All posts by bconley

NOVA Nighthawks : Frank, Ella, and Thad

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, performing prior to the concert in the foyer of the Schlesinger Center. 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 Jazz Chamber Ensemble with Cristian Perez.

The Jazz Chamber Ensemble with Cristian Perez, performing prior to the concert in the foyer of the Schlesinger Center 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.

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

James Ambrose 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.
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.
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

Mike Leahy on Alto Sax performing Shiny Stockings. 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.

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

Mike “Fog” Horton on Alto Sax performing Back Bone 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.

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.
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!

Regina Begliutti performing Love Me or Leave Me with The 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.

Love me or leave me

Regina Begliutti performing Love Me or Leave Me with The 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.

Tyrone Southerland performing with The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble

Tyrone Southerland performing 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.

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

Mike “Fog” Horton performing with the 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.
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.
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/

UPCOMING Concerts Fall 2022

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!

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra: Summer Pops Concerts

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
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
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!

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

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.”

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

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.

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
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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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/

 

NOVA and Friends Band Concert

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.
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.
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.

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.

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

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.
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.
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.

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

Thanks so everyone for coming and for you support!

Vivaldi and Fauré

Director Tom Colohan speaks to the audience at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for the Arts during the concert Vivaldi and Fauré, on February 22, 2022. Fairfax Choral Society Master Singers and The Northern Virginia Chorale at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for The Arts and Concert Hall at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on February 22, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley

Featuring

The Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus and The NOVA Community Chorus – Jane Moore Kaye, accompanist

With special guest appearances by members of the Fairfax Choral Society Master Singers and The Northern Virginia Chorale.

The Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus and The NOVA Community Chorus Jane Moore Kaye, accompanist with special guest appearances by members of the Fairfax Choral Society Master Singers and The Northern Virginia Chorale at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for The Arts and Concert Hall at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on February 22, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley

The first half of the program began with Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Mandy Brown, soprano and Kristee Haney, mezzo-soprano, mesmerized us with solo and duet performances that were angelic.  A perfect paring for the masterwork.

The Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus and The NOVA Community Chorus Jane Moore Kaye, accompanist with special guest appearances by members of the Fairfax Choral Society Master Singers and The Northern Virginia Chorale at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for The Arts and Concert Hall at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on February 22, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley

Gloria, (1715)…………………… AntonioVivaldi (1678-1741)

The movements are as follows:

  1. Gloria in excelsis Deo
  2. Et in terra pax
  3. Laudamus te (Sopranos I and II Duet)
  4. Gratias agimus tibi (Chorus)
  5. Propter magnam gloria (Chorus)
  6. Domine Deus (Soprano)
  7. Domine, Fili unigenite (Chorus)
  8. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei (Mezzo Soprano, Chorus)
  9. Qui tollis peccata mundi (Chorus)
  10. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris (Mezzo Soprano)
  11. Quoniam tu solus sanctus (Chorus)
  12. Cum Sancto Spiritu (Chorus)

 

The Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus and The NOVA Community Chorus Jane Moore Kaye, accompanist with special guest appearances by members of the Fairfax Choral Society Master Singers and The Northern Virginia Chorale at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for The Arts and Concert Hall at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on February 22, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley

Gloria is one of the most popular of Vivaldi works.  The chorus members were wonderful.

The Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus and The NOVA Community Chorus Jane Moore Kaye, accompanist with special guest appearances by members of the Fairfax Choral Society Master Singers and The Northern Virginia Chorale at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for The Arts and Concert Hall at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on February 22, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley

The second major work of the evening was Fauré’s Requiem in D. Minor, Op. 48 (1887).  The performance featured: Mandy Brown, soprano, Purev Arslan, baritone and Foster Wang on violin.

The Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus and The NOVA Community Chorus Jane Moore Kaye, accompanist with special guest appearances by members of the Fairfax Choral Society Master Singers and The Northern Virginia Chorale at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for The Arts and Concert Hall at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on February 22, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley

The movements include:

  1. Introit et Kyrie (Chorus)
  2. Offertory (Baritone and Chorus)
  3. Sanctus (Chorus)
  4. Pie Jesu (Soprano)
  5. Agnus Dei (Chorus)
  6. Libera Me (Baritone and Chorus)
  7. In Paradisum (Chorus)
The Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus and The NOVA Community Chorus Jane Moore Kaye, accompanist with special guest appearances by members of the Fairfax Choral Society Master Singers and The Northern Virginia Chorale at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for The Arts and Concert Hall at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on February 22, 2022. Photo by Britt Conley

Guest Instrumentalists

Foster Wang, violin ~ Sonya Chung, violin

Stephanie Knutsen, viola ~ Cathy Amoury, viola ~ Chris Shieh, viola Rosanna Butterfield, cello ~ Lauren Weaver, cello ~ Kimberly Parillo, double bass Jessica Warren, oboe ~ Joy Hodges Branagan, horn ~ Chandra Cervantes, horn

Rob Singer, trumpet ~ John Matthew McGovern, timpani ~ Eric Sabatino, harp Jane Moore Kaye, organ

Sophia Kim Cook, rehearsal accompanist

Upcoming Performances

NOVA & Friends Band Concert

 

Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall March 3, 2022 | 7:30pm

NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble Concert

March 31, 2022 | 7pm Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall

NOVA Symphony Orchestra Concert

April 24 | 4pm
Ernst Community Theater, NOVA Annandale Campus

NOVA Alexandria Music Dept. Spring Concert

featuring

the NOVA Community Chorus, the Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble, the NOVA Alexandria Band and
special guests The Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus April 29, 2022 | 8pm

The Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus Music Department is proud to present this and many other concerts free for our surrounding community. Your generous donations are much appreciated, as they allow us to continue quality programs and experiences for our diverse student body. Please see one of our staff members in the lobby during intermission or after the concert to make a donation.

Thank you!

Wycliffe Gordon Gives Masterclass on Sing it First for Jazz Students

Recently voted as one of the top trombonist in America by JazzTimes readers, jazz composer and performer, Wycliff Gordon,  was recently in Virginia recording and performing with The Airmen of Note.  In December, he took time out to come to Alexandria Campus.

NOVA students, community members, and Alexandria High School students attended a wonderful masterclass given by the amazing Wycliffe Gordon in December 2021. Professor Gordon demonstrated his warm-up process and then used call and response to show students how to internalize their musical ideas and express themselves freely using their voice. According to Professor Gordon, if you can sing it, you can play it!

Wycliffe Gordon at his master class for NOVA students, community members, and Alexandria High School students at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Shannon GunnFor more information on Wycliff, visit https://wycliffegordon.com/

For information on our Jazz Studies Program and community jazz ensembles here at NOVA, contact Shannon Gunn at sgunn@nvcc.edu.

NOVA Symphony Orchestra: Together Again!

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert: Together Again

4:00pm Saturday, November 13, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

The concert began with remarks from  Dr. Jim Mclellan, Dean of the Liberal Arts and Science at the Alexandria Campus, who effused on the historic aspects of this very concert.

Dr. Jim McClellan, Dean of the the Languages, Arts and Social Sciences at The Alexandria Campus providing opening remarks for the The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

This concert is Maestro Christopher Johnston’s 25th year as the orchestra’s music director, the first big concert since the pandemic began and sets a new name representing the entirety of NOVA as The NOVA Symphony Orchestra!

Overture to The Wreckers by Dame Ethel Smyth, conducted by Maestro Christopher Johnston. The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

The Wreckers Overture by Dame Ethel Smyth

Composer, author and noted suffragette Ethel Smyth was the first female English composer to be granted Damehood.  Her extensive list of the works includes six operas, a ballet, a Mass in D, sacred and secular choral music, several orchestral works, a concerto for violin and horn, numerous chamber works, and a long list of compositions for piano and organ.  Her third opera, The Wreckers, is considered by many critics to be the “most important English opera composed during the period between Purcell and Britten.”

