) is our Band Director.

Lisa is an Associate Professor Of Music, Band Director and College-wide Music Department Chair at Northern Virginia Community College. She teaches music theory, history and appreciation classes in addition to directing the band. Lisa is making her mark with collaborations with renowned professional musician and soloists from the Washington D.C. region. One of those collaborations will featured this evening with conductor and composer Mark Camphouse, who will be having his world premier of Valor and Remembrance.

Tonight we not only celebrate The NOVA Alexandria’s past and present, we also are featuring a historic hero, Doris Miller.

Our Provost opened the evening’s concert, speaking of Doris Miller and his history.

Dr. Annette Haggray, Provost of the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, speaking at the 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert and Tribute to Doris Miller at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

United States Navy Mess Attendant 2nd Class Class Miller was the first African American recipient of the Navy Cross for valor for his heroic actions on December 7, 1941 aboard the USS West Virginia.

Born in Waco, Texas on October 12, 1919, Miller enlisted in the Navy in September 1939 as a mess attendant. In 1941, African Americans were not allowed to man a gun in the Navy. In high school, Miller was a fullback, and on the West Virginia, He was the ship’s heavyweight boxing champion. Miller was collecting laundry on the West Virginia when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began. According to U.S. navy records,

“He headed for his battle station, the anti-aircraft battery magazine amidship, only to discover that torpedo damage had wrecked it, so he went on deck. Because of his great physical strength, he was assigned to carry wounded fellow sailors to places of greater safety.. Then an officer ordered him to the bridge to aid the mortally wounded captain of the ship. Although never trained to operate a machine gun, Miller manned a .50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun until he ran out of ammunition and was ordered to abandon ship.”

We begin our concert with “Legends of the Galaxy, (A Cosmic Fanfare)” by Chandler L. Wilson, assistant Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Floria State University.

The World Premier of Mark Camphouse’s, “Valor and Remembrance”. The work honors U.S. Navy Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris Miller, who was the first African American recipient of the Navy Cross, for his heroic actions aboard the USS West Virginia on December 7th, 1941 at Pearl Harbor.

Composer and Conductor Mark Camphouse. The 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert and Tribute to Doris Miller at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Valor and Remembrance completes a trilogy of works by Camphouse honoring great African Americans: Civil Rights Heroine Rosa Parks (A Movement for Rosa), Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Homage to The Dream), and Pearl Harbor hero Doris Miller. It is hoped Valor and Remembrance will help promote great awareness of and appreciation for the heroic contributions by African Americans while serving in U.S. Armed Forces in the defense of freedom.

Dr. Lisa Eckstein conducting The 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert and Tribute to Doris Miller at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Second Suite in F for Military Band by Gustav Holst.

I. March

II. Song without Words

III Song of the Blacksmith

IV Fantasia on the Dragon.

Our founder, Dr. Bob, traded places with Dr. Ecks and guest conducted Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia.

Dr. Robert Petrella Conducting Finlandia. The 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert and Tribute to Doris Miller at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Dr. Robert Petrella, founder of The NOVA Alexandria Band. The 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert and Tribute to Doris Miller at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Followed by a rousing Henry Filmore composition, The Orange Bowl. Dr. Bob, who currently also plays clarinet is so grateful to be able to continually perform with the Band.

Fantasy on an African American Spiritual.

Thank you for coming to celebrate our 45th Anniversary!!! What an amazing musical journey!

Those who were here enjoyed a post concert celebration with band. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our joy with everyone!

………………..and of course, there was cake!

Please join us again, this spring as we bring in 2023 with more music by all of the NOVA ensembles!

Choir, Chorus, Concerts

Be the Change: The NOVA Community Chorus

October 20, 2022 bconley

Our Combined Choirs began our evening concert with ‘Be the Change’ with Gandhi’s famed words, including, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This was set to the music by Marc Kaplan and Colin Britt, featuring Max Hoffman on percussion and Jane Michaels. This was followed by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays, “If I had a Hammer.”

