There are still a few openings in our Summer Institute programs.  Interested musicians should register online.

After touring Russia for 10 days and performing with the Krasnodar Big Band, this acclaimed and award winning jazz orchestra makes their first appearance in the US! Don't miss this US debut of the most decorated big band in Russia!

May 6, 2011 8:00 pm

Ernst Theater
8333 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA 22003

Informational Flyer

The acclaimed Russian Jazz Orchestra with special guests the Chapel Square Combo!
Enjoy dinner in this elegant art deco supper club!

May 2, 2011 7:15pm
Doors open at 6:30 for dinner

Complimentary Valet parking

The Carlyle Club
411 John Carlyle Street
Alexandria, Virginia

Informational Flyer

Please join us for a relaxing 

Afternoon of Jazz 

and more…

Live Jazz performed by 

Virginia Music Adventures’ Chapel Square Combo

just back from their Paris tour!

3 courses of Wine and Small Bites 

are presented by 

Bazin's on Church

Chef Patrick Bazin and Co Owner Julie Bazin, hosts

 Menu:

Arrowood Chardonnay

Chicken and apple salad

Wente Pinot Noir

Wild mushroom crustini 

Luigi Bosco Malbec

Filet Mignon Slider

March 26, 2011

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Bazin's on Church

111 Church Street, NW

Vienna, VA, 22180

703-255-7212

Space is limited 

$45.00 per person ($22.50 tax deductible)

Reserve your place online at

http://www.vamusicadventures.org/Events/BoxOffice.asp

all funds raised support youth travel and outreach

Virginia Music Adventures
presents

Live Music Fireside at the Forum !
6th Annual Benefit Gala & Silent Auction for
Virginia Music Adventures 

Saturday February 26, 2011 7:00 pm

Sumptuous hors d'oeuvres

  Cash Bar

Live Music Performed by 

the Chapel Square Combo, and
the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors

Nearly 100 Items to Bid on including vacations, local entertainment, theatre tickets, movies passes, restaurant meals, services, goods, etc 
To preview items go to www.vamusicadventures.org

And the launch of our Fine Dining Raffle!
featuring local and regional restaurants and the grand prize four course wine tasting dinner hosted by 
Chef Patrick Bazin at the Chef's Table
at Bazin's on Church 

The Forum @ Ernst Community Cultural Center 
on the Annandale Campus of 
Northern Virginia Community College
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
Festive Attire

Tickets $25.00 per person 
Available from our online box office, or at the door while they last

www.vamusicadventures.org

Please join us for a relaxing 

Afternoon of Jazz 

and more…

Live Jazz performed by 

Virginia Music Adventures’ Chapel Square Combo

just back from their Mexico tour!

4 courses of Wine and Small Bites 

with a 

Parisian Theme 

to send the band off to Paris 

are presented by 

The Foxfire Grill

Owner Terri Fox, Sommelier Teri Adamson & Chef Nadine Gjurich, hosts

 

First course 

Tarte au Fromage (Cheese tarts) 

served with Lamblin et Fils Macon-Villages Chardonnay

Second Course

Chicken Pate and Baguette 

served with Saint Andre Figuiere Rose

Third Course

Pan Grilled Rib Steak with Bearnaise 

served with Chateau Haute Pereyere Bordeaux

Fourth Course
Chocolate Hazelnut Crepes 

served with Simonet Cremant d'Alsace 

February 5, 2011

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Foxfire Grill

6550 Little River Turnpike

Pinecrest Shopping Center

Alexandria, VA 22312

703-914-9280

Space is limited 

Arrive promptly at 3:00 to fully enjoy all courses
$45.00 per person ($22.50 tax deductible)

Reserve your place online at

http://www.vamusicadventures.org/Events/BoxOffice.asp

all funds raised support youth travel and outreach

Dear Friends,

I have just read and signed the petition: "Virginia Students Need to Keep Their Electives".

Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference. We are trying to reach 4000 signatures - please sign here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/virginia-students-need-to-keep-their-electives/

Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.

Thank you! Jeff 


http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/VdK7/qM../bvm1Q

Effective July 1, 2011, all Virginia high school students will be
required to take a course in Economics and Personal Finance before
graduation.  This requirement will seriously impact elective options
for students, making it even more difficult to elect a four-year
sequence in the arts or any other career choice sequence which
requires maintaining skills and practice throughout high school.
Personal finance and economics could be taught within our existing
curriculum--either math, social studies or health--so that students
are not mandated to use up one of their precious elective slots.
Please visit the site below to sign a petition supporting the repeal
of HB 622, and contact your state legislator with your concerns before
January 12, 2011.

