10/22 in Schlesinger at 7:30pm – NOVA Chorus Concert
The NOVA Community Chorus will join with the Justice High School and Glasgow Middle School Choirs to perform a concert called “Still I Rise.” Familiar favorites such as Bridge Over Troubled Water and Still I Rise are on the concert together with classical music including Domine, Ad Adjuvandum Me by Martini and “Alleluia” by Elaine Hagenberg.
10/24 in Schlesinger at 8:00pm – NOVA Band Concert
Come hear The NOVA Alexandria Band perform their 2024 fall concert titled “Journeys.” The band will perform music by Percy Grainger, Henry Mancini, Elmer Bernstein, Karl King, Giuseppe Verdi, Yukiko Nishimura, Pascual Marquina, and Rossano Galante. This concert is being dedicated to the memory of Dean Kauffman, beloved longtime euphonium player in the band. Admission and parking are free.
11/1 in AFA 118 at 7:30 – Jazz Night Concert
This concert will feature the NOVA Nighthawks and the NOVA Jazz Combos performing pieces with a game theme. Note: There will be a ‘Halloween Hangover Game Night’ hosted by the LASS Social Committee from 5-8pm in AFA 208 as a perfect warmup for the concert!
11/10 in Schlesinger at 4pm – NOVA Orchestra Concert
As a finale to its 30th anniversary season, the NOVA Symphony Orchestra will be partnering with the Alexandria Choral Society, The New Dominion Choraliers, and the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts to present Beethoven’s monumental Symphony #9 in d minor. For more information, please visit www.reunionmusicsociety.org.
*This event is ticketed but free for NOVA students with ID
11/15 in AFA 118 at 7:30pm – Natalia Kazaryan Piano Recital
From Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, pianist Natalia Kazaryan has been hailed by The New York Sun for her “prodigious ability,” remarking that she “immediately established an atmosphere of strength and confidence.” She is “a marvel among marvels … fascinating, elegant” (Nice-Matin) and “incredible” (All Classical Portland). This solo recital will feature works by Bach-Busoni, Brahms, Debussy, Gabriela Smith, and a premiere of a commissioned work by NOVA Music Department Chair Dr. Jonathan Kolm.
11/19 in the AFA Black Box Theater at 7:30 – NOVA Jazz Combos Concert
This concert will feature students in small jazz groups for an intimate night of improvisation in the Black Box Theater.
12/4 in Schlesinger at 7:30pm – NOVA Holiday Concert
Come hear the NOVA Community Chorus, the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble, and the NOVA Alexandria Band present holiday favorites. Admission and parking are free. Pre-concert music in the lobby will start at 6:30.
12/7 in AFA 118 at 1pm and 5pm – Applied Student Recitals
At 1pm Alexandria’s applied voice students will each perform selections that they have been perfecting during the semester.
At 5pm applied piano and instrumental students will also have the opportunity to perform for their peers and the community.
The NOVA Alexandria Campus AFA (Fine Arts) Building is located at 3301 Netherton Dr. Alexandria, VA 22311
The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center is located at 4915 E. Campus Dr. Alexandria, VA 22311
Parking in Student Permit/Hourly Pay lots is free after 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day on weekends.
Pictured from left to right: Prof Cammaroto, Alexandra Richardson, Andrew Foley, and Studio Collaborative Pianist Barbara Wilkinson at the Mid Atlantic Regional NATS Student Auditions.
Every year The Virginia National Association of Teachers of Singing (VA NATS) hosts student auditions. Students perform pieces for a panel of vocal adjudicators. The adjudicators’ critiques and assessments are helpful both to the students and teachers in terms of improving. Each student receives a score from no less than three judges.
This year our NOVA Voice Majors all received honors scores at the 2024 VA NATS Student Auditions. In addition to that wonderful news, we had two students place 3rd and 4th out of all of the Sophomore Men (Tenor, Baritone and Bass) competing in Virginia. This is a huge!
