Last night’s concert, Sacred and Profane brought together four choral ensembles. The NOVA Community Chorus, The George Mason University Chorale, The George Mason University Singers and the The Justice High School Chamber Choir! It was a phenomenal night, full of beauty and a powerhouse of sound for the second half!
The evening began with Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal, arranged by Alice Parker (b. 1925), And I Saw a New Heaven by Edgar Bainton (1880-1956) and a wonderful rendition of I Sing Because I’m Happy, arranged by Rollo Eilwork (b.1970).
Our Master of Ceremonies for the night, Chad Steffey, Director of the NOVA Community Chorus, wonderfully informed the audience about the evening’s works.
The kids did a incredible job and sounded lovely!
Dr. Stan Engebretson conducted the George Mason University Singers in, O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht by J. S. Bach.
They went through selection from Neue Liebeslieder, Op. 65 by Brahms and a lovely work showcasing, soprano soloist, Ashlyn Rock.
Tenors, Lugman Fulmer and Ross Helunds soloed Ride in the Chariot, a spiritual, arranged by Brandon Waddles.
Their performance finished with Saints Bound for Heaven, a southern harmony from 1835.
The George Mason University Chorale followed with four wonderful works: The Last Works of David by Randall Thompson (1899-1984), Flight Song, by Kim Andrew Anrnesan (1980) Ukuthula, a South African Folk Song and River in Judea by John Leavitt (1956).
They were conducted by Lisa Billingham and Dannty Cabrejos, assistant conductor with Jane Moore Kaye as the collaborative pianist.
Ukuthula naturally brought out a swinging of individuals in the audience. You just wanted to dance with them!
The second half of the concert combined all four choirs:Dr. Stan Engebreston conducted, Jane Moore Kaye and Luke Ratcliffe accompanied with collaborative pianists Michael Barranco and Andrew Lewis with Colton Morris and victor Younge on Percussion.
They brilliantly performed selection from Carmina Burana!
Soprano, Bridget Nesfield and baritone Vasili Varfis sing Tempus est iocundum, a selection from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff.
A resounding, standing ovation capped the an evening powerhouse of sound! What a phenomenal night!!!!
Please come for our next concert! It’s next week!!!
Thursday, Oct. 25, the George Mason University Wind Symphony under the direction of Mark Camphouse and the NOVA Alexandria Band under my direction will present a FREE concert!
Come and hear favorites by Camille Saint-Saens, Percy Grainger, John Philip Sousa, Henry Fillmore, David Gillingham, Edward Gregson, Charles Carter, Rossano Galante, and new pieces by young composers Justin David Casinghino, Matthew Bandman, and Nathan Pereda. This concert will also feature Air Force Band member, Kate Fitzpatrick, as French Horn soloist!
It was 2:00pm and those who knew just how great this concert was going to be were all ready in their seats and grateful they didn’t have to miss it, for a class.
Our amazing Jazz faculty warmed up and began performing one another’s works! The set list included:
Motor City by Kevin Pace
Key West Waltz by Harry Watters
Floating on AIR by John Kocur
Forgiven by John Kocur
Route 90 East by Ken Hall
Tune for Ralph by Ken Hall
The Grind by Kevin Pace
We have a stunning line up of musicians here at NOVA! Our latest faculty addition, Harry Watters, took us to a whole new world. Harry, has graced the stage with, “Doc Severinsen, Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Erich Kunzel, Kevin Mahogany, Wycliffe Gordon, Lou Rawls, Maureen McGovern, Bill Watrous, Carl Fontana, Jiggs Whiggam, James Moody, Peter Erskine, Conrad Herwig, John Fedchock and the Boston Brass. In addition, Harry has appeared as a featured soloist with the Syracuse Symphony, the Baton Rouge Symphony, the Louisiana Philharmonic, the Tulsa Pops, the West Virginia Symphony, the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band, the Janacek Philharmonic, the Moldovan Festival Orchestra and the U.S. Army Orchestra, to name a few…
Andrew Hare is an exceptional drummer! Andrew Hare grew up in a musical family, but didn’t find the drums until high school. He quickly fell in love with jazz through the music of Miles Davis and began to grow rapidly as a musician. His pursuit of jazz led to a music degree from Michigan State University, where he played in the schools award-winning Big Band, as well as an array of small groups. In addition to touring Japan and the United States with the MSU Big Band, he was also selected to participate in the prestigious Jazz Aspen Academy under the guidance of Christian McBride. He has also had the opportunity to perform with some legendary musicians including Rodney Whitaker, Jon Faddis, Frank Morgan, and Hank Jones. Since moving to DC in 2009, Andrew has become the chair of the percussion department at the Levine School of Music, earned a masters of music from the University of Maryland , and created the popular jazz drumming blog “The Melodic Drummer”, all while playing and recording with some of the area’s top jazz musicians. He looks forward to an exciting career of sharing his passion for music with audiences in DC and around the country.