Here is the text of the petition:

We are concerned about the implementation of the Virginia Board of
Education’s Economics and Personal Finance graduation credit scheduled
to become effective July 1, 2011. While we believe the Economics and
Personal Finance graduation credit should be repealed, if the credit
is to become effective, we support the intent of HB 622.

1. The new Economics and Personal Finance requirement imposes an
unfunded mandate during a difficult budget situation for local
education agencies. School divisions are facing choices to maintain
existing programs while implementing new requirements. Resources
required to procure textbooks and hire and train teachers will,
without additional fiscal support from the state, require a
reallocation of existing monies at a time when budgets are being cut
and funding for localities is falling short of the amount needed to
sustain current levels of programming.

2. This additional graduation requirement would adversely affect the
elective options in high school making it even more difficult for a
student to elect a four-year sequence in the arts or any other career
choice sequence which requires maintaining skills and practice
throughout high school.

3.  If the proposed Economics and Personal Finance graduation credit
is implemented as initially approved, the strong potential exists for
fine arts programs and other elective offerings to be reduced or
eliminated.

We ask that the Economics and Personal Finance credit requirement be
withdrawn and to ensure that students have fiscal and economic
knowledge and understanding by graduation, that statewide mathematics
and social science Standards of Learning, which currently have aspects
of the proposed additional course of study, be expanded to include the
addition of economics and personal finance content.  In addition, it
would be well to note that a number of electives including Career and
Technical Education courses in business and entrepreneurship also
currently address aspects of the proposed courses.

If this bill cannot be repealed, we find that HB 622 is a viable
alternative that could allow local 'school systems to find alternative
ways (i.e. as part of a government class or other required math or
social science class) to deal with this requirement.

HB 622    Economics education and financial literacy Patron – Robert
Orrock adds the following language to the original bill:  Local school
boards may implement this requirement through relevant Standards of
Learning and career and technical education programs or through other
educational programs that comply with Board objectives for economics
education and financial literacy.

Please contact your Virginia General Assembly member with these
concerns before January 12, 2011. Information provided from the
Virginia Music Educators Association.

Thanks for your time and support of the arts.

Virginia Music Adventures

Presents the

Annual Holiday Dessert Dance!

 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

8:00 – 10:30 pm

Join us for Dancing, Live Music, and Dessert!

 

Scrumptious sweets provided by

Last Bite Desserts

 

~serving~

favorites from last year such as:

 raspberry crumb bars * fudgy peppermint brownies *

espresso shortbread cookies

festive cupcakes * carrot cake and more!

 

~Cash bar~

Spiced Cider * Mulled Wine

Assorted Wine, Beer, and Water

 

Live Music and Dancing Featuring:

Chapel Square Combo

&

Annandale Jazz Ambassadors

The Forum @ Ernst Community Cultural Center of

Northern Virginia Community College

8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA

 

$20 per person ($10 is tax deductible!) available from band members or from our online box office at: http://www.vamusicadventures.org/Events/BoxOffice.asp

 

Please bring canned/dried food to support Food for Others

A short version of the piece Jerry Ferguson has been working on about VMA runs this weekend the 9th and 10th on Channel 10 (Cox and Verizon, Comcast in Reston only).

   It's the second half of "Fairfax Digest", and starts about 13 minutes into the show.  Saturday night at 9:30pm, Sunday night at 8pm.

VMA NIGHT AT JAMMIN’ JAVA!

a fundraiser for the scholarship fund

FEATURING

Grammy Nominated Guitar Virtuoso

GIL PARRIS 

As Seen On NBC's The Today Show, BET's "Studio Jams", The YES Network, The Food Network and on the national DVD release "Masters of the Stratocaster"!

and Special Guest

Spyro Gyra recording artist

 SCOTT AMBUSH

WITH THE CHAPEL SQUARE COMBO 

AND MEMBERS OF THE VMA FACULTY PERFORMING

Thursday September 30, 2010 7:00 pm. 

