Author and illustrator Tim Raglin signs books after NOVA Manassas Symphony's sold-out family concert on December 15, 2007

Under the direction of James Villani, the NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra performed before their biggest audience in their history on Saturday afternoon, December 15, 2007. The highlight of the concert was the world premier performance of Uncle Mugsy and the Terrible Twins of Christmas. The piece is based on a children’s book of the same name written by Eric Metaxas, illustrated by Tim Raglin and set to music by J.R. Dane. The illustrator and composer attended at the concert. The commission was made possible through the contribution of the Washington Post, and it is the second year that the orchestra has commissioned the orchestration of a children’s book. The piece was narrated by Ken Elston of the Gray Ghost Theatre Company. After the concert Mr. Raglin had a book signing that lasted for an hour and a half.

Another highlight of this concert was the performance of Concerto for Sleigh Bells and Strings by John Edmondson, featuring Glenkirk Elementary School Second Graders performing on Sleigh Bells. Children who attended the concert sat on blankets right in front of the orchestra so that they can enjoy the performance from up close. Maestro Villani talked with the children throughout the concert.

The NMSO is the all volunteer community service orchestra of Prince William County. The Symphony’s next performance will be on March 1, 2008 and will feature Tabloid Suite, a piece written by Ferde Grofé, and performed for the first time in 70 years. The concert will also include Joseph Rheinberger's Organ Concerto No. 1 in F, op. 137 performed by C. Milton Rodgers III. Ticket information can be obtained by logging on to www.manassassymphony.org, or by emailing tickets@manassassymphony.org. Call (703) 257-6500 x47737 for more information.

NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra is seeking percussionists to perform in the remainder of our concert season and beyond. Interested and dedicated performers should email personnel@manassassymphony.org or call (703) 257-6500 x47737.

The NMSO is the all volunteer community service orchestra of Prince William County. The Symphony's next concert will be held on March 1, 2008. The orchestra rehearses on Wednesday evenings. For more information about the NMSO, visit our website at www.manassassymphony.org.

Dr. Gail E. Pope, Superintendent of Manassas City Public Schools, James P. Baxa, a longtime civil servant in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and September J. Kondas, the Director of Business Management at Lockheed Martin, were elected to the Board of Directors of the NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra, the area’s all volunteer service orchestra. The NMSO is in the final preparation stages for its upcoming 15th Anniversary Season.

Dr. Pope is very well known in the community. She has over 30 years of experience as a professional educator, including experience as a teacher, assistant principal and associate superintendent. She joined Manassas City Schools from Manassas Park City, where she served as Associate Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology for five years. Last year Dr. Pope was recognized as the Curriculum Leader of the Year by the Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She will surely contribute significantly to the accomplishment of the educational component of the NMSO’s mission.

Jim Baxa’s career spans 20 years at the USDA, managing the administration of federal government farm programs and accounting for the millions of dollars in appropriations for these activities. He brings great organizational experience to the NMSO board of directors, as well as a passion for the orchestra and its ability to deliver many cultural opportunities to the diverse and busy people that comprise the community of Manassas and greater Prince William County.

September Kondas brings her 22 years of business and financial expertise to the board. She is a Director of Business Managment at Lockheed Martin, and she will serve the orchestra as treasurer. She has a broad interest in the arts, and is looking forward to serving the community in this way.

The first concert of the Symphony’s 15th Anniversary Season will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Rd., Manassas, on November 10, 2007 at 8:00 pm. The orchestra will feature music by Bach, Sibelius, and Rimsky-Korsakov.

The NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra is an all volunteer community service organization comprised of Manassas-area residents and students at the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College. The orchestra exists for the purpose of performing symphonic literature to provide high quality, low cost, and family-friendly orchestral experiences for the community along while providing a performance outlet for area musicians. The symphony performs four subscription concerts each season. Concerts are performed at Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Rd., Manassas. In addition, the symphony and affiliated groups make several other concert appearances. For more information about the orchestra, log onto www.manassassymphony.org, or email info@manassassymphony.org.

The upcoming season is a special one for the NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra as they celebrate their 15th Anniversary as the area’s all-volunteer community-service symphony orchestra. In preparation for the season’s activities, the Board of Directors of the orchestra has elected a new president for the coming term. He is Charlie Westbrook, a commercial realtor with Norman Realty in Manassas as well as a co-founder and Managing Director of BlueLine Conservation Incentives. He joined the board last year, and describes himself as someone who enjoys the many diverse forms and styles of music ranging from classical and opera to rock and alternative punk. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. He and his wife have two young children. “We are proud to contribute to the body of fine work this symphony has provided to the community throughout the years,” says Westbrook. “As a college and community organization for those of the greater Manassas area, we believe we continue to offer a quality musical experience for the public as well as our musicians.”

Susan Bardenhagen was re-elected to the position of secretary of the board. A 33-year veteran classroom teacher in Virginia, Maryland, and New York and a photojournalist for 10 years, Susan is a violinist in the orchestra. She serves as a mission team leader for the Federation of Galaxy Explorers, a national astronomy education organization. Susan also represents the orchestra on the Prince William County Arts Council.

Joining them on the Orchestra Board of Directors are two veteran supporters of the arts and other charitable activities in the Manassas community. Shirley Rice is an Administrative Assistant in Public Relations department of NOVEC, the electricity distribution cooperative, and has been a resident of Prince William County for over 10 years. She has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Manassas Community Concert Association and the Manassas chapter of Soroptimist International.

John Valdez is a Licensed Realtor with Long and Foster’s Manassas Central Office and a long time supporter of the NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra. His list of community service activities is impressive. He serves as liaison to the Hispanic Community and translator for Spanish speaking families at Manassas Park High School. He is a fund raiser for several organizations including the Prince William Area Free Clinic; the Friends of the Foundation, Prince William Hospital; and Noche Tropical, Mary’s Center for Women. He has volunteered his time to assist many community organizations and is active in Community Theater and cultural arts.

The NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra is a college and community organization comprised of residents of the greater Manassas area and students at the NVCC Manassas Campus. The orchestra exists for the purpose of performing symphonic literature to provide a quality orchestral experience for college students as well as a performance outlet for the talent and training of the community members. The orchestra serves to enlighten, educate and entertain the general public by providing performances of symphonic literature at an affordable price.