Kevin, is known for his solid, earthy style of bass playing that you can hear live on over 30 recordings. A founding member of the DC Jazz Composers Collective, Pace has composed numerous award-winning compositions for jazz ensembles, orchestras, film, and artist collaborations. He has performed throughout the world at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Strathmore, and the Smithsonian, as well as jazz clubs all over the East Coast. Pace has performed with jazz greats including Gretchen Parlato, Freddie Redd, and David “Fathead” Newman. He teaches here at NOVA as well as Shepherd University.
Our Jazz piano teacher, Wade Beach, (As George Mason’s website proudly states, ” is widely respected for his harmonic sophistication and superb technique, which knows no stylistic limitations.” vWade teaches at George Mason University, as well as here with our students. Wade is everywhere, He’s honestly just a joy to listen to. He’s collaborated, ” with jazz artists including: Eddie Harris, Billy Harper, Gary Bartz, Richie Cole, Grady Tate, Keeter Betts, and Andrew White. Also pop artists including The Jackson Five, Barry White, and The Dells. Performed sols piano at the Kool Jazz Festival in the Kennedy Center – also performed at the Wolftrap Jazz Festival. He Joined The Air Force Band in 1979,” as well as working with The Airmen of Note. Wade, ” has performed for three presidents, and with great artists such as: Peter Erskin, Bob Berg, Tommy Newsom, Joe Williams, Ernie Watts, Arturo Sandoval, and Dave Liebman.Twice performed Duke Ellington’s piano concerto “A New World A’ Comin” with The Air Force Orchestra at Constitution Hall. Traveled throughout the world performing at notable locations including Carnegie Hall in NewYork. Also created many recordings with The Air Force Band. Played on the Norway’s Jazz Cruise, at the East Coast Jazz Festival with Andrew White, and at Blues Alley with Vaughn Nark, Andrew White, and Tim Eyerman. Most recently Wade is playing in a group with Jeff Antoniuk, Tom Baldwin, and Tony Martucci called “The Jazz Update.”
Ken Hall received a bachelors from Westfield State University in Mass. and his masters from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1986. He’s studied classical guitar with Tim Olbrych and William Feasley and jazz guitar with Mick Goodrick, Barry Galbraith and Ted Dunbar.
Aside from teaching for us, Ken is an in-demand freelance guitarist playing engagements with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House, Signature and Olney Theatres, Blues Alley and the Smithsonian. He toured the former Soviet Union with a 16-piece big band as a guest of the Soviet State Department and has performed with jazz greats Max Roach, Dave Weckl, Slide Hampton, Keter Betts, Don Braden, Hilary Jones, Chris Vadala, country rocker Charlie Daniels, gospel great Andrae Crouch, comedienne Joan Rivers, and Italian crooner Al Martino to name a few.
Aside from his time here at NOVA, he has also taught classical and jazz guitar at Amherst College, Westfield State University, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Va.
John Kocur is the head of our Jazz Studies Program. At the Washington Post puts it, “Kocur, a saxophonist so admired in the D.C. area that he’s nicknamed “The Smoker,” dominated the bandstand with his passionate playing.” – The Washington Post
When John isn’t teaching around town, he’s working with his quartet or freelancing. Recent performances by the John Kocur Quartet have included venues such as Bohemian Caverns, Blues Alley, Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, the DC Jazz Festival, Twins Jazz, and the Phillips Collection.
Overall, City Paper said it best, Alto saxophonist John Kocur isn’t called “The Smoker” for nothing. He’s simply one of the finest soloists the D.C. jazz scene has to offer—and, it turns out, one of its most promising composers and bandleaders, too.” -Michael J. West, Washington City Paper
In addition to leading his own group, John has performed as a sideman with the international touring acts such as Jamie Cullum and Joe Piscipo. In the Washington, D.C. area he has particiapted in the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra, Capital Focus Jazz Band, and the Too Damn Big Orchestra. In addition, he frequently collaborates with musicians in other genres, playing with progressive hip-hop artist Christylez Bacon and bluegrass duo Herb and Hanson. John has proudly performed overseas at the Jazz Ascona Festival in Switzerland and the first annual Nagano Jazz Festival in Japan. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with legendary jazz artists such as Benny Golson, Fred Wesley, Jimmie Owens, Freddie Redd, and Buck Hill.