Be The Change featuring The NOVA Alexandria Chorus, The NOVA Annandale Chorus, The Justice High School Choirs and the Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

The Justice High School Choir, directed by Miranda Lansberry, performed Malakatumba by Josu Elberdin, Hold Me, Rock Me by Brian Tate and Wau Bulan, a Malaysian Folk song.

“Wau Bulan” Malaysian Folk Song arranged by Tracy Wong. The Lyrics, Ewah buleh teraju tigo mean “Wow! The three-cornered moon.”

The Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir, directed by Mary-Hannah Klontz performed Harry Belafonte’s, “Turn the World Around,” followed by Sherrie Blevins’ “You Hold the Key” and Carly Simon’s “Let the River Run.”

The Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir. Be The Change concert featuring The NOVA Alexandria Chorus, The NOVA Annandale Chorus, The Justice High School Choirs and the Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

The Excelsior Voices Chamber Choir performed Turn the World Around, You Hold the Key and Let the River Run. Thanks to Dean Kauffman for capturing their lovely performance.

• The NOVA Annandale Chorus Performed “More Love,” featuring Aj Foley, Johnny Lazo, Huy Anh Le, Cecilia Brakefield, Alondra Gutierrez-Rivera & Preet Singh.

• The NOVA Tenor & Bass Ensemble performing Omnia Vincit Amor by John Michael Trotta. “Love conquers all. Therefore let us surrender to love”

The NOVA Alexandria Community Chorus singing Michael Bussewitz-Quarm’s “I am the Voice that Sings.”

This was followed by the NOVA Soprano and Alto Ensemble singing Weir Eilen Mit Schwachen from Cantata 78 by J.S. Bach.
The finale of the evening featured a powerhouse performance by Shawn Kirchner, singing “I’ll Be On My Way”

• Special thanks to Dean Kauffman for coming and video tapping the evening!

Join us next time at The Holiday Concert featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and The NOVA Alexandria Band!

From the entire NOVA Alexandria Music Department, Thankyou for ALL your support! Hope to see you soon!

Concerts, Jazz

NOVA Nighthawks : Frank, Ella, and Thad

October 15, 2022 bconley

The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble. This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

The Program cover for this year’s Jazz for Justice Program at Northern Virginia Community College, featured music by Frank, Ella & Thad from The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble, performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center.

What a wonderful musical evening featuring the music of The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble with special guest Sharón Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble.

As concert attendees arrived, The Jazz Chamber Ensemble Combos, taught by Cristian Perez, performed inviting standards such as; Blue Bossa, Blue Monk, and Autum Leaves, among other phenomenal jazz works.

The Jazz Chamber Ensemble with Cristian Perez.

Once in the hall, our musicians joined the audience in enjoying the Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble!

Jazz Director Doug Rogers with The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

What a wonderful group! They began the set with Blue Bossa, Sprit Song, Just Friends, Recorda Me.

James Ambrose performing with The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble

Nick Nilblock performing with the Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble.

Nick Nilblock with the Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble.This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

The ensemble also performed Duet Neal by Neal Hefti, Ham Hocks and Cabbage by Christian McBride, Self Portrait in Three Colors by Charles Mingus.

The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Duncan McCall performing Duet Neal by

Duncan McCall performing with The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble.This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

“Duet Neal” performed by the Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. Credit: Dean Kauffman.

The final two works of Wes Montgomery’s ‘Angel’ and Duke Ellington’s ‘Come Someday,’ perfectly filled the house!

The NOVA Nighthawks extraordinary first number of the evening featured a wonderful impassioned rendition of Dakota Staton’s Country Man sung by our featured guest artist, Washington D.C. standout, Sharón Clark.

Clark has brought festival and concert audiences to their feet across the U.S. and Europe. Her New York run drew raves from the NY Times and the Wall Street Journal, and she won New York’s Bistro Award for Best Vocalist.

Ms. Clark has made multiple international tours in recent years, making her debut in Israel and returning to Russia, where she has developed a major following. Her most recent release, “Do it Again – My Tribute to Shirley Horn,” is on its third printing and she grabs top honors wherever she goes.

