This Wednesday at 9:00 p.m., “A Local Touch – Music with a Virginia Connection” rings the school bell for an evening of music that celebrates classrooms, teachers, and the joy of learning. Host Raymond Jones takes his place as “the old schoolmaster” and will guide listeners through a program filled with Virginia talent and educational ties.
We’ll have The Tuneful Teachers of Gloucester, Mathews, and Middlesex Counties, whose charming “Song Book” brings us lighthearted selections such as “School Days,” “Behavioral Objectives,” and “Super Teacher,” amongst others. A playful reminder of the humor and heart that teachers bring to their work.
Next, the 2008 All-Virginia High School Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Wilkins, performs music by Emmanuel Chabrier, Frederick Delius, and Franz Liszt, showcasing the extraordinary ability of young musicians from across the Commonwealth.
From Alexandria, the West Potomac High School Colonial Singers, directed by Ernes Johnson, present songs from early America, with violinist Laura Braff and cellist Charles Prescott, highlighting the historical and cultural roots of Virginia’s musical traditions.
And the George Mason University Winds, under Anthony Maiello, will bring a touch of epic poetry into the mix with Robert W. Smith’s “The Divine Comedy,” a work that will take listeners on a journey inspired by Dante.
These are just some of the musical apples for the teacher’s desk, right in time for the back-to-school season. Tune in to “A Local Touch” this Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3, or stream online, and enjoy this musical classroom full of energy, history, and inspiration.