And Jacob Garbus is our next up and coming saxaphonist! He’s placed all around the world and with our own John Kocur, The Pharcyde, De La Soul and Talib Kweli, to name a few! His bio will blossom before you know it because his playing is right up there! My advice is, learn what you can from him now, because he’ll be off creating an amazing career before we know it!
It’s not easy to move a massive band around town, but Band Director Lisa Eckstein is always undaunted! Saturday she procured a truck and packed everything up and met the students in Del Ray, in Alexandria, for a wonderful community concert! It was phenomenal!!!
Concert Band performed…
Overture for Winds by Charles Carter
Red Rock Mountain by Rossano Galante
Roses of Galante by NOVA alumnus Matthew Bandman
Carnival of Venice by Herbert Clarke featuring NOVA band euphonium player, Michael Brooke
Perseverance by NOVA student, Nathan Pereda
Shepherd’s Hey by Percy Grainger
Washington Post March by John Philip Sousa
Playing outdoors is a whole other experience. Sound often travels away toward the audience and doesn’t bounce back well. You’d never know by how in step everyone was.
The pieces were fun, energized and filled the festival!
The band was not the only NOVA group to play! Our Jazz Band followed Lisa’s amazing performance. Our director of Jazz Studies, John Kocur was quick to set the space and add some chairs for a whole new audience!
The ensemble performed a variety of works…
“Zip-Ah-Dee-Doo-Dah” by Ray Gilbert and Allie Wrubel
“Flirtibird” by Duke Ellington (from Anatomy of A Murder)
“Call Me Irresponsible” by Sammy Cahn and James Van Heusen
“Soul Bossa Nova” by Quincy Jones
“Every Day” by Memphis Slim
“You’re Welcome” by Lin-Manuel Miranda
The Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble is a community Jazz Band. It brings students together, with community musicians, for a wealth of knowledge and learning for everyone. If you’d like to consider joining the ensemble, contract John Kocur at Jkocur@nvcc.edu
The band mainly performs at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center and various community concerts. The Next Nighthawks Jazz performance will be at the Carlyle Club!
Monday, November 5, 2018
7:30 – 9:30pm
The Carlyle Club
2050 Ballenger Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314
Come on down for a GREAT night of Jazz in an amazing club, right here in Alexandria!
On Friday, May 11th, Music at messiah presented “Evening Prayer” Music of Praise and Petition by Messiah Community Chorus and Friends, St. Peter’s in the Woods Choir and the NOVA Community Chorus.
Both Jessica Irish and Chad Steffey conducted the evening.
The wonderful mission of the Music at Messiah Concert Series brings community members into the Cathedral and allows donations to help the local community.
The evening’s performance donations benefited The Weekend Backpack Program which helps food-insecure children in Springfield, VA,
Our own John Kocur, who heads our Jazz Studies program mesmerized everyone with his solos on Evening Prayer”
It’s not often anyone gets a chance to play such an beautiful room and one that holds such ambiance and meaning. Everyone had a lovely time.
To everyone who came to the concert, THANK YOU! We so appreciate your support. Please keep an eye on the blog and on our Facebook Page for up to date concert announcements and news! www.Facebook.com/MusicAtNova
Blog post by Britt Conley: Music Department Assistant
Each year The Alexandria Bar Association and The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble collaborate for an evening of JAZZ4JUSTICE!
Today, through partnerships with 9 universities and numerous local Bar Associations, 44 Jazz4Justice concerts have been held across the Commonwealth: George Mason, James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Christopher Newport University, Northern Virginia Community College, Shenandoah University and the University of Mary Washington.
These Concerts have raised over $400,000. for jazz programs and an array of education and charitable legal services benefiting Virginia’s local communities.
The evening began with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy our NoVA ensemble, grab some food and drinks and listen to the pre-concert concert.
The concert’s have raised over $400,000. for jazz programs and an array of educational and charitable legal services benefiting Virginia’s local communities.