Doors open at 6:30

 

Tickets available at VaMusicAdventures.org or Jamminjava.com

 

"Parris is an absolute monster of the guitar- lyrically, technically, sensitively. His finesse bending tones and contouring the dynamics throughout his lines truly gave the sense that he is speaking thru the notes!" -Jazz Improv

 

"You'll be blown away by his mind-boggling blend of Jazz, Blues and Rock" -Guitar Player

 

Grammy-Nominated guitar virtuoso Gil Parris, is known for his special blend of Blues, Jazz, Rock and Smooth Jazz. He has recorded and toured both as a solo artist and sideman with major artists like Dr. John, Blood, Sweat and Tears, David Mann, Billy Vera, Toni Braxton to name just a few. Some of Gil's career highlights include...

-Major Label Recording Artist, Gil's self titled debut CD was released by RCA/BMG! Declared "a smashing debut" by Guitar One and "an impressive beginning" by Jazziz
-The Gil Parris Model Signature Guitar (Reverend) was named "One of the Coolest Artist Signature Guitars of All-Time" by Guitar Player Magazine
-Has acclaimed DVD out now with Paul Shaffer, Bernie Williams, Randy Brecker, David Mann... hosted by Carolyn Kepcher! "This DVD is a perfect introduction to one of the finest players around." -Vintage Guitar

 

At long last the new video is visible on our home page.  Many thanks to the entire VMA staff and especially to Jerry Ferguson of Fairfax County Cable Access for a wonderful piece.  Please check it out!

Open Registration has begun for the 2010/2011 season!  Prospective members are contacted in the order in which they apply to schedule an audition interview.  Visit the Application page of this site under Programs to apply on line.

Please join us for a relaxing

afternoon of Jazz

and more…

 

Live Jazz performed by

Virginia Music Adventures’ Chapel Square Combo

 

4 courses of Wine and Small Bites presented by

Lebanese Taverna Restaurant

 

~ Menu ~

 

Shrimp Arak, tabouleh on a pita crisp

Chardonnay, St Thomas

Fatteh Bel Bathenjan

Syrah Domaine Wardy

Lamb Short Rib with zaatar and garlic sauce

Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon-Carignan-Mourvedre-Cinsault, Ksara 

Baklava with Pomegranate Syrup

Muscatel

Sunday, April 25, 2010

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

 

Lebanese Taverna

Tyson's Galleria

McLean, VA

703-841-1502

 

Space is limited

$45.00 per person ($25.00 tax deductible)

Reserve your place online at

http://www.vamusicadventures.org/Events/BoxOffice.asp

 

all funds raised support our scholarship fund & youth travel and outreach

Follow the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors as they travel to Madrid, Seville, Granada, Valencia,and Barcelona.  Visit the travel blog below!

http://vamusicadventures.wordpress.com.

Please join us for a relaxing

Afternoon of Jazz

and more…

 

Live Jazz performed by

Virginia Music Adventures’ Chapel Square Combo

 

3 courses of Wine and Small Bites presented by

Chef Patrick Bazin

and

Bazins on Church

 

~ Menu ~

 

Avery Quinn Chardonnay North Coast

Spicy Smoked Salmon Mousse on a Dill Cracker

 

Laguna Ridge Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Duck Spring Roll with Dried Cherry & Savoy Cabbage

 

Bello Novello Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

Filet Mignon Cheese Steak on a Herb Biscuit

 

Saturday, March 20, 2010

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

 

Bazin’s on Church

111 Church St. NW

Vienna, VA 22180

703-255-7212

 

Space is limited

$45.00 per person ($25.00 tax deductible)

Reserve your place online at

http://www.vamusicadventures.org/Events/BoxOffice.asp

 

all funds raised support our scholarship funds, youth travel and outreach

Virginia Music Adventures
presents

Live Music Fireside at the Forum !
5th Annual Benefit Gala & Silent Auction for
Virginia Music Adventures

Saturday February 27, 2010 7:00 - 10:00 pm

Sumptuous Tapas

  Cash Bar

Live Music Performed by
the Wakefield Wind Ensemble
the Chapel Square Combo, and
the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors

Over 100 Items to Bid on including vacations, local entertainment, theatre tickets, movies passes, restaurant meals, services, goods, etc
To preview items go to www.vamusicadventures.org

And the launch of our Fine Dining Raffle!
featuring local and regional restaurants and the grand prize four course wine tasting dinner hosted by
Chef Patrick Bazin at the Chef's Table
at Bazin's on Church

The Forum @ Ernst Community Cultural Center
on the Annandale Campus of
Northern Virginia Community College
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
Festive Attire

Tickets $25.00 per person
Available from band members, our online box office, or at the door while they last

www.vamusicadventures.org

Congratulations to all!  Our Food Drive at the concert last weekend netted enough donated food to provide 156 meals for families in need!  We'll sponsor another at our next concert January 9.  Please contribute!