Sharón Clark performing Country Man with The Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble, featuring Jon MacGregor on guitar, Jason Cardenas on bass and Kurt Steinbacher on drums.This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Sharón appears regularly in DC at Blues Alley and Loews Madison Hotel. A featured soloist with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, and the Baltimore Symphony, Clark has headlined the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, the Cape May Jazz Festival and the Savannah Music Festival. Both the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra on the Ludacris Foundation chose Ms. Clark to perform for. their separate tributes to Quincy Jones.

The song also featured Jon MacGregor, on guitar, Jason Cardenas on bass and Kurt Steinbacher on drums.

Kurt Steinbacher on drums performing with The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble.This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

De Angelo Palucho on Trombone. This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella and Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Frank Foster’s famed, ‘Shiny Stockings,’ featuring the sounds of Marie Himel on Tenor Sax and Mike Leahy on Also Sax.

Marie Himel on Tenor Sax, performing Shiny Stockings by Frank Foster with the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble. This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Composer Frank Foster was both a saxophonist and great jazz composer. His song Shiny Stockings wonderfully swings between upbeat accents criss crossing with melodic solos above a unified brass based collective. A beautifully written piece.

Mike Leahy on Alto Sax performing Shiny Stockings

Originally written by George Gershwin, Our Love is Here to Stay is a jazz standard famously sung by Billy Holiday among other greats. Tonight our singer Bob Coyne expressively belted out a lyrical rendition that filled the hall.

Bob Coyne singing Our Love is Here to Stay.This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Next up was the familiar melodic dance of Night and Day by Cole Porter, featuring Adonnis Colindres-Rosado.

Adonnis Colindres-Rosado sings Cole Porter’s Night and Day.This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella & Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

This year’s 27 member NOVA Nighthawks is a powerhouse ensemble under the direction of Jazz Director and trombonist Shannon Gunn.

Jazz Director and trombonist Shannon Gunn during this year’s Jazz for Justice Concert. This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella and Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella and Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Back Bone, Just one of Thad Jone’s greatest hits power-grooved the hall with many opportunities to feature our Nighthawks members!

De Angelo Palucho on trombone performing Back Bone.This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella and Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Mike “Fog” Horton on Alto Sax performing Back Bone with the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble

This was followed by a wonderfully relaxing Thad Jones standard, Kid’s are Pretty People

Marisa Guerrero on trumpet performing Kids are Pretty People by Thad Jones.This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella and Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Before we knew it, Regina Begliutti spiced up the hall with ‘Love Me or Leave Me. Donaldson and Kahn’s song, was originally performed in 1928 in the broadway show Whoopee!

Love me or leave me

Tyrone Southerland performing with The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble

With one last relaxing song, Nice N’ Easy, was wonderfully crooned by Bob Coyne.

Bob Coyne singing Nice N’ Easy. This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella and Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Before we knew it, another wonderful Jazz for Justice concert was coming to an end. Our final piece, Toshiko Akiyoshi’s Tuning Up brought the hall to a festive closing.

Mike “Fog” Horton performing with the The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble

Philip Tinnin with the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble. This year’s Jazz for Justice Program concert Frank, Ella and Thad at Northern Virginia Community College, showcased The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble featuring special guest, vocalist Sharon Clark, and The Alexandria City High School Jazz Ensemble. They performed on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

IF YOU LIKED THIS EVENING’S CONCERT, PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING US FOR OUR OTHER UPCOMING CONCERTS!