The second piece of the evening was Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93 by Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op 93. The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

When Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony was first performed on February 27th, 1814, it has the misfortune to be the same program as the composer’s own Seventh Symphony and his patriotic pot-boiler, “Wellington’s Victory.”  Both these works had received their triumphant premieres only a few months earlier and had become associated in the public mind with the allied victory over Napoleon.  The audience no doubt expected another  work in the same vein, but the new Symphony No. 8 proved to be gentler and more conservative.  According to one critic of the time, “the applause which it received was not accompanied by that enthusiasm which distinguishes a work that gives universal delight; in short – as the Italians say – it did not create a furore.”  The same critic added that the new symphony  would be assured of success once it was played by itself and not heard immediately after the Seventh.

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

Where  Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is an expansive  giant with much in common with the Third “Eroica” Symphony, the Eighth is a tautly compressed work – almost “neo-classical” in aspect, if not its subversive attitudes.  Beethoven sketched it roughly contemporaneously with the Seventh, which he finished first.  It is the only one of Beethoven’s symphonies with a dedication.

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

The Eighth Symphony was not disliked by Beethoven’s contemporaries, but little favored either, particularly in comparison with the Seventh.  When asked why by his piano student Carl Czerny, Beethoven replied, “Because the Eighth is so much better.”

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

 

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

Orfeo ed Euridice  by Christoph Willibald Gluck – Minuet and Dance of the Blessed Spirits from Act 2 Arrange by Felix Mottl Jonathas Freitas, flute.

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

Up to the age of twelve, Gluck lived a rural life, wandering around the forest and the countryside of his home in Lobkowitz estates at Eisenberg.  He was then sent to school where he learned to play both piano and organ and continued on to study  music in Prague in 1732.  In 1736 Gluck travelled to Vienna where he found his passion for composing operas.

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

This famous solo for flute comes from Gluck’s famous opera Orfeo ed Euridice. Listeners may be surprised to hear that this tranquil music comes from the moment when Orpheus journeys to Hades, the underworld, to find his departed wife Euridice.  He is told that he may journey there and return with his wife on the condition that he not look back at her figure until they have returned to earth, but alas he looks back at her and she is unable to return to the realm of the living with him.  the Minuet has a light-filled serenity depicting blessed spirits in the their elegance as he journeys through the underworld.  By contrast the Dance is filled with deep sorrow and a sense of mourning.

Jonathas Freitas, Flute soloist was born in Brazil and raised in the Greater Vitoria Metropolitan Area.  Jonathas joined the NOVA Symphony Orchestra in 2020.  Known for his versatility, Jonathas experience includes  an extensive solo and chamber music repertoire, as well as appearances with symphonic bands and jazz big bands.  a self-taught musician, he was admitted to the Music college of Espirito Santo (FAMES) at age 15.  At 16 years old , he started teaching at local music school.  Now under tutorship of the National Symphony Orchestra’s principal flutist Aaron Goldman, Jonathas is an active performer in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area.

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

Composed in 1895, the Postlude in F is Charles Ives’s earliest known work for large orchestra.  It is based on an earlier organ piece, which Ives performed at the Baptist Church in Danbury, Connecticut, on May 11, 1890 (at the age of fifteen). Their version for orchestra was probably produced as an orchestration assignment for a class of Horatio Parker, Ives’s teacher at Yale College.  Ives recalled that in New Haven Orchestra – that is, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, organized by Parker in 21895 – read through the work in 2896.  The Postlude in F, which was also preparation for work on the First Symphony (its first movement also completed in 1895), contains some surprisingly mature and beautiful writing,  especially in its magical closing moments.

Selections from West Side Story

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

West Side Story premiered in New York in 1957, the result of a ten-year collaboration by Arthur Laurents (Book), Jerome robbins (direction/choreography), Leonard Bernstein (Music), and Stephen Soundheim (Lyrics),  First titled East Side Story, by the author, the story originally described the conflicet between an Irish Catholic  family and a Jewish family living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, during the Easter-{assover season.  Later changed to West Side Story, it is a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet.

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

The story is set in the mid-1950s in the Upper West Side of New York City, then a multi-racial, blue collar neighborhood.  The musical explores the rivalry between  the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang.  The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang’s leader,  Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks.  The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in musical theatre.  The arrangement by Jack Mason in cludes the songs ” I Feel Pretty,” “Maria,” “Something ‘s Coming,” “tonight,” “One Hand, One Heart,” “Cool,
and “America.”

