February 23rd, marked another amazing Children’s Concert! Our director, Dr. Lisa Eckstein, began the NOVA Alexandria Band’s program, with “Flourishes!” by William Owens. A wonderfully dynamic and inspirational opening to a fun-filled evening!
The was followed by Matt Bandman’s World Premier of his work “Red Rocks Saga. Matt has been composing since high school and waht started as a hobby has turned into a passion.
He has received multiple recent commission offers and has become a published composer with Chris Sharp music publications. Between 2018-2022, the NOVA band premiered two of his works: Roses of Galante and The Tattered Flag.
Our next special guest, Denny Edelbrock, joined the band for Alberto Pestalozza’s , “Ciribiribin.” As with every other year we all begin to hold onto our hats as Denny takes us on a lively musical journey! Denny has been described by the Washington Post as having “incredible technique” and performing with “reckless abandon.”
He has a performing career spanning 48 states and 14 countries. He was member of the U.S. Army Band and the Army Brass Quintet for 35 years.
He was performed at the White House, state funerals, inaugurations, and, “in recent years, …with the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets, The New York Metropolitin Opera, recorded with The National Symphony Orchestra and was featured as a soloist in Messiah for the world’s first webcast, Opening Ceremonies for the Olympic Games, and been on NBC’s Today Show and NPR’s Prairie Home Companion. And that doesn’t even cover his recording for movie soundtracks!
The Band’s next musical serving was the famed, “Raider’s March by John Williams. The energy filled the hall!
And for the last piece by the Band, we had Leroy Anderson’s Bugler’s Holiday was performed by nine trumpeters!!! Steven Blake, Alfredo Hernandez Cruz, Jack Dusek, Dennis Edelbrock, Julius Gatto, Josh Redhelm, Alex Tavares, Elizabeth Todd and Dawn Wilson.
After a short intermission, The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble enjoyed the stage!
Director Richard Seracino programed a phenomenal set beginning with Billy Strayhorn’s “Take the ‘A’ Train.
Moondance by Van Morrison was the second musical work.
This was followed by The George Mason Elementary School Gyil Ensemble, under the direction of Heather Rosner, performing the African song Na Wa Seb.
Finally Paul Norris directed the Swanson Middle School Jazz Ensemble!
They began with Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham
“Just Before I Close my Eyes” by Larry Neeck.
Grand Finale was a combined performance of school children from area elementary and middle schools, all performing with The NOVA Alexandria Band!
We swing into the Finale with, “Great Beginnings” by Michael Kamuf.
Our last piece of the evening is a huge fan favorite… Surfin’ U.S.A by Chuck Berry and Brian Wilson.
What a phenomenal way to end a truly exciting evening!
A huge thanks to all the students, schools and participating teachers! Our Grand Finale included students from:
Arlington Science Focus Elementary, Charles Barrett Elementary, Francis C. Hammond Middle School, George Mason Elementary, Swanson Middle School, Williamsburg Middle School
And to our participating teachers:
Michelle Shine, Erin Flynn-Pace, Dawn Wilson, Heather Rosner, Rick Seracino, Paul Norris Daniel Edwards.
To enjoy more music, please join us for our upcoming concerts:
· March 28 (7:30pm concert): A Tribute to Gospel Concert
Featuring the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble & Special Guests!
• April 18, 2023, 8 pm in Schlesinger Hall
The NOVA Community Chorus with special guests from The U.S. Army Chorus and the Arlington Community Chorus. Selections include The Battle Hymn of the Republic, a world premiere of Peace Restored by Dr. Jonathan Kolm, movements from Dona Nobis Pacem by Vaughan Williams, Hope Lingers On and Shalom by Dan Forrest.
• April 27 (8pm concert): The NOVA Symphony Orchestra at the Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria!
PROGRAM:
Aaron Copland. Fanfare for the Common Man. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17.
• May 5 (8pm concert): NOVA Music Dept. Spring Concert with the choir, jazz, and concert band ensembles.
And this summer in the Northern Virginia Community College Fine Arts Building, room 118 we will have The NOVA Symphony Orchestra!
· February 23, 2023 (7:30pm concert): A Children’s Concert
Featuring the NOVA Alexandria Band, Special Guest Trumpeter Denis Edelbrock, The George Mason Elementary School Gyil Ensemble, The George Washington & Swanson Middle School Jazz Ensembles and Area School Band & Orchestra Students in the Grand Finale!
· 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.
And this summer in the Northern Virginia Community College Fine Arts Building, room 118 we will have The NOVA Symphony Orchestra!
The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble, and The NOVA Alexandria Band!