Upcoming Events & Performances

NOVA Alexandria Community Chorus Concert

October 18, 2022 | 7:30pm Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall

NOVA Alexandria Band 45th Anniversary Concert

October 27, 2022 | 8pm Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall

NOVA Symphony Orchestra

November 11, 2022 | 8pm Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall

Holiday Concert

featuring the NOVA Alexandria Community Chorus, the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble, and the NOVA Alexandria Band December 6, 2022 | 8pm
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall

Check out our blog at

https://blogs.nvcc.edu/almusic/

Like us on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/Music.At.NOVA/

Concerts

UPCOMING Concerts Fall 2022

August 10, 2022 bconley

Mark your calendars 🙂

FALL 2022 upcoming CONCERTS

Nova Alexandria Music Department Concerts at The RACHEL M. SCHLESINGER CONCERT HALL AND ARTS CENTER

4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311

FALL 2022

• Oct. 1, 2022 Art on the Ave. Music Festival: Performance at the Art on the Avenue Festival in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.

Concert Band 12-12:45

Jazz Ensemble 1-1:45.

Website with more info: https://www.artontheavenue.org/

• Oct. 12, 2022 (7:30pm concert): Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble

• Oct. 18, 2022: NOVA Alexandria Community Chorus Concert 7:30PM!

• Oct. 27, 2022 (8pm concert): NOVA Alexandria Band 45th Anniversary Concert 8:00PM

(world premiere of commissioned work by Mark Camphouse)

• Nov. 11, 2022 (8PM concert): NOVA Symphony Orchestra Concert

• Dec. 6, 2022 (8pm concert): NOVA Holiday Concert with the

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

Choir, Chorus

Announcement! Senior Honors Choir Audition Workshop!

August 4, 2022 bconley

Senior Honors Choir Audition Workshop!

Saturday, September 24^th from 2-4pm

Northern Virginia Community College

Alexandria Campus

Fine Arts building (AFA) room 118

For more information contact Chorus Director Dr. Mary-Hannah Klontz at mklontz@nvcc.edu

Concerts

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra: Summer Pops Concerts

July 20, 2022 bconley

A Summer Pops Concert: Music for the Young @ Heart performed by The NOVA Symphony Orchestra, July 15th, 2022 at Mason District Park in Annandale, VA. Photo by Britt Conley

This summer, The Reunion Music Society and Northern Virginia Community college presented, ‘A Summer Pops Concert: Music for the Young at Heart! The NOVA Symphony Orchestra delighted not one, but two audiences over the week!

July 13th, 2022, The Orchestra performed the first evening concert at The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, Virginia. It was well attended and the acoustics were wonderful!

Maestro Christopher Johnston speaks with the audience about the next piece in the program. The NOVA Symphony Orchestra. A Summer Pops Concert: Music for the Young @ Heart performed by The NOVA Symphony Orchestra, July 13th, 2022 at The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA. Photo by Britt ConleyA Summer Pops Concert: Music for the Young @ Heart performed by The NOVA Symphony Orchestra, July 13th, 2022 at The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA. Photo by Britt Conley

The evening began with John Williams’ Main Theme for Star Wars followed by The Empire Strikes Back! A strong start to a great night! It was soon time to hear John Powell’s, How to Train your Dragon and the amazing and ever popular Toy Symphony written by Mozart’s father Leopold.

A Summer Pops Concert: Music for the Young @ Heart performed by The NOVA Symphony Orchestra, July 13th, 2022 at The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA. Photo by Britt Conley

At every concert, proud family and friends break out their phones to capture the lovely music created by our wonderful orchestral members. That’s always nice to see.

Every concert, proud family and friends break out their phones to capture the lovely music created by our wonderful orchestral members. A Summer Pops Concert: Music for the Young @ Heart performed by The NOVA Symphony Orchestra, July 13th, 2022 at The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA. Photo by Britt Conley

One of the highlights of the concert is a story and music experience that Maestro Johnston wrote himself in 2011 with a grant from the Arts Council of Fairfax. He wanted to find a ‘Tall Tale’ story that was lesser known. During his research he came along ‘Stormalong!’ which had been written about by several New England writers. The original tale came from Massachusetts. Being near the sea, our American tale includes pirates and the famed sea faring rivalry, The Kraken! Maestro Johnston wrote an entire extended narrative to bring the story of Stormalong to life for a childrens concert, in addition to writing the music that accompanies the tale, which is narrated by a wonderful sea faring pirate. In our case this was Captain Matthew! Matthew Balthrop did an incredible job interacting with the kids in the audience, dancing and most importantly inspiring our belief in the tall tale of Alfred Bullgtop Stormalong!