This year the T.C. William s High School Jazz Ensemble joined us.
They were fantastic as always!!!
We also had wonderful raffle offerings for the events which featured restaurants around the area, classes, spa treatments, wine baskets and more…
Everyone came together to play the evening out….
John Kocur gave us one of his renowned solos…
The night included works by Cole Porter, Lionel Ritchie, Jimmy Van Jeusen, Mack Gordon & Harry Warren, Paul Baker, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington , Bill Potts, Antonio Jobin, Norman Whirfield, Barrett String and Billy Page.
It was another GREAT night, had by all!
Don’t miss next years! Come on over and help bring Jazz4Justice!
Blog post by Britt Conley, Assistant to the Music Department.
The 2018 Children’s Concert with the NOVA Alexandria Band, with special guest trumpeter Dennis Edelbrock, The George Mason Elementary School Jazz Band, The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble, The Alexadria City Public Schools Student Finalists in the National PTA Reflections Program and the Area School Band and Orchestra Students!
Nathan Evaristo was kind enough to do the concert notes!
According the Nathan, the first performance of the night, ““Esprit de Corp”. It was written by an illustrious, modern composer named Robert Jager who has written pieces for the greatest and most esteemed bands around the entire world. This piece was written for the President’s Own Marine Corps Band, a group consisting of some of the world’s finest musicians who perform and record regularly right here on this very stage. The definition of “Esprit de Corps” is a spirit of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty…that the US Marine Corps embodies.
In this piece, you will hear layers of sound. For example, in the beginning, after the PUNCH of an entrance, you’ll hear a fast, fluttery flute and xylophone melody, and then enters a dancing saxophone part. After that, a fanfare in the trumpets is added. This is all within the first few measures of the piece. The piece is like legos of musical sounds building a beautiful skyscraper! If you listen closely, you may even catch a short quote from the Marines’ Hymn.”
In case you didn’t know, the DC Metro area is an excellent place to be if you’re into the music scene. There are a great deal of professional ensembles and renowned orchestras, bands, and virtuosos. There are even brilliant, accomplished composers that live in the area. Well, we’ve had the pleasure and honor of working with one of these composers for this very concert! Retired Chief-Arranger and Composer of the United States Air Force Bands, his name is Robert Thurston, and what he has written here is a delightfully innocent, soaring song called Across the Clouds. It features a solo trumpet part that’s… well, let’s just say that “it isn’t for the faint of heart.” That would be putting it lightly!
And on trumpet tonight, we have trumpet phenomenon Dr. Dennis Edelbrock! Dr. Edelbrock teaches trumpet at the George Mason University and has an extensive expanse of musical accomplishments and involvements!
“I have found that if I close my eyes, and try to focus only on my sense of hearing, this piece really does evoke the feelings of flying, soaring above the landscape, through the clouds. Fitting for a retired Air-Force Composer! So with great pleasure… Across the Clouds!”
Denny is a master at his instrument and knows how to bring the house down!
“we–along with many musicians around the world–are participating in a movement to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth in 1918. Leonard Bernstein was a true Renaissance man. He was a leading activist and humanist, a brilliant musician and pianist, conductor, composer, and perhaps most importantly, a world-class teacher. And I mean WORLD CLASS. This man went through nearly the entire history of music, at a piano, in 5 minutes, on live TV…. Yeah! Exactly! It’s still on YouTube!
So, Bernstein… He started and popularized the Young People’s Concerts series. Now, as you can imagine, Bernstein was incredibly passionate about what he did. And I have always believed that the best teachers inspire students with positive displays of their own passion. And this man was absolutely no exception. In fact, his very first year directing the Young People’s Concert in 1958, it became the first series of concerts ever nationally televised from the Lincoln Performing Arts center where it was hosted, and those concerts have inspired people in every single generation ever since! I could go on and on all night about Bernstein, but I would risk turning this into the droning speeches in between pieces that most people can’t stand so I won’t do that… but seriously… Bernstein was a brilliant man!
That brings us to these next two program selections for the “Bernstein at 100” celebration. The first is a simple and beautiful, relaxing piece from his Mass called “A Simple Song,” and the second is the rousing “Gee, Officer Krupke” from West Side Story.”