Jordan Henrickson performs with The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

Thanks to Christopher Johnston for amazing program notes!

The NOVA Symphony Orchestra:

A collaborative arrangement between the Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale Campus music program and the Reunion Music Society, Inc., produced what was then called the NVCC-Annandale Symphony Orchestra in 1994 as a college-community ensemble of musicians.  The first rehearsal was held on January 18th, 1994, at the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center Theater. Dr. Claiborne T. Richardson and Dr. James Faye conducted and intended that the program serve as a laboratory for NOVA students  to learn the orchestral music repertoire.  Seventy-five musicians, both professional and non-professional, currently are taking advantage of the musical expression, embracing the music of different cultures, and performing both standard and new or underperformed orchestral works.  The concert marks the 27th anniversary since the orchestra’s first concert was performed on April 15th,  1994. Furthermore, it marks the recognition and promotion of the orchestra representing all of the five campuses of NOVA. Maestro Christopher Johnston has been our Music Director for 25 years, since 1996.  The orchestra comprises both NoVA students earning college credit and many community volunteers.  More than an orchestra, we are like a musical family.

New musicians and support staff are always welcome.  Please see our website www.NOVASymphony.org to view our schedule and learn about opportunities to participate as a musician and as a supporter of the arts in our community.

A special thank you to the support of The Reunion Music Society, Inc.  Visit www. reunionmusicsociety.org

Maestro Christopher Johnston with The NOVA Symphony Orchestra’s concert, “Together Again.” Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

Collaborations: Fall Band Concert 2021

What an amazing night!  Lisa Eckstein guided the band to new heights!

This year’s fall concert was shared between The NOVA Alexandria Band and the George Mason University Wind Symphony.

Dr. Kress, President of Northern Virginia Community College gave a wonderful introduction featuring all that we have been through over the pandemic and our resilience in moving forward.

Lisa Eckstein began the night with Shostakovich’s Festive Overture.  The brass, and woodwinds were a flutter with regal soundings heralding out return to in person concerts!

This was followed by Jack Dusek’s NOVA Alexandria Fanfare, composed in 2021! Jack discussed  his work before conducting his piece.

Composer and conductor Jack Dusek, discussing his piece NOVA Alexandria Fanfare which he finished in 2021. Collaorations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

It’s an honor to hear our first live performance of our school’s fanfare! Jack did a wonderful job writing!

Jack Dusek conducting his work, NOVA Alexandria Fanfare. Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Our next treat was Samuel Hazzo’s Blue and Green Music, written in 2011.   Dr. Lisa Eckstein explains, “The piece is based on Georgia O-Keepe’s painting by the same name.  O’Keeffe wanted to depict what blue and green music might look like to her in painting and Sam Hazo wanted to write music that depicted what the title might suggest.”

In 1992, Mark Camphouse wrote a beautiful composition to commemorate Rosa Parks action and impact on America.  He titled this, ‘A Movement for Rosa,’ which was conducted during evening by Lisa Eckstein.  Camphouse provides a wonderful descriptive interview for the work at https://beta.prx.org/stories/7425. His words, and music both there and with our band are incredibly moving!

Composer and Conductor Mark Camphouse, introducing and discussing his piece, “A Movement for Rosa.” Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Matt Bandman followed with his composition, The Tattered Flag, written in 2021.  Matt took the time to tell us about his work before conducting the heartfelt piece himself..

Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Our final work with the NOVA Alexandria Band was Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture! What a tremendous ending!  A tremendous rousing climax to a moving first half for our ‘Collaborations’ Fall Band Concert!

Lisa Eckstein conducting The NOVA Alexandria Band during the Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

After intermission we began with the George Mason University Wind Symphony under the direction of Mark Camphouse.  Their first work, Air for Solo Flute Unaccompanied featured Samantha Clarke on flute.  The piece was written by Catherine Fields in 2000.