Matthew Balthrop as Captain Matthew, narrating Stormalong at A Summer Pops Concert: Music for the Young @ Heart performed by The NOVA Symphony Orchestra, July 13th, 2022 at The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA. Photo by Britt Conley

The entire piece was a huge success!!! Of course it’s not easy to follow up a great story about pirates!

But have no fear, Captain Matthew may have sailed away, but we soon found our way into the perfectly paired Pirates of the Caribbean theme, “The Curse of the Black Pearl!” written by Klaus Badelt.

Maestro Christopher Johnston conducts The NOVA Symphony Orchestra. A Summer Pops Concert: Music for the Young @ Heart performed by The NOVA Symphony Orchestra, July 13th, 2022 at The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA. Photo by Britt Conley

Before out concert’s end, Claiborne Richardson II, president of Reunion Music Society, (and leader of the orchestra’s percussion section) was master of ceremonies for delivering the 2021-2022 Lafayette Jackson Memorial Scholarship celebration!!! Bruce Salad explains, “Mr. Jackson was a beloved bass player who was a member of the orchestra in its earliest years, and the scholarship created to assist high school bass players to get college credit via the dual enrollment program, an opportunity to perform with the orchestra, with the orchestra classes’ tuition paid for by RMS, and an additional stipend to further the recipient’s education awarded at the end of the year.. In recent years, eligibility for the scholarship has been expanded to include other string players”. This 2021-22 winner is violinist Joshua Trainer! It was so nice to witness the depth of appreciation the entire Orchestra has for Joshua!

Joshua Trainer, with the NOVA Symphony Orchestra on the receipt of his Lafayette Jackson Memorial Scholarship. A Summer Pops Concert: Music for the Young @ Heart performed by The NOVA Symphony Orchestra, July 13th, 2022 at The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA. Photo by Britt Conley

The summer pops concert didn’t end there! On July 15th the entire Orchestra including Captain Matthew, headed over to Mason District Park to perform in their Spotlight by Starlight series! “Spotlight by Starlight is a free summer concert series presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority at Mason District Park. All performances are on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday beginning at 7:30 PM.”

What a great outdoor venue! It was my first time at the park and the acoustics were wonderful! The entire seating was both intimate and yet with plenty of room past the benched seating.

One of the other hits from both concerts was Leopold Mozart’s Toy Symphony. This included a wonderful line up of Orchestra members performing on fun instruments!

Captain Matthew enjoyed the scene as well! The kids came up front and were mesmerized! Even the adults enjoyed speaking like pirates!

Since 1992, the Reunion Music Society, has been bringing students and the community together for decades through a partnership with Northern Virginia Community College. This year the orchestra became the official college-wide NOVA Symphony Orchestra and we are so lucky!

This summer’s concert is just an example of the exemplary creative content and outreach that the RMS and Maesto Johnston has prided themselves on!

I can’t wait to see what the fall, holiday and spring concerts offer! We hope to see you at the next formal classical concert on November 11th, 2022 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall on the NOVA Alexandria Campus. For more information visit www.NOVASymphony.org to our schedule and learn about opportunities to participate as a musician or as a supporter of the arts in our community!

The Orchestra received a standing ovation from a very happy community! Hats off to a wonderful summer experience and to all the efforts by our Orchestra and all of those who helped bring it to life!

To learn more about Maestro Johnston and our section leaders visit: https://www.reunionmusicsociety.org/nvcc-annandale-symphony-orchestra/meet-our-musicians/

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra includes the following talented members:

First Violin: Patrick Geddes – Concertmaster, Melissa Brown, Paula Davidson, Devin Lichtenstein, Stephanie Trachtenberg and Abby Volcansek.