For the 2024 VA NATS, Congratulations to: Andrew Foley – Third Place and Honors Score Vincent Sanfilippo – Fourth Place and Honors Score Alexandra Richardson – Honors Score
With these impressive scores all three students qualified to move on to regionals! The Mid Atlantic Regional NATS Student Auditions were held in Greenville, SC on March 8-9. The states in our region are Maryland, DC, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
In the regionals, Andrew Foley placed fourth for sophomore men! He qualified to move on to the NATS Student Auditions National Preliminaries. Way to go Andrew!
Alexandra Richardson received the highest score of all of the NOVA student! She just missed the cut off. It is much more competitive for women and particularly sopranos.
Unfortunately, Vincent Sanfilippo was sick and unable to participate in the regionals.
It took nine and a half hours of driving to reach the regional auditions in Greenville SC! Both Andrew and Alexandra drove back to Northern Virginia directly after singing Friday, so they could work on Saturday as they had to take Thursday and Friday off from their jobs. This commitment shows just how dedicated and hardworking our NOVA voice majors are.
This is literally a David vs. Goliath win, and we are so proud of them for doing this on their own. We are also extremely thankful to our voice instructor, Cara Cammaroto, for making this opportunity possible for our NOVA students!
We wish Andrew Foley good luck at the National Preliminaries and hope to see him go all the way to the finals held this summer in Knoxville, Tennessee in which the top three get a cash prize!
The Virginia Bedell Back Music Cultural Exchange Series presented a talk with Negin Khpalwak to a live audience on the Annandale Campus on November 9th 2023. She shared her story of overcoming adversity in her study of music on her way to becoming Afghanistan’s first female conductor and leading Zorha, Afghanistan’s first all female music ensemble on several international tours including a performance at Davos International Forum in Switzerland. We were thrilled to have her in our first event in this series, please enjoy the recording of the event here: https://youtu.be/3IjsUpCMLn8
(l-r) Gwyn Jones on flute, Jeff Kahan on oboe, Lisa Eckstein on Oboe, Wendy Chinn on Horn and Alisha Coleman on clarinet. The Morpheus Chamber Players at the Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria Campus Recital Hall in the AFA Building. Photo by Britt Conley.
A Winter Potpourri of Wind Quintets with The Morpheus Chamber Players featuring Gwyn Jones, flute, Jeff Kahan, oboe, Alisha Coleman, clarinet, Wendy Chinn, Horn and Lisa Eckstein Basson. The concert included works by Carl Nielsen, Valerie Coleman and Thad Jones!
This spring’s Faculty Recital was wonderful! On Tuesday, February 26th, 2019 we all gathered at 2:00pm in the Music Department Recital Hall and were taught by our very own masters. The recital began with Trombonist Harry Watters and Guitartist Kenneth Hall performing All The Things You Are by Jerome Kern.
Harry Watters and Kenneth Hall performing at the Faculty Recital. Tuesday, February 26th, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. Photo by Britt Conley
Pianist Christine Hagan followed with the lovely piece of Fantasia by Giles Farnaby.
Chris Hagan at the Faculty Recital. Tuesday, February 26th, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. Photo by Britt Conley
John Kocur joined her for Romance by William Grant-Still. A wonderful rendition!
Chris Hagan and John Kocur at the Faculty Recital. Tuesday, February 26th, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. Photo by Britt Conley
Our Violin teacher, Rami Kanaan and accompanist Bettye Cooley performed Meditation from Thais by Jules Massenet and Czardas by Vittorio Monti.
Faculty Recital. Tuesday, February 26th, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. Photo by Britt Conley
Jonathan Caudill, on of our very talented voice teachers performed Liszt’s Die Lorelei, and Monti’s ‘A Vucchella.
Jonathan Caudill at the Faculty Recital. Tuesday, February 26th, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. Photo by Britt Conley
Our piano teacher Ja-Hye Koo played the ever amazing Ondine by Maurice Ravel.