Samantha Clarke. Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Samantha Clarke performs with the GMU Wind Symphony for Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

The second work, Olympica was written in 1992 by Jan Van der Roost.  The festival overture is beautifully orchestrated and, ”

Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

This “Grand Overture” was originally, “commissioned by the “Nagano Community Band” – Japan- on occasion of its jubilee in 1992 and is dedicated to the band’s conductor, Ikuo Inagaki.The work is based upon three main themes, each symbolising a certain theme. The first part is characterized by its bright themes played mainly by the brass, accompanied by the woodwinds and festive percussion. This part symbolizes the jubilee which is the origin of the composition. This is followed by a bouncing allegro, in which each register of the band displays brilliant techniques. Especially the woodwinds come to the fore! This movement depicts the industriousness and enthousiasm shown by the members of the “Nagano Community Band” in the carrying out of their hobby. A third, main theme, is choral-like in character and is displayed both in the (soft) brass as well as in the warm medium register of the reeds. Here, nature’s beaty in and around the city of Nagano is musically celebrated. Following a “chamber-music episode” (featuring the flute, oboe, clarinet, alto-saxophone and horn) the initial allegro re-occurs, weaving its way towards a grandiose finale, in which the two previous themes are once again apparent. Due to its very colourful scoring and the enormous diversity of musical thoughts and ideas, this composition is a fascinating and memorable piece, worthy a jubilee overture!” according to  the Jan van der Roost website where you can diver far deeper into his works, recordings and biography.  https://www.janvanderroost.com/en/work/48/olympica-festival-overture-for-band-concert-band-1993

Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
For the third piece Mark Camphouse brought us another of his compositions, “Watchman, Tell us of the Night, written in 1994, which he explained was, “A musical tribute to the survivors of child abuse and neglect.  Commissioned by the St. Louis Youth Wind Ensemble.”
Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

This was followed by  Peter Graham’s, The Red Machine,  A whirlwind of busy mechanical functions.  The work was originally commissioned by the London-based Regimental Band.

Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.
Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Guest conductor, Samatha Clarke directed the ensemble for Psalm, written in 1953 by Vincent Perischetti.  A beautifully sonorous work, it beautifully resonates between the brass and winds.

Samantha Clarke conducts the GMU Wind Symphony during the Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Our final work of the evening, Samuel Barber’s Commando March was directed by faculty guest conductor Dr. Soo Han.  A wonderful work rhythmically opened by the snare drum, eventually opening up further into a highly festive march.

Dr. Soo Han conducts the GMU Wind Symphony during the Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

It was a wonderful concert! Congratulations to everyone on a tremendous evening!

Collaborations: NOVA Fall Band Concert. October 28th, 2021 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley.

Please join us for our next concert, “Joy to the World, A Holiday Concert on December 7th.

See you soon!

 

We’re Back! Upcoming Fall Department Concerts!

JOIN US!  December 7th for our NOVA Alexandria, Holiday Concert:  Joy  to  the  World.  Invite your friends, family and colleagues!  It’s  Free!

On Thursday, Oct. 28, the NOVA Alexandria Band will perform in a joint concert with the George Mason University Wind Symphony in the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the NOVA Alexandria Campus.  Come hear staples in the band repertoire, including two pieces by composer and conductor Mark Camphouse.  The GMU Wind Symphony will be premiering a new composition by Catherine Fields that will feature flutist soloist, Samantha Clarke.  The NOVA band is featuring two new original compositions by community members who play in the band, Matt Bandman and Jack Dusek, and a new arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture by NOVA student, Charles Stolpe.  Here are the concert details…

  • Concert: 8-10pm 
  • Admission and parking: FREE  (Donations will be accepted.)
  • Address: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311
  • Audience members will be required to wear masks and socially distance.
  • The air filtration system in the concert hall is excellent.  Please come and join us!
Upcoming Concerts:

Together Again!
NOVA Symphony Orchestra Fall 2021 Concert

The NOVA Annandale Symphony is now at Alexandria!!!

1st concert is at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall

November 13 @ 4:00 pm6:00 pm

Uniting our Jazz ensemble again!

November 19th  – NOVA Nighthawks

AFA-118  7pm – Family, Friends welcome

Holiday Concert!

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

December 7th, 8:00 P.M. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall

Please JOIN US!