Second Violion: Adriana Gonzalez –

Principal, Jude Bruniany, Shawn Grogan, Beth Liebmann, Bettina Thomas and Maria Viso.

Viola: Margie Bassman – Principal, Pamela Dahlhauser, Amanda Koman, Zumi Rieskse, Brayden Teague, Joshua Trainer and Kasey Ulery.

Cello: Logan Madrid- Principal, Vanessa Bordo Flannes, Sharon Jones, Marissa Salad, Daniel Schlichtig and Grace Shwartz.

Contrabass: Andrew Johnston – Principal, George Cooper and Emma Spinnenweber.

Flute: Teresa Diaz, Dani Fielding and Kyile Kim, Piccolo.

Oboe: Elaina Reck – Principal, and Bruce Salad.

Clarinet: Mitch Bassman – Principal, Robert Hoyler and Laura Pikington, Bass Clarinet.

Basson: Louis Reichwein – Principal, Aaron Hahn, Contrabassoon.

Horn, Albert Triolo – Principal, James Kocsis, Joseph Triolo and Roger Whitworth.

Trumpet: Mary Kaplan, Alexandro Tavares and Bobb Webb.

Trombone: Lou Brundidge – Principal, Charles Stolpe, Rolando Virreira and James Wilson.

Tuba: Cristian Condor

Harp: Meghan Gwyer

Keyboard: Lauren Hong

Timpani and Percussion: Clairborne T, Richardson, II- Principal Rafael Arancibia, Jordan Hendrickson, Lauren Hong, Tim Nuhfer.

Librarian: Sharon Jones and her Assistant Laura Plkington.

For more information on the Reunion Music Society visit https://www.reunionmusicsociety.org/

Concerts

NOVA and Friends Band Concert

May 21, 2022 bconley

Featuring the NOVA Alexandria Band & Dennis Edelbrock, trumpet soloist, music faculty from Radford University, and the Alexandria City High School Wind Ensemble.

Band Director, Dr. Lisa Eckstein conducting Brian Balmages ‘Pride of the Clipper’ with The NOVA Alexandria Band at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center Concert Hall and Arts Center, March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Brain Balmages’ Pride of the Clipper opened up the evening!

Carrie Sullivan conducting The NOVA Alexandria Band at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center Concert Hall and Arts Center, March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

This was soon followed by Carrie Sullivan conducting the National Emblem March, written by E.E. Bagley. The march was create for the Wheeler’s Band, in 1902. The Band, originally from Bellow’s Falls Vermont, was on tour, when Bagley wrote the work, incorporating the first notes of The Star-Spangled Banner.
To enjoy the piece, click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm7sRPl1eHw

Our Next guest conductor, Maximo Ronquillo Jr., is the Co-Founder/President and Artistic Director of the Guam Philharmonic Foundation, who conducted ‘Dusk’ by Steven Bryant.

According to Wind Band Literature:

The commissioned ‘Dusk’, according to Andrew Gekoskie, conductor of the Langley High School Wind Symphony, is a, “chorale-like work,” which, “captures the reflective calm of dusk, paradoxically illuminated by the fiery hues of sunset. I’m always struck by the dual nature of this experience, as if witnessing an event of epic proportions silently occurring in slow motion. Dusk is intended as a short, passionate evocation of this moment of dramatic stillness.”

Maximo Ronquillo, Jr., conducting The NOVA Alexandria Band at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center Concert Hall and Arts Center, March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

The band then picked up the pace with Michael Ciacchino’s main theme from The Incredibles and Alex Chapiro’s Tight Squeeze.

Band director Lisa Eckstein conducts The NOVA Alexandria Band at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center Concert Hall and Arts Center, March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley. — Band Director Dr. Lisa Eckstein conducting The NOVA Alexandria Band at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center Concert Hall and Arts Center, March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

The Bands finale was Harry James’ amazing Concerto for Trumpet featuring the legendary Denny Edelbrock! In recent years, Edelbrock has performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Bolshoi and Kirov ballets, the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, the Royal Spanish Ballet, the Kennedy Center Orchestra with whom he performed the world’s first web-cast as soloist in Handel’s “Messiah”, the Washington Opera, and the National Symphony Orchestra with whom he has recorded.