We’d like to finish the NOVA Band portion of this concert with one final piece! Have you all ever heard of the March King? The American born King of March–John Phillip Sousa!! Oooffff course you have! Well, this next piece is titled The Fairest of the Fair, which he wrote for the Boston Food Fair in 1908. As the story goes, one day, Mr. Sousa was at one of the many fairs he attended, and he saw a beautiful woman. And not just any beautiful woman. Apparently, she was absurdly, crazy gorgeous. SO much so that he was inspired to write an entire march for this fair lady. This march in fact. And this was the only piece he wrote that entire year. And considering we’re talking about somebody who wrote 137 marches in his lifetime… that’s saying something!
Before we knew it, it was time for The George Mason Elemtary School Jazz Band to take the stage! The band director, Heather Rosner is just incredible. She had them up and ready to go in no time.
What is not to love about these kids! They began their set with Duke Ellington’s C-Jam Blues, with was arranged by Rick Stitzel.
Their final piece was Ellington again! Satin Doll, arranged by Michael Sweeney.
Next up were the Student Winners from the Alexandria City Public Schools in the Visual and Performing Arts Categories of the National PTA Reflections Program.
They even announced the winner that made it to the State round!!!
After a huge round of applause for these incredibly talented kids, we welcomed the George Washington Middle Schoo Jazz Ensemble, directed by Richard Seracino.
They began the set with Sugar by Stanley Turrentine, which was arranged by Mark Taylor.
They went on to play Sonny Henry’s “Evil Ways” and Shakey Ground by Alphonso Boyd, Eddie Hazel and Jeffrey Bowen.
After a great set, it was time for the big Grand Finale which combines our performing school children from area elementary and middle schools with the NOVA Alexandria Band!
They began to get ready to perform “Chester by William Billings and arranged by Brad Pfeil.
Lisa prepared the piece.
Soon enough, It was time to tune! I believe that’s concert C…
And then the music began… what a great piece!
The students ended the night with “Sword Dance” and the crowd loved it!!!
We also want to personally thank the Oaktones Jazz Quartet for providing the pre-concert music in the lobby!!! I will try to track down a photo. They included:
Carly Gabriel, violin
Sebastian Villa, alto Sax
Kieran O’Shaughnessy, tenor sax
Alexander Gabriel, piano
and Robert Gabriel, director.
Also check out Bob Thurston’s website at http://www.bobthurston.com
Please come to our next concert! Tuesday, March 20th from 7:30-9:00pm. Please join the NOVA Community Chorus for ‘ALL BROADWAY MUSIC!”
and consider joining our Jazz Ensembles for JAZZ FOR JUSTICE! Thursday, March 22nd with a pre-concert jam in the lobby begining at 6:00pm. Concert begins at 7:30.
and finally!
Our final concert of the season… The NOVA Alexandria Spring Concert: “Music from Around the Word!”
What a great night!!! The NOVA Alexandria Music Department presented it’s annual Holiday Concert on December 7th, 2017.
The evening began with the NOVA Community Chorus performing, For Unto Us a Child is Born from “Messiah” G.F. Handel. Based on Isaiah 9:6.
Sure on This Shining Night from “Nocturnes” by Morten Lauridsen was also a hit. The work was based on a poem by James Agee.
The Choir ended it’s first half of the concert with a very merry rendition of Jingle Bells by James Pierpont, arranged by Gordon Langford.
Next up were our NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble beginning their set with God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen arranged by Gordon Goodwin. The group also performed Blue Christmas by Billy Hayes and Jay Johnson. The work was arranged by Austin Windorski and The Little Drummer Boy by Katherine Kennicott Davis, arranged by Bob Washut.
The minute they began, the phones begin popping up to catch the moment.
John Kocur conducted phenomenally this evening! As always…
Even before the concert, everyone was rehearsing…
A great time to grab a few, behind the scenes photos…
The Nighthawks performed wonderfully
Holiday Jazz is really wonderful!
In the end the ensemble slowly walked off, leaving Christopher Gardner to end our first half of the concert with a rousing drum solo, and the stage to himself…
The audience returned to a wonderful surprise to many, but not our students. Our music students are not only enjoying our new Center for Design, Media and the Arts, they are also enjoying all the brand new Steinway’s that fill each room!
Tonight our Dean, Jim McClellan and Jonathan Kolm, our Assistant Dean and Director of the Music Program here at NOVA, were presented our new, official Steinway School plaque! We are all so excited for what this means for our college.