What better way to enjoy the holidays than with ‘Joy to the World,’ featuring Paul Klontz on Trumpet! Although the renowned work was originally written in 1719 by English Composer Isaac Watts, we most often are enjoying the American arrangement by Lowell Mason.
The spirit of peace was elaborated through ‘Carol of the Bells’, a Ukrainian Folk Song written in 1914 by Mykola Leontovych.
The work is about generosity and proclaiming a bountiful new year for all. It was later arranged in 1922, by American Composer, Wilhousky for a performance by the Ukranian National Chorus at Carnegie Hall.
A rhythmic rendition of Winter Wonderland featured our own Philip Tinnin on drum set. The famed song was originally inspired by the sight of fresh fallen snow in Honesdale Pennsylvania.
Alondra Gutierrez-Rivera, A.J. Foley. and Emma Brush had just as much fun singing Winter Wonderland during the rehearsal before the hall opened!
The warmth of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’
This was soon followed by rousing rendition of Hine Ma Tov featuring Tom Munger on tambourine and dancers:
Alondra Gutierrez Rivera, Lillian Jeng, Marissa Mulero, Preet Singh, Cecilia Brakffield, Jackie Cohan, Roberta Comer, Bailey Lee, Na Lin, Daniela Santos, Carol Uri, Ana Vaquerano, Huy Anh Le, Isaiah Dillard-Scott, Johnny Lazo, Carment Mendoz, Aj Foley, and Daniel Hall.
The Chorus inspired us all with Three Carols: Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas before ending with Beethoven’s An die Freude (Ode to Joy), from his Symphony No. 9!
Ally Richardson and Mary Yee singing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.
Our next ensemble, under the direction of Shannon Gunn, brought us a set of great holiday numbers Jazz Style! The NOVA Nighthawks began their set with Let it Snow!, Let it Snow!, Let Snow!
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Adonnis Colindres-Rosado Performing, ‘When your Smiling’ by Shay and Fisher.
The group followed with Frank Foster’s Shiney Stockings and Thad Jones ‘A Child is Born.’
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at ‘A Holiday Concert: Joy to the World’ on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyBefore we knew it we were being serenaded by Bob Coyne and Regina Begliutti with, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ by by Frank Loesser.
Hat’s off to The NOVA Nighthawkes!
After a short intermission it was time for the NOVA Alexandria Band directed by Dr. Lisa Eckstein! The first piece was Overture to a Winter Celebration by James Stephenson.
Carol of the Drum by Katherine Davis sent us on an unexpected and familiar journey.
A Rollicking Hanukkah
Heather Planey and the NOVA Alexandria Band performing Roger Zare’s December Lullaby.
The evening ended with a phenomenal ‘Sleigh Ride’ written by Leroy Anderson.
Another amazing Holiday Concert has to come to an end. If you enjoyed this evening please come back support our Spring Concerts!
SPRING 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023: A Children’s Concert featuring:
The NOVA Alexandria Band and special guests:
· March 28 (7:30pm concert): A Tribute to Gospel Concert
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
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.
Tonight’s concert celebrates the Alexandria Band’s 45th Anniversary!!!
Everyone was so excited for the evening! Dr. Camphouse and Dr. Eckstein were so happy to meet with our Alexandria Provost, Dr. Haggray.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
It’s an honor to hear our first live performance of our school’s fanfare! Jack did a wonderful job writing!
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!
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..
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!
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.
The second work, Olympica was written in 1992 by Jan Van der Roost. The festival overture is beautifully orchestrated and, ”
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
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.”
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.
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.
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.
It was a wonderful concert! Congratulations to everyone on a tremendous evening!
Please join us for our next concert, “Joy to the World, A Holiday Concert on December 7th.
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!
The NOVA Alexandria Band, The George Mason Elementary School Jazz Band, The Amati Orchestra (6th grade) of Francis C. Hammond Middle School and Area School Band and Orchestra Students!
With baton raised, our band director Lisa Ecksetin, began the evening with March of the Resistance by John Williams, (from Star Wars: The Force Awakens)
Brian Jones, one of featured artists for the evening, joined the band for Artie Shaw’s Concerto for Clarinet. He is incredible!
Dr. Jones has served on the faculty of NVCC Alexandria since 2009. He moved to Washington, D.C. in 1992 after winning a position with The Unit- ed States Air Force Band. During his tenure there, he was invited by the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor to perform Leonard Bernstein’s Sonata for Clarinet at the U.S. Supreme Court in a recital honoring the 100th anniversary of the composer’s birth. Dr. Jones authored seven articles for The Instrumentalist magazine, presented at the 2007 Virginia MENC conference, and performed at the international ClariFest in 2008. In addition to teaching at NVCC, he serves on the faculty of the Levine School of Music, and has been a member of the 257th Army Band, “The Band of the Nation’s Capital” since 2002. Currently the First Sergeant of that organization, he was the conductor of that Band from 2013-2018, and served as acting commander for eighteen months. He hold degrees from Catholic University (DMA), Baylor University (MM), and Florida State University (BME) and his teachers include Sidney Forrest, Richard Shanley, and Frank Kowalsky.