Ja-Hye Koo at the Faculty Recital. Tuesday, February 26th, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. Photo by Britt Conley
The recital ended with Jonathan Kolm joining Ja-Hye to perform Jonathans three movement composition “Four Hand Suite”
Ja-Hye Koo and Jonathan Kolm at the Faculty Recital. Tuesday, February 26th, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. Photo by Britt Conley
Jonathan was kind enough to put this together and we owe him our gratitude! Jonathan is also having a world premier of his piece Arboreal Dreams by The United States Air Force Band Woodwind Quintet, this Saturday in room 118 of Northern Virginia Community College – Alexandria Campus, Center for Design Media and the Arts at 7:00PM Parking is FREE!!!! Flyer is at the bottom of this page : )
Jonathan Kolm at the Faculty Recital. Tuesday, February 26th, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. Photo by Britt Conley
The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
Chorus had an exciting time putting on a great evening of Broadway Tunes. It all began with “There’s No Business Like Show Business!” Seriously… It’s true. Our host?, Director of the NOVA Community Chorus, Chad Steffey.
The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
The evening featured some incredible works, mainly showing off some of our individual Chorus members. This was their night. These volunteer soloists picked their own songs and sang their hearts out! David Shilton sings C’est Moi from Camelot.
David Shilton. The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
They took turns for a well over an hours worth of Broadway Tunes! Mary Shilton sang What I did for Love, from A Chorus Line.
Mary Shilton. The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
Bernie Cohen’s “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof, was wonderful.
Bernie Cohen. The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
Our Guest Artist, Soloist, Emi Eiting, sang multiple songs, including What More Do I need? from Saturday Night, Times Are Hard For Dreamers, Vanilla Ice Cream, from She Loves Me and Meadowlark from The Baker’s Wife! Emi is a freelance performer, choral conductor, pianist, director choral adjudicator and vocal coach working in Northern Virginia. Her voice just fills the hall beautifully.
Emi Eiting. The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
There were so many phenomenal Tunes! The Ensemble Women sang, “And All That Jazz” from Chicago, followed by the Ensemble Men adding “Gee, Officer Krupke from West Side Story.
The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
With a trip down memory lane we embarked on a great 60’s feel, What a Piece of Work is Man/How Dare They Try from Hair. The work featured Margot Hanclich, followed by Alison Sheahan singing On a Clear Day.
Margo Hanclich and Alison Sheahan. The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt ConleyAlison Sheahan. The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
Tom Munger and Bernie Cohen had us, “Brush Up on Your Shakespeare” from Kiss Me Kate!
Tom Munger and Bernie Cohen. The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
Dylan Nohilly, asked, “Try to Remember” from The Fantasticks.
Dylan Nohilly. The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
After a lovely round of soloists, the Chorus came in with a stunning rendition of Singing in the Rain! You can hear a part of it on Instagram! instagram.com/musicatnova Follow us and if you take pictures of our concerts feel free to hashtag #musicatnova, so that we can all enjoy them : )
The NOVA Community Chorus Presents Broadway Lights at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on February 19th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley
This was followed by a beautiful and soulful, Send in the Clowns from A Little Night Music. The final piece of the evening was Do You Hear the People Sing from Les Misérables!
If you want to catch the Chorus soon, we are having our Spring Concert, here at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 3rd at 8:00pm! Please bring family and friends to help support all the efforts of our students and community with this, our Combined, Chorus, Band and Jazz Ensemble Concert.
For more information contact Lisa Eckstein at Leckstein@nvcc.edu
The evening NOVA Holiday Concert began with Chad Steffey directing the NOVA Community Choir in Magnificat in C Major, D. 486 by Franz Schubert. Soprano – Shelby Young, Altos – Halina Banas-Jones & Jackie Cohen, Tenor – Dave Shepherd and Bass singer Dylan Nohilly performed beautifully.
The NOVA Community Chorus. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
This was followed by, “In the Bleak of Winter” by Harold Darke, featuring Tenor Marcos Sonnenber-Nieves and Soprano, Barbara Shepherd.
The NOVA Community Chorus. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
It was so wonderful to hear a variety of holiday works. “Ocho Kandelikas” Landino Song for Channukah, by Flory Jagoda was lovely and the final choral work was simple and beautiful, “A Merry Christmas” West Country traditional Song, arranged by Arthur Warrell.
The NOVA Community Chorus. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
The Jazz Ensemble was on it! Their holiday program included, “Mary Did you Know?” by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green.
The Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
They did a great rendition of Gordin Goodwind’s jazz arrangement for Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/
The Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
Jay Livingston and Ray Evans’ Silver Bells was a huge hit.
The Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
Of course the biggest surprise was a jazzy Joy to the World. We were all so excited during the applause, I accidentally got of this fun image : )
The Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
The NOVA Alexandria Band was at the ready, for the next section. We began with A Chanukah Celebration, arranged by David Bobrowitz.
The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
I love it when the band don a great cap!
The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
Minor Alterations: Christmas Through the Looking Glass by David Lovrien, followed, just before Greensleeves.
The students have been working hard all semester and this was a perfect night to shine! They all did an amazing job!
The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
The Christmas March was really fun!
The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
For the finale, Lisa turned to the audience to conduct the Singalong, Christmas Finale! The lyrics were on the back of the program : )
The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
The audience really enjoyed it!
The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
We were luckily joined by our NOVA leadership! President Ralls, our Alexandria Provost, Annette Haggray and The Dean of the Arts, David Epstein were all in attendance.
The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
The concert was huge hit and the round of applause was rewarding for all.
The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
The students work so hard in all our Music Programs, between the Band, Choir and Jazz Band and this is their big opportunity to perform for family and friends. We really appreciate your support.
The NOVA Community Band. A Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. Featuring The NOVA Community Chorus, The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Alexandria Band. Photo by Britt Conley.
Please Join us for our next, wonderful evening Concert at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center! The Band will be putting on the Annual Children’s Concert! Thursday, March 7th, 2019 at 7:30 pm. The Concert will feature special guest soloists: Trumpeter Dennis Edelbrock, Trombonist Harry Watters, and clarinetists Brian Jones and Charles West! We will also provide the world premier of a piece by composer Robert Thurston! Joining us will be The George Mason Elementary School Jazz Band, The George Washington Middle School Jazz Ensemble, The Alexandria City Public Schools Student Finalists in the National PTA Reflections Program and the band will be joined by area School Band and Orchestra Students!!! It’s going to be quite the night!!!!
For more information, please contact Lisa Eckstein leckstein@nvcc.edu
NOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt Conley
NOVA Alexandria Jazz Ensembles performed at the Carlyle Club on Monday night! The evening began with “The Generation Gap” One of the great Jazz combos in the Jazz Studies Program, featuring:
John Butler, alto saxophone and flute; Christopher Kaplan, guitar; Burvin Jenkins, guitar (group leader); Jacqueline Rodriguez, piano; Cristhian Arango, bass and Fernando Galleas, drums.
NOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt ConleyNOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt Conley
Our second Ensemble, The Jazz Standards, features: Michael Barr, alto saxophone; Marie Himel, tenor saxophone and flute; Andrew Grabowski, guitar; Bryan Dicks, guitar; Rodney Avery, piano; Marcus Levitan, bass; Kurt Steinbacher, drums; Steven Melnick, voice
NOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlye Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt Conley
he Director of our Jazz Studies program, John Kocur, set the story for the NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble’s evening theme “The Sounds of Hollywood.”
John Kocur, director of Jazz studies at NOVA Alexandria directed the evening of NOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt Conley
The program included:
Zip-Ah-Dee-Doo-Dah
Flirtibird
Call Me Irresponsible
Soul Bossa Nova
I Wanna Be Like You
Everyday I Have The Blues
You’re Welcome
NOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt Conley
The Jazz Band did a wonderful job. The music was fun, energized and soulful! Especially Soul Bossa Nova!
NOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt Conley
The NOVA Nighthawks Jazz Ensemble (Big Band) features:
Saxophones: Kevin Bennett, John Butler, Caryl Greenfield, Marie Himel and Susan Shapiro
Trumpet: Larry Craven, Ludwig Goon, Grason Stewart, Jacob Shapiro and Ronald Umbeck
Trombone: Thomas Fonda, Adam Kissel and Jason Smith
Rhythm Section: Roger Wood, guitar; Andrew Grabowski, guitar; Brian Kang, guitar; Rodney M Avery, piano; Owen Squire, piano; John Kang, bass; Luke Neyland, drums and Joseph Dirsa, drums.
NOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt ConleyNOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt Conley
Aside from having such a great ambiance, at the Carlye Club, we also enjoyed the amazing menu. A night of dinner and jazz is always fun. Some got up and danced the night away!
NOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt ConleyWe’d like to thank The Carlyle Club for this phenomenal opportunity for our students to perform in an amazing venue.
NOVA Alexandria Jazz students performing Monday, November 5th, 2018 at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo by Britt Conley
To see the NOVA Jazz Ensembles again, they will be marching in the the Alexandria, Saint Patricks Day Parade on March 2nd! If you can them there, post a photo on Instagram! #Musicatnova
The Jazz Ensembles will be performing at The Torpedo Factory on April 30th from 6:30-10:00pm for JAZZ for JUSTICE.
They will also be at The NOVA, Spring Concert on May 3rd in the Schlesinger Arts Center at 8pm!
For more information about our events, please visit www.facebook.com/MusicAtNOVA
The NOVA Alexandria Band performs at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on March 1st, 2018 Photo by Britt Conley
And what a great night it was!
The Children’s Concert
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!
Nathan Evaristo delivers his concert notes. Photo by Britt Conley
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.”
Composer Robert Thurston! Photo by Britt Conley
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!
Guest Trumpeter soloist, Dennis Edelbrock showed everyone what a trumpet can do! Photo by Britt Conley
“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!
Guest Trumpeter soloist, Dennis Edelbrock showed everyone what a trumpet can do! Photo by Britt Conley
“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!
A Simple Song from Mass by Leonard Bernstein and arranged by Michael Sweeney. Photo by Britt Conley
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.”
Gee, Officer Krupke from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein and arranged by Michael Sweeney. Photo by Britt Conley
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!
The NOVA Alexandria Band performs, The Fairest of the Fair by John Philip Sousa and arranged by Keith Brion and Loras Schissel. Photo by Britt ConleyThe NOVA Alexandria Band performs, The Fairest of the Fair by John Philip Sousa and arranged by Keith Brion and Loras Schissel. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
The George Mason Elementary School Jazz Band, directed by Heather Rosner. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
The George Mason Elementary School Jazz Band, directed by Heather Rosner. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
The Student Winners for the Alexandria City Public Schools in the Visual and Performing Arts Categories of the National PTA Reflections Program. Photo by Britt ConleyThe Student Winners for the Alexandria City Public Schools in the Visual and Performing Arts Categories of the National PTA Reflections Program. Photo by Britt ConleyThe Student Winners for the Alexandria City Public Schools in the Visual and Performing Arts Categories of the National PTA Reflections Program. Photo by Britt Conley
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.
Middle Schoo Jazz Ensemble, directed by Richard Seracino. Photo by Britt Conley
They went on to play Sonny Henry’s “Evil Ways” and Shakey Ground by Alphonso Boyd, Eddie Hazel and Jeffrey Bowen.
Middle Schoo Jazz Ensemble, directed by Richard Seracino. Photo by Britt ConleyMiddle Schoo Jazz Ensemble, directed by Richard Seracino. Photo by Britt Conley
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!
Grand Finale with the students and the Alexandria Band! Photo by Britt Conley
They began to get ready to perform “Chester by William Billings and arranged by Brad Pfeil.
Grand Finale with the students and the Alexandria Band! Photo by Britt Conley
Lisa prepared the piece.
Grand Finale with the students and the Alexandria Band! Photo by Britt Conley
Soon enough, It was time to tune! I believe that’s concert C…
Grand Finale with the students and the Alexandria Band! Photo by Britt Conley
And then the music began… what a great piece!
Grand Finale with the students and the Alexandria Band! Photo by Britt Conley
The students ended the night with “Sword Dance” and the crowd loved it!!!
Grand Finale with the students and the Alexandria Band! Photo by Britt Conley
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!”
Concert flyer for Broadway Celebrations!
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.
Jazz for Justice
and finally!
Our final concert of the season… The NOVA Alexandria Spring Concert: “Music from Around the Word!”