Harry James, the composer is best known for his Big Band compositions and hollywood screen time which featured the band for numerous films.

Trumpet soloist Dennis Edelbrock, performs Harry James’ Concerto for Trumpet with The NOVA Alexandria Band at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center Concert Hall and Arts Center, March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

All of this in just the first half of the concert! The Radford University Music Faculty took to the stage beginning with Robert Trent on guitar, performing Koyunbaba – mvt. IV Presto by Carlo Domeniconi.

Robert Trent performing Koyunbaba by Carlo Domeniconi at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center Concert Hall and Arts Center, March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Trombonist Baryl Burnett and pianist, Wayne Gallops performed Sammy Nestico’s Reflective Mood, Duke Ellington’s Take the A Train and Gordon Jacob’s Concerto for Trombone – mvt. III

Trombonist Baryl Burnett and pianist, Wayne Gallops performed Sammy Nestico's Reflective Mood at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center Concert Hall and Arts Center, March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley. — Pianist Wayne Gallops and trombonist Dayl Burnett at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center Concert Hall and Arts Center, March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Matthew Cataldi rounded out Radford’s programing with a stunning interpretive variation of Chopin’s Preludes, in popular style. According to the Radford University website, “As a composer and arranger, he enjoys bridging the classical and popular worlds, creating and presenting exciting new music that caters to his unique background and interests. Recent compositions and premiers include: “Variations and Fugue on a theme by Led Zeppelin” – a classical set of variations on the iconic rock song “Stairway to Heaven”, “Hail to the King” – a virtuosic medley of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, and his most recent project, “24 Preludes in Popular Style after Chopin” – a transcription project that arranges all of Chopin’s Op.28 Preludes in a variety of popular styles, intended to introduce elements of popular music to classical piano students while equipping them with the tools and vocabulary necessary to navigate a diverse range of musical styles. His Preludes will be published and released on Albany Records in the fall of 2022”

Matthew Cataldi performs his creation, 24 Preludes in Popular Style After Chopin, at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on March 3rd, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

Finally the baton was handed off to award winning teacher, Timothy Grant, Director of the Alexandria City High School Wind Ensemble!

Timothy Grant directs The Alexandria City High School Wind Ensemble at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on March 3, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

The Alexandria City High School Wind Ensemble at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on March 3, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley.

They performed, Sousa’s Battalion March.

Then brought us Clifton Williams’ Caccia and Choral and finally Khan by Julie Giroux.

March 3rd, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center.

Thanks so everyone for coming and for you support!

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

Featuring the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble & Special Guests!

• Master class with Sarah Whitney

• Solo Violin Recital with Loop Pedel by Visiting Artist Sarah Whitney.

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

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

SPRING 2023

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

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

Featuring the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble & Special Guests!

• 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!

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

• Dec. 6, 2022 (8pm concert): NOVA Holiday Concert with the

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

• Oct. 1, 2022 Art on the Ave. Music Festival: Performance at the Art on the Avenue Festival in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.

Concert Band 12-12:45

Jazz Ensemble 1-1:45.

Website with more info: https://www.artontheavenue.org/

• Oct. 12, 2022 (7:30pm concert): Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble

• Oct. 18, 2022: NOVA Alexandria Community Chorus Concert 7:30PM!

• Oct. 27, 2022 (8pm concert): NOVA Alexandria Band 45th Anniversary Concert 8:00PM

(world premiere of commissioned work by Mark Camphouse)

• Nov. 11, 2022 (8PM concert): NOVA Symphony Orchestra Concert

• Dec. 6, 2022 (8pm concert): NOVA Holiday Concert with the

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

Senior Honors Choir Audition Workshop!

Saturday, September 24th from 2-4pm

Since 1967, helping people of all ages grow in the joy of making music.

Saturday, September 24^th from 2-4pm