Brian was followed by the famed Denny Edelbrock on Trumpet, performing Excursions for Trumpet and Band by Bruce Broughton.
Dr. Dennis Edelbrock is described by the Washington Post as having “incredible technique” and performing with “reckless abandon,” Dennis Edelbrock has had a performing career spanning 48 states and 14 foreign countries. As a member of the U.S. Army Band and the Army Brass Quintet for 35 years, he was tasked with performing and producing White House concerts and internationally televised historical events including presidential state funerals and inaugurations, as well as international Olympic events. He was awarded the Legion of Merit by the U.S. Army in 2010.
In recent years, he has performed with the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets, the New York Metropolitan Opera, and has recorded with the National Symphony Orchestra. He has performed in other internationally televised events such as those at the Kennedy Center where he was featured as soloist in Messiah for the world’s first webcast, Opening Ceremonies for Olympic Games, and shows as varied as NBC’s Today Show and NPR’s Prairie Home Companion. As a soloist, he has been featured in films as varied as Contact, Wag the Dog, Gardens of Stone, and in Steven Spielberg’s film Lincoln (Dreamworks 2013), which garnered several academy awards. He has given masterclasses all over the world including at the prestigious St. Petersburg and Moscow Conservatories, as well as at Central Beijing University.
The Band’s final piece featured a world premier from our very own Nathan Pereda. Nathan is a student at nova and received a commission from an anonymous donor to perform at this concert.
Nathan Piece, Le’oria, the City of Music has three movements.
I. The Royal Reception and Dance
II. Merluna’s Charm
III. Dance in the Moonlight
Congratulations to Nathan and the NOVA Alexandria Band on a wonderful performance!
And how phenomenal was the work? A standing ovation was had!
Following intermission, The Amati Orchestra (6th Grade) of Francis C. Hammond Middle School, took to the stage under the direction of Veronica Jackson.
The kids performed Bohemian Folk Song, (a traditional round), Mark William’s Sailor Song and Soon Hee Newbold’s Russian Music Box.
The George Mason Elementary School Jazz Band followed with The Blues is Loose by Victoria Lopez, Blues in Hoss’ Flat by Frank Foster and Count Basie and I Got Rhythm by George Gershwin.
For the grand finale began with a combined performance of school children from area elementary and middle schools with the NOVA Alexandria Band performing, Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven, in celebration of Beethoven’s 250th Birthday Year.
The grand finale’s participating teachers and schools include:
Participating Teachers: Danielle Brosious Eun-Jin Chae Kimberly Hess Erin Flynn-Pace Veronica Jackson Paul Norris Heather Rosner Richard Seracino Laura Torchia and Dawn Wilson
Participating Schools: Charles Barrett Elementary Francis C. Hammond Middle Matthew Maury Elementary Douglas MacArthur Elementary George Mason Elementary George Washington Middle Swanson Middle and Tuckahoe Elementary
The final piece of the evening was another world premier! Champion by Nathan Pareda.
An amazing night was had by all and hats off to all the musicians!
Please see our concert schedule for updates on all our future concerts!
The Holiday spirit was out in full force for our 2019 Holiday Collage Concert!
The evening began with The Northern Virginia Sax Quartet performing carols in the lobby.
A lovely beginning to a festive evening.
The main concert hall showcased the NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band.
The Chorus fired up the main concert with Personent Hodie, accompanied by a brass and percussion ensemble featuring Isabella Lowe & Josh Menez, trumpets; Margaret Forman, French horn; Ameer Yaqoob, trombone; Cristian Condor, tuba; and Tyler Brantley and Mayson Rangel on Percussion.
Tonight was bittersweet, since it was the final concert for Choral Director, Jessica Irish. She has had a truly memorable time with the Chorus this past semester and we were lucky to have her!
The Chorus followed with There Shall a Star (from “Christus”) by Felix Mendelssohn. and Winter’s Peace highlighting the Semi-Chorus: Halina Banas-Jones, Alan Bunner, Sarah Calvino, Larry Goldschmidt, Diane Halvorsen, Lock Handley, Laura Hanson, Jane Michaels, Casey Stucliffe and Neo Upod.
Chorus fans rejoiced after Ding, Dong! Merrily on High! featuring Jane Tavernier, second accompanist for four-hand piano and Mayson Ragel on chimes.