After our exciting Steinway presentation, the NOVA Alexandria Band hit the stage with, “And the Mountains Echoed: Gloria! by Robert Longfield, followed by Gesu Bambino (Pastorale for Christmas by Pietro Yon, arranged by Mark Rogers and the Dreidel Dance by Robert Thurston.
There was even a secondary Brass rendition of Jingle Bells!
A phenomenal night for the Band!
For the last works, our new chorus director, Chad Steffey, came out to conduct, “The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite III…
A fun-filled set of holiday styled songs…
A grand time was had by all! The audience was kind enough to give everyone a standing ovation!
Thanks to everyone who performed, helped organize and those who came to hear what we have to offer! We hope you have a wonderful holiday!
We look forward to seeing you at our next Spring concerts:
The NOVA Alexandria Band’s Children’s Concert on March 1st at 7:30pm.
The NOVA Community Chorus Concert, March 20th at 7:30
The Jazz4Justice Concert featuring the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble, March 22nd
and finally, The NOVA Spring Concert featuring
The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Alexandria Band and The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble, Friday April 27th from 7:30-9:30pm.
See you there!
Blog post by Britt Conley: Assistant to the Music Department
What a GREAT gig! The NOVA ensembles performed at the famed, Carlyle Club in Old Town Alexandria on October 30th, 2017.
Our Jazz studies director, John Kocur, kicked off the evening events, directed and informed the audience about the club, songs and upcoming events.
The Nighthawks Jazz Band worked it! Playing out at the club is really a wonderful opportunity for our students.
While everyone performed, dancers spun about the floor…
There were even dance classes for those who wanted to learn some new swing moves! NOVA’s ballroom dance instructor Alan Golombek took the time to teach anyone who was interested. It turned out there were a lot of interested people!
Kyle Wright joined the band for several songs. He really has a phenomenal voice!
Everyone played well and we all had a great time!
Look for the date for next year’s club date! It’s every fall.
The music from all the ensembles was fantastic!
Looking forward to hearing them again at Jazz4Justice on March 22nd at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria!
See you there!
Blog post by Britt Conley: Assistant to the Music Department
October 24th, marked the premier of The Nova Community Chorus under the new direction of Director Chad Steffey.
The concert began with “Full Fathom Five”by Charles Wood, continuing with “Sing Joyfully” by William Byrd, In Windsor Forest: A cantata adapted from the opera, “Sir John in Love” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Songs and Sonnets”from Shakespeare by George Shearing, “If Music be the Food of Love” by David Dickau and finally, “Dance a Cachuca” from the Gondoliers by Sir Arthur Sullivan.
The chorus was glad to be back at The Schlesinger Center for the Arts.
Chad enlightened us on the stories and backgrounds of the music, in between works.
The chorus was accompanied by Anita Ferguson, who also joined The NOVA Community Chorus, this year.
Anita, has been working in the Fairfax County Public School system, for the past six years, as both an accompanist and substitute teacher. She played wonderfully.
Chad comes to us from a impressive background. He served for 20 years on active duty int he United States Air Force, retiring in the rank of Major in July 2013. His career spanned several assignments as a percussionist and conductor in the Air Force Band career field. Since 2015 Chad has been the Director of Choirs at J.E.B Stuart High School and serves as the Director of Music at St. Peter’s in the Woods Episcopal Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia. He is also currently completing his doctoral studies in choral directing at George Mason University.
It was a great night overall and wonderful kickoff to our 2017-18 NOVA musical season. Our next concert is this evening, October 26th. Lisa Eckstein will conducting the NOVA Community Band with her annual Halloween concert, Spooctacular Sounds in the Haunted Hall, also featuring the Wakefield High School Band! Music from Bach, Holst and Mussorgsky to Andrew Weber, Sousa and more! It will be great to see this year’s halloween costume contest!
The band directed by John Kocur will feature a special appearance by George Mason University’s legendary band leader “Doc Nix” Nickens and by guest saxophone soloist Vaughn Ambrose. The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble directed by Richard Seracino will also perform. You can join too! A jam session will be held before the official concert begins. All musicians are welcome. A cash bar will be available as well as a raffle for fabulous prizes submitted by local merchants.
Buy tickets (or make a donation if you can’t come) through our website J4JAlexandria.wordpress.com or through the Alexandria Bar Association at 703-48-1106 or alexbar@alexandriabarva.org. Please support our community by attending an evening of great music.
Since 1967, helping people of all ages grow in the joy of making music.