Virginia Music Adventures
presents

Annual Holiday Dance !
Saturday December 12, 2009

8:00 - 10:30 pm
Join us for Dancing, Live Music, and Dessert!

Sumptuous Sweets provided by Last Bite Desserts

~Menu~

Chocolate Lover’s Ultimate Chocolate Cake

Peppermint Fudgy Brownies w/ white semi-sweet chocolate swirl

Lemon Bars * Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Cranberry Biscotti * Very Lemon Cake

Holiday Cupcakes * Espresso Shortbread Cookies

~Cash Bar ~

featuring warm Spiced cider * mulled wine

assorted wine and beer

 Live Music Performed by
the Wakefield Wind Ensemble
the Chapel Square Combo, and
the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors
featuring holiday classics, 40's swing, and dance tunes.

The Forum @ Ernst Community Cultural Center
on the Annandale Campus of
Northern Virginia Community College
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Tickets $20.00 per person ($10.00 is tax deductible)

plus items of canned or dried food to support

Food for Others helping our neighbors in need

Tickets Available from band members or from our online box office at

http://www.vamusicadventures.org/Events/BoxOffice.asp

Virginia Music Adventures
presents

Annual Holiday Dance !
Saturday December 12, 2009

8:00 - 10:30 pm
Join us for Dancing, Live Music, and Dessert!

Sumptuous Sweets provided by Last Bite Desserts

~Menu~

Chocolate Lover’s Ultimate Chocolate Cake

Peppermint Fudgy Brownies w/ white semi-sweet chocolate swirl

Lemon Bars * Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Cranberry Biscotti * Very Lemon Cake

Holiday Cupcakes * Espresso Shortbread Cookies

~Cash Bar ~

featuring warm Spiced cider * mulled wine

assorted wine and beer

 

Live Music Performed by
the Wakefield Wind Ensemble
the Chapel Square Combo, and
the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors
featuring holiday classics, 40's swing, and dance tunes.

The Forum @ Ernst Community Cultural Center
on the Annandale Campus of
Northern Virginia Community College
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Tickets $20.00 per person ($10.00 is tax deductible)

plus items of canned or dried food to support

Food for Others helping our neighbors in need

Tickets Available from band members or from our online box office at

http://www.vamusicadventures.org/Events/BoxOffice.asp

proceeds support VMA’s travel and scholarship funds

KIDS HELPING KIDS!

 

Virginia Music Adventures is partnering with Food for Others in sponsoring food drives during the 2009/2010 season to benefit Food for Others, a local non-profit food bank and food rescue operation serving Northern Virginia. Please join us to help feed the hungry and help children in our community

 

At each public performance during the 2009/2010 season, VMA encourages community members to bring non perishable food items to donate to help Food for Others keep their shelves stocked throughout the coming year.  All food collected will help Food for Others to supply emergency food to those in need.  Food for Others is working hard to serve our community and help a growing number of families who are food insecure. Food insecure families are so limited in their resources to buy food that they are running out of food, reducing the quality of their food, cutting out meat, feeding their children unbalanced meals, or skipping meals so that their children can eat.

 

                Here are some startling statistics about hunger in Northern Virginia:

 

·  Poverty and hunger exist in Northern Virginia. Even though Northern Virginia is considered one of the wealthiest jurisdictions in the country, we still face a poverty rate of 5%. This means, based on US Census figures, that 90,183 persons are living in poverty, 30% of who are children.

 

·  To be above the poverty line in Fairfax County, the average family (two adults and two children) needs an income five times the minimum wage.

 

·  In Fairfax County, 18.6% of the enrolled student body qualifies for free or reduced lunch programs. In Arlington County, the percentage is even greater at 42.7%.

 

The goal of Food for Others is to provide free food to those in need, while working to eliminate hunger and food insecurity in Northern Virginia. 

 

While Virginia Music Adventures’ ambassadors have been privileged to represent the Northern Virginia community locally, regionally, and internationally on 5 different continents over the past five years, VMA is particularly pleased to help Food for Others support children and their family’s right here in our local community.

