PVYO is proud to announce 2019 Concerto Competition. The 1st round will be comprised of submitted videos. The finals will be a concert event, with selected participants performing their contest pieces with piano accompaniment before a live audience and an esteemed panel of judges—an exciting and rewarding performance experience for our PVYO musicians and families. Cash awards will be presented to the finalists.
PVYO is excited to announce that Mrs. Jennifer VanPetten will lead the PVYO “Sinfonia” for advanced string players in grades 6-9. The goal of the Sinfonia will be to provide a challenging, exciting, and engaging string orchestra for motivated and advancing musicians who need additional preparation before entering the PVYO Symphony or Philharmonia. Mrs. Van Petten has established herself as one of the premier music educators and conductors in the region, and is well known for her charisma, enthusiasm, energy, and attention to musical detail. Her performances are highly regarded for their artistry and expression. PVYO familes may recall that Mrs. Van Petten joined the PVYO artistic staff a few years ago along with Mr. Levin and Mr. Herman. During these past few seasons she has assisted both the Symphony and Concert Band. Outside of PVYO, many Montgomery County teachers and families are familiar with her amazing work while teaching at Rosa Parks Middle School …
Ceylon Narvelle Mitchell II is an active freelance performer and music educator in the Washington D.C. metro area. He is currently a graduate student at the University of Maryland School of Music in College Park under Dr. William Montgomery. Recent achievements include the 2015 National Music Festival Symphony Orchestra, the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, and the 2014 Young Alaskan Artist Award where he received a monetary award and performed a debut recital in his hometown of Anchorage, Alaska. Previous studies include music performance and education at Boston University and the University of Rochester. Ceylon has served as a teaching artist with the Boston Flute Academy and directed the Boston University Flute Ensemble. Ceylon has performed in various masterclasses and workshops for professional flutists such as Sir James Galway, Paul Edmund-Davies, Trevor Wye, and Marianne Gedigian. His previous mentors include Professor Linda Toote, Dr. Sandra Nicolucci, Dr. Carmen Lemoine, Ms. Corinne McVee, …
The 2015 Strathmore Gala was a huge success! Over 350 musicians were efficiently brought on and off the stage in a seamless operation which showcased 4 orchestras, 2 bands, and 2 choirs. It was a wonderful way to kick off the long weekend. A special thanks go to the 50 parent volunteers who helped make last night run so smoothly. With Strathmore now as one of PVYO’s regular performing venues, the PVYO families and community can enjoy listening each season to fantastic performances in a venue which highlights and compliments the incredible musical growth which has taken place the last few seasons. A huge thanks go to the PVYO artistic staff, student musicians and their parents, along with the private teachers for helping make the 2015 season a huge success. Professional DVDs from the Gala are on sale. Details and purchasing info can be found at http://www.tonalvision.com/store/potomac-valley.html