Meanwhile The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble were gearing up for their holiday extravaganza! They performed four works, beginning with The Little Drummer Boy…
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,
The set ended with Greensleeves (What Child is This?) and Comfort and Joy.
A special intermission, shout out to those who came to the concert including our wonderful students, the community and friends and families!
The final half of the concert featured the NOVA Alexandria Band! performing A Christmas Fantasy, Gloria, Away in a Manger, Dreidel Dance and Sleight Ride….
Harpist Brian Stevenson, out quest artist for the evening stole the show and beautifully filled the hall with the lush sounds of strings.
I personally adore the hat’s so many band member adorn each holiday for the concert.
Best hat of the night? Well, I think it’s obvious!
This year’s concert was dedicated to our NOVA students and families. We wanted to thank them for their sacrifices to make it through school and onto the next chapter in the lives. To help give back to them, we held a free ticketed give-a-way for NOVA students. The prizes included: a $50. gift certificate to Ristorante Il Porto in Old Town Alexandria, a $50. gift certificate to Faccia Luna, also in Old Town Alexandria, a 15% off certificate to the Barnes’ and Noble Book Store and two bags of NOVA merchandise from Student Life!!!!
Our excited winners had some great prizes!
It was nice to see so many happy faces!
The Band’s final piece of the night was an audience singalong featuring Joy to the World, It Came Upon and Midnight Clear and Adeste Fidelis (O come all ye faithful)
The evening ended with a huge round of applause for the Band, the audience, the NOVA Nighthawks and The Chorus!!!! What a fun-filled evening.
Let’s hear for the Music Department’s 2019′, done well!!!! Happy Holidays everyone and Happy New Year!!!!!
Please come to our next concerts, this Spring!
In our AFA- building in room 118, (our recital hall) we Dmitri Steinberg coming at 7:30pm on Tuesday February 12th.
February 27th is the famed Children’s Concert for families and the community. A lot of fun! The Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall.
March 11th is the next Chorus Concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall.
5pm on April 15th in the AFA building 118 recital hall will be District 5 Wind Quintet.
and finally… The big Spring Concert feauturing All of the NOVA Ensembles will be at 7:30, may 8th at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall!
This year’s NOVA Jazz Night at The Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia was a treat! The evening’s theme was Swing Revival tunes from the 1990’s featuring music from famous by bands including, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Lou Bega, and the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.
The first jazz combo, Baby Shark Jazz Quintet, an ode to the Nationals recent World Series Win, performed:
My Favorite Things, Barbados and Equinox.
The second quartet, The Downstairs Guys performed, Black Orpheus, Baby Why? (original), St. Thomas and Mr. P.C.
Our third Jazz combo, the Are You Serious? performed Four Brothers and Triste.
The evening ended with The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing a wonderful set list including:
Go Daddy-O, Hey Pachuco, As Long As I’m Singing (vocal), Yellow Days (vocal), Mambo No. 5, Jump, Jive, and Wail, Route 66 (vocal), Zoot Suit Riot, and Rock This Town.
What a wonderful response! A great night had by all!
Our Next NOVA concert will be at 8:00pm, December 10th at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall! JOY TO THE WORLD! A Holiday College Concert featuring the NOVA Community Chorus, The Nighthawkes Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Community Band!
Our music department wrapped up our semester with our 2019 spring concert! Friday, May 3, 2019 from 8-10pm.
It was a historic night for a couple of reasons. First, It was the final performance with a amazing chorus director, Chad Steffey. Chad has spend the past couple of years working with our chorus and helping build a new chapter in the chorus history with wonderfully fun Broadway reviews and bringing in fantastic guest singers.
The chorus gathered in the concert hall foyer to help send him off in style. Hugs, gifts and a massive round of applause.
The NOVA Community Chorus began the night with The Music of Living by Dan Forrest, followed by Selections from Old American Songs, Bring Me Little Water, Silvy, by Huddie Ledbetter, Cape Cod Girls, a traditional Sea Shanty and Ain’-a That Good News! by William Dawson.
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble picked up a jazzy set, with Maiden Voyage, by Herbie Hancock, Whisper Not by Benny Golson, Moment’s Notice by John Coltrane and Senor Mouse by Chick Corea.
Lisa Eckstein treated the audience by opening the band set with Mark Camphouse’s Air Mobility Command March.
Then the band provided a stunning performance of Nathan Pereda’s Starless Night.
Nathan’s piece offered a wonderful set of antiphonal trumpets that brought such beauty to the hall. The piece was extraordinary!
The band finished the evening with Xerxes by John Mackey and African Symphony by Van McCoy.
Everyone LOVED it all
Another great season coming to the close, but we’ll be back in the fall with more music!
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