 

Here’s how you can help:

 

1.        Donate Funds. For an official Financial Donation Form, please e-mail Food Drive Coordinator Jeff Cummins at www.VaMusicAdventures.org or contact Food for others at www.foodforothers.org.  For every dollar raised, 96¢ goes to emergency food programs.

 

2.        Donate non-perishable foods in the marked boxes at any of our concerts this season. Food for Others is in serious need of the following:

 

€  Canned Fruit                       €  Peanut butter and jelly

€  Cereal                                 €  Beans – dried or canned

€  Macaroni and Cheese         €  Pasta and Pasta Sauces

€         Rice                                 €  Fruit Juice

€  Canned tuna, ham, chicken, turkey or beef         

Please join us for a relaxing afternoon of Jazz and more… Live Jazz performed by Virginia Music Adventures’ Chapel Square Combo 4 course of Wine and Small Bites presented by The Foxfire Grill Owner Terri Fox and Chef Nadine, hosts First course Food-Crispy fried goat cheese with a honey drizzle     Wine-Vida Torrontes Organico (white), Spain Second Course Chicken with spinach & artichoke cream topped with parmesan cheese      Wine-Cono sur Chardonnay (white), Chile Third Course Chorizo Paella with mushrooms, red peppers and peas     Wine-PKNT Carmenere (Red), Chile Fourth Course Food-Dry Rub Pork Ribs     Wine-Banfi Col Di Sasso Cabernet/Sangiovese Blend November 15, 2009 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Foxfire Grill 6550 Little River Turnpike Pinecrest Shopping Center Alexandria, VA 22312 703-914-9280 Space is limited  $45.00 per person ($22.50 tax deductible) Reserve your place online at http://www.vamusicadventures.org/Events/BoxOffice.asp all funds raised support youth travel and outreach

Open Registration has begun for the 2009/2010 season! Prospective members are contacted in the order in which they register to schedule an audition interview.

Open Registration for our fall programs will begin September 1, 2009.  While the registration process will not activate until then, you may browse the website and gather information about our many program offerings.

Audition appointments are scheduled as students complete the registration process including  our receipt of the registration fee.  Positions are offered on a rolling basis as rounds of auditions are completed, until all open positions have been filled.

Specific information on audition requirements are posted under FAQ.

Registration is underway for the 2009 VMA Summer Institute.  May 30 is the closing date for prospective students to submit registrations before late fees apply.

We're pleased to announce that through May 10, 2009, M Squared Strategies, a local business providing Consultation and "Synergies between Government and Industry" has offered a dollar for dollar match to VMA.

Any individual making a donation to VMA through May 10 will have their donation matched dollar for dollar, until a grand total of $3,000 is reached.  This is a great way for us to turn $3,000 into $6,000 as we work to address a budget deficit. 

We're currently shy of $2,000 in pledges on this campaign.  Consider making a tax deductible donation to VMA today to help us take advantage of this wonderful offer!

Thank you to M Squared Strategies, Inc
www.m2strat.com 

The Annandale Jazz Ambassadors will perform this afternoon at 1:15 pm as part of the GU Jazz Fest on the campus of Georgetown University .  Join us on Copley Lawn.  Also performing today are the New Washingtonians Jazz Orchestra from the Duke Ellington School (12:00 pm), The Georgetown Univestity Jazz Band (2:30 pm), and the Grammy award winning Afro Bop Alliance (3:45 pm).

Join all the Virginia Music Adventures performing ensembles as they present their final concert for the season tonight at 8:00 pm in the Ernst Theatre on the Annnandale campus of Northern Viriginia Community College.  

FROM JAPAN:

Virginia Music Adventures' Annandale Jazz Ambassadors have dazzled audiences in Nagano, Japan on their eleven day tour which takes them to Tokyo, Nagano, and Kyoto.  They were featured in local newspapers as well as on the SBC TV evening news program.

The band, a group of 29 students age 12 - 18 from all over Northern Virginia,  performed at TOiGO sqaure to kick off a rare festival  at the Zenkoji temple.  Other performances included a concert at and with students from Nishi High School, and a community service performance for a senior citizen center.  Performances in Nagano are made possible by cooperation and support from the Nagano International Friend's Club, Shinetsu Broadcasting Company, and the Nagoya American Center, U.S.Consulate.

