Carson City Symphony’s “Strings in the Schools” ensembles, conducted by Education Director Sue Jesch, will perform on Tuesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m., at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street.
The Spring Concert will include a new work, "Reflections," written for the advanced orchestra, STRAZZ, by Gary A. Edwards, a composer from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Guest artist Tom Stryker, a noted harmonica player, and composer Edwards, a guitarist, will play the piece along with the students.
The concert will feature performances by students from grade 2 through high school, including beginning violins, intermediate String Ensemble, Pizzazz, and STRAZZ. Jesch said, "The program includes familiar works and some surprises." Admission is free.
Edwards describes how this performance of his music came about. "A year ago, when visiting my brother - Dr. Kenneth Anthony Edwards, a psychologist, actor and filmmaker - in Dayton, Nevada, I decided to tour the Nevada State Capitol building. It was Support The Arts Day and STRAZZ was performing in the capitol. I was impressed by the group and asked conductor Sue Jesch if she would like to perform some original music I would write for the group. Strings in the Schools has since performed several of my pieces. I think a group should get recognition for daring to perform original music."
Tom Stryker, past president of internationally recognized SPAH, the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica, plays jazz, pop, and contemporary music around the world. He has performed and recorded some of Edwards' original compositions and arrangements and the two are planning to record a CD. Stryker has been featured guest soloist with the Carson City Symphony and performs regularly with his combo, Impromptu, in Carson City and Minden. The March 26 concert will be his first appearance with the youth strings.
For more information, see www.CCSymphony.com or call Sue Jesch at 775-450-5584.