A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello.A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
Our NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble rocked the house with Afro Blue, Tico Tico and Manteca.
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
They knocked our socks off!!!!!!!
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
Jazz Director, John Kocur, has been working with the ensemble all semester and boy did they shine!
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
The NOVA Community Chorus followed with Ride on, King Jesus. Choral Director Chad Steffey and our accompanist Anita Ferguson have supported the Choir all year. The Chorus was lovely; every piece.
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
Ralph Vaughan Williams, O’ Clap Your Hands was conducted by Lisa Eckstein.
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
John Kocur accompanied the Chorus’ Evening Prayer on his soprano Saxophone. It was truly a stunningly beautiful piece.
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt ConleyA Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
The NOVA Alexandria Band did four works:
Puszta: Four Gipsy Dances, Danzon No. 2, Viva Italia! and Berstein’s Mambo.
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
One of the best moments of the night were the student awards. The Billy Award, named after Bill Bovender was awarded to Judy Bendig. The Betty Award was awarded to Elizabeth Todd.
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
But that wasn’t the only great moment. We also had Anthony Maiello, The Artistic Director and Conductor of the American Festival Pops Orchestra and Artistic Director of the School of Music at George Mason.
His Accordion performance on Viva Italia was a show stopper!
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
We were incredibly lucky to have him.
A Musical Odyssey. April 27th, 2018 with The NOVA Knighthawks Jazz Ensemble, The Nova Community Chorus and the NOVA Alexandria Band with special guest accordion soloist, Anthony Maiello. Photo by Britt Conley
A phenomenal concert! We look forward to seeing you all next Fall, for our 2018/19 season! Until then, our students have recitals, juries and exams to contend with, and thanks to those who donated at our concerts this year, they have incredible opportunities ahead!
Please like out Facebook Page at www.facebook/MusicAtNova
Blog Post by Brit Conley: Assistant to the Music Department.
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Each year The Alexandria Bar Association and The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble collaborate for an evening of JAZZ4JUSTICE!
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
The 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
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 NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
The evening began with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy our NoVA ensemble, grab some food and drinks and listen to the pre-concert concert.
5th Annual Jazz4Justice at The NOVA Alexandria Campus. April 12, 2018. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley5th Annual Jazz4Justice at The NOVA Alexandria Campus. April 12, 2018. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
5th Annual Jazz4Justice at The NOVA Alexandria Campus. April 12, 2018. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
This year the T.C. William s High School Jazz Ensemble joined us.
The T. C. Williams High School Jazz Ensemble performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
They were fantastic as always!!!
The 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
We also had wonderful raffle offerings for the events which featured restaurants around the area, classes, spa treatments, wine baskets and more…
The raffle drawing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Everyone came together to play the evening out….
The NOVA Nighthawks and T. C. Williams High School Jazz Ensembles performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
John Kocur gave us one of his renowned solos…
John Kocur taking the solo with The NOVA Nighthawks and T. C. Williams High School Jazz Ensembles performing at the 5th Annual Jazz for Justice benefit concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. April 12, 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
What a great night!!! The NOVA Alexandria Music Department presented it’s annual Holiday Concert on December 7th, 2017.
The NOVA Community Chorus at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
The NOVA Community Chorus at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
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 NOVA Community Chorus at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
The NOVA Community Chorus at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
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 NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
The minute they began, the phones begin popping up to catch the moment.
The NOVA Nighthawkes Jazz Ensemble at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
John Kocur conducted phenomenally this evening! As always…
The NOVA Nighthawkes Jazz Ensemble at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
Even before the concert, everyone was rehearsing…
The NOVA Nighthawkes Jazz Ensemble at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
A great time to grab a few, behind the scenes photos…
The NOVA Nighthawkes Jazz Ensemble at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
The Nighthawks performed wonderfully
Kyle Wright sings with The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
Holiday Jazz is really wonderful!
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
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 NOVA Nighthawkes Jazz Ensemble at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
The Steinway School Presentation. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
The NOVA Alexandria Band at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
There was even a secondary Brass rendition of Jingle Bells!
The NOVA Alexandria Band at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
A phenomenal night for the Band!
The NOVA Alexandria Band at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
For the last works, our new chorus director, Chad Steffey, came out to conduct, “The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite III…
The NOVA Community Chorus with the NOVA Alexandria Band performing at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
A fun-filled set of holiday styled songs…
The NOVA Community Chorus with the NOVA Alexandria Band performing at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
A grand time was had by all! The audience was kind enough to give everyone a standing ovation!
The NOVA Community Chorus with the NOVA Alexandria Band performing at the 2017 Holiday Concert. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
7th Annual NOVA Jazz Night at The Carlyle Club. Photo by Britt Conley
Our Jazz studies director, John Kocur, kicked off the evening events, directed and informed the audience about the club, songs and upcoming events.
NOVA JAZZ Ensembles at The Carlyle Club! October 30th, 2017. Photo by Britt Conley
The Nighthawks Jazz Band worked it! Playing out at the club is really a wonderful opportunity for our students.
NOVA JAZZ Ensembles at The Carlyle Club! October 30th, 2017. Photo by Britt Conley
While everyone performed, dancers spun about the floor…
NOVA JAZZ Ensembles at The Carlyle Club! Photo By Britt Conley
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!
NOVA JAZZ Ensembles at The Carlyle Club! October 30th, 2017. Photo by Britt Conley
Kyle Wright joined the band for several songs. He really has a phenomenal voice!
NOVA JAZZ Ensembles at The Carlyle Club! October 30th, 2017. Photo by Britt Conley
Everyone played well and we all had a great time!
NOVA JAZZ Ensembles at The Carlyle Club! October 30th, 2017. Photo by Britt Conley
Look for the date for next year’s club date! It’s every fall.
NOVA JAZZ Ensembles at The Carlyle Club! October 30th, 2017. Photo by Britt Conley
The music from all the ensembles was fantastic!
NOVA JAZZ Ensembles at The Carlyle Club! October 30th, 2017. Photo by Britt Conley
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
This Monday! October 30th! Come join us for the 7th Annual NOVA Jazz Night at The Carlyle Club, featuring our very own, NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Jazz Combos! FREE!No tickets are required but free-will donations will be collected to benefit the NOVA jazz program’s public concerts and scholarship program. All are welcome to attend.”
According to John Kocur, “In bygone days, a night on the town could mean dressing to the nines and dancing the night away to a live band at a club where you could eat a good meal and sip finely crafted beverages. There are few locations remaining in America where live music can be experienced with this simultaneous sense of intimacy and sophistication. One of them is the Carlyle Club in Old Town Alexandria. With its spacious dance floor, ample stage, cozy booths, and tucked away bar, there are many options for enjoying the music and your company. Much of the décor is a throwback to the Art Deco style of the 1920’s, recalling New York’s Cotton Club, Savoy Ballroom, and Chicago’s Lincoln Gardens.
Our incredible jazz musicians have been diligently practicing and gearing up for a great night!
Photo by Britt Conley
NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble will perform Duke Ellington’s “Echoes of Harlem” and other works written for the orchestras of Count Basie, Stan Kenton, and Cab Calloway.
Come to dance to the music in an authentic setting. Don’t know how to swing dance? NOVA’s ballroom dance instructor Alan Golombek will teach you with a mini swing dance lesson during intermission.
Everyone can’t wait to hit the stage!
Photo by Britt Conley
It’s been pretty nice, practicing in our new percussion room in the Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus.
Photo by Britt Conley
Which, unlike our old rooms at Tyler are far more spacious.
Photo by Britt Conley
If you were thinking about something to do on Monday night, October 30th, this is it!!! The Nighthawks Jazz Band will be working it all night!
Photo by John Kocur
Practice has been going really well.
Photo by John Kocur
Photo by John Kocur
If you haven’t been to the Carlye, It’s a Alexandria gem!
This Monday, October 30th The NOVA Jazz Combos will present an opening set of listening music for your dining pleasure.
“If you’re looking for old-fashioned romance and entertainment, try the new Carlyle Club in Alexandria, where the sounds of the swing era play in an atmosphere unlike anything else on the night-life scene.” – The Washington Post