Information in Virginia Music programs and photos of their current tour are available at www.VaMusicAdventures.org

Local Youth Groups Performs in Tokyo

Virginia Music Adventures' Annandale Jazz Ambassadors performed their first of five scheduled performances in Japan on Friday.  Their eleven day tour takes them to Tokyo, Nagano, and Kyoto.

The performance, at Nifco Hall in the Japan Times-Nifco building, was organized with the help from friends in the Amway Japan company and was received well by participating host families, members of the US diplomatic community, friends and the general public. 

Following the performance AJA members left with host families for two days of Home Stays to experience Japanese culture up close.

The band, a group of 29 students age 12 - 18 from all over Northern Virginia,  performs next in Nagano on Sunday at an open air concert.  They will perform at a large festival to celebrate the Cherry Blossoms and to kick off the Zenkoji temple's opening to the general public of a revered Buddha statue that is only revealed  for one month every seven years. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected in the city that day.

Other performances in Nagano will include two performances at and with students from Nishi High School, and a community service performance for a senior citizen center.  Performances in Nagano are made possible by cooperation and support from the Nagano International Friend's Club, Shinetsu Broadcasting Company, and the Nagoya American Center, U.S.Consulate.

Information in Virginia Music programs and photos of their current tour are available at www.VaMusicAdventures.org

March 21, 2009.  Afternoon of Jazz - Join the Chapel Square Combo to enjoy three courses of fine wines and small bites at Bazin's on Church. The Chapel Square Combo will perform live jazz in a reprise of their acclaimed fall event with the magic of Chef Patrick Bazin's creations!  Limited availability advance tickets are available from band members or from our online box office and are $45.00 each ($25.00 tax deductible).

~Menu ~

Mini Crabmeat Tart

Trevor Jones Stainless Chardonnay, Australia

 

Pulled Pork with Dried Cherry

Quatro Reservia, Chilean

 

Wild Mushroom and Truffle Toast

                                             El Malbec de Ricardo, Argentina

February 28, 2009 - VMA Benefit Gala Silent Auction.  Hundreds of items to bid on, live music from the VMA bands, video clips from VMA International tours, a Cash Bar, and great Japanese Cuisine make for a memorable evening supporting your favorite local non-profit.  Past auction items have included restaurant gift certificates; Redkins, Nationals, Capitals and Georgetown U tickets; theatre events at Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center, the Folger, and the Shakespeare theatre; fine wines; and dozens of hand crafted items and gift baskets.  Be the winning bidder!  Held at the The Forum at Ernst Cultural Center on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus, the event is from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.  Tickets are $25.00 each advance sale from band members or from our online box office, while they last!  Get yours early, last year we sold out!

March 21, 2009.  Afternoon of Jazz - Join the Chapel Square Combo to enjoy three courses of fine wines and small bites at Bazin's on Church. The Chapel Square Combo will perform live jazz in a reprise of their acclaimed fall event with the magic of Chef Patrick Bazin's creations!  Limited availability advance tickets are available from band members or from our online box office and are $45.00 each ($25.00 tax deductible).

~Menu ~

Mini Crabmeat Tart

Trevor Jones Stainless Chardonnay, Australia

 

Pulled Pork with Dried Cherry

Quatro Reservia, Chilean

 

Wild Mushroom and Truffle Toast

El Malbec de Ricardo, Argentina

April 18, 2009 - Welcome Home Spring Concert - Welcome the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors home from their 10 day tour of Japan and enjoy the music they performed while traveling.  Joined by their peers from the Wakefield Wind Ensemble and the Chapel Square Combo, the annual spring concert is the culminating event of the school year season.  Held at the Ernst Theatre on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus, 8:00 - 10:00 pm.  Tickets are $10.00 each advance Sale from band members, from our online box office, or at the door while they last!

As part of a community service project for VMA, Jasmine A. Bernhardt will offer several Wednesday evening sessions on Japanese culture and language; some geared for students in AJA traveling in April, and some geared for their parents.  Check the calendar for the schedule of sessions.

Jasmine A. Bernhardt is currently a senior at HB-Woodlawn in Arlington, Virginia.  She recently returned from Japan where she was an AFS exchange student for a semester, where she lived with a Japanese host family in Taketoyo-Cho and attended Daido High School in Nagoya.   Jasmine continues her Japanese language studies at Northern Virginia Community College.

Jasmine has been studying the violin with Dr. Ernesto Farago for some 11 years.  She is currently co-concertmistress at the McLean Youth Orchestra (she traveled with MYO to Japan in 2005).  She plays her violin in and has soloed with the HB-Woodlawn orchestra, as well as a number of chamber groups.  

Jasmine’s hobbies include attending anime conventions, sewing, hanging out with family and friends, playing her violin, and studying Swedish.

February 5, 2009 - VMA Night at Jammin' Java! 7:00 pm

 

Warm  up  your  winter  blues  with  HOT  MUSIC  in  an evening fundraising concert with internationally acclaimed performers Greg Howard and Harper.

 

Greg Howard – Chapman Stick Artist: Greg was a section leader in the very first VMA band in 1980! He returns to his hometown to support VMA night at Jammin' Java!  Greg is one of the world's best known performers on this unusual American stringed instrument. His music ranges from popular songs by the Beatles, Dylan,etc, to Latin and Flamenco inspired Jazz, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Michael-Heges-style originals and true free improvisation. He has released 9 CDs on his own Espresso Record Label, as a soloist and in collaborations with Tim Reynolds, the late Leroi Moore (Dave Matthews Band), and trumpeter John D'earth, among others.

The Chapman Stick is one of only a few truly American musical instruments. It was invented by jazz guitarist Emmett Chapman as a vehicle for his Free Hands parallel two-handed tapping method. Its amplified strings are simply "tapped" by the performer’s fingertips, allowing two-part piano style arrangements with the guitar's expressiveness and sonic characteristics, and the range of bass and guitar all at once.

 

Since 1986, Howard has given over 2000 concerts on The Stick, including performances in Japan, Europe and all over North America, including two years at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

 

Harper has been described as "a singer with the deep soul of Motown, a harmonica player who can graft Sonny Boy II and Little Walter with John Popper, a songwriter who tells his own compelling stories in an unhurried, J.J. Cale-like manner, and a musical visionary who is unafraid to mix the didgeridoo, an important part of his Australian indigenous culture, with infectious modern percussive rhythms".

His skill lies in the fact that he is able to tap into the kindred spirits running through his traditional and modern influences, borrowing from western and world music to develop a highly original take on the roots genre. He also takes the harmonica beyond its assigned place.  Harper’s innovative use of electronic enhancement and feedback breaks the traditional boundaries of the harmonica, giving his music its distinctive harmonics and effects. 

Harper maintains an aggressive schedule performing over 300 live shows a year in the US, Europe, and Australia.  He recently appeared with the classic Rock band Journey on their international tour.

 

Tickets are $20.00, are tax deductible, and are available from band members, from our online box office, or at Jammin' Java.

Please join us for a relaxing afternoon of

Jazz and more…

 

Jazz by Virginia Music Adventures’ Chapel Square Combo

 

Wine and Small Bites presented by The Foxfire Grill

1st course:  Onion and Fontina Cheese Tartlette

Wolfberger Pinot Blanc , Alsace France

2nd Course: Turkey Fettucini

Manoir du Carra Cru Beaujolais, Burgundy France

3rd Course: Potato and Goat Cheese Packets

Domaine Chavy-Chouet White Burgundy , Burgundy France

4th Course: Black Forest Ham & Arborio Bites

El Ganador Malbec, Mendoza Argentina

 

November 16, 2008

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

 

Foxfire Grill

6550 Little River Turnpike

Pinecrest Shopping Center

Alexandria, VA 22312

703-914-9280

 

Space is limited 
$45.00 per person ($30.00 tax deductible)

RSVP    mterhune@verizon.net

Afternoon of Jazz

Please join us for an afternoon of jazz and seasonal fare at the Foxfire Grill.  Four wines and four small courses from Foxfire's Wine expert Teri Adamson and Chef Nadine will be accompanied by jazz interpretations from Virginia Music Adventures’ Chapel Square Combo.

 

November 16, 2008

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

 

Foxfire Grill

6550 Little River Turnpike

Pinecrest Shopping Center

Alexandria, VA 22312

703-91409280

 

 

Space is limited 
$45.00 per person ($30.00 tax deductible)

 

 

 

RSVP    mterhune@verizon.net

Ray Rogers was Middle School Band Director at Cooper Middle School in the 1970's and 1980's.  His influence on VMA is remarkable.  He taught Artistic Director Jeff Cummins in Middle School and motivated him to study jazz, introducing him to Blues Alley house pianist John Philips, a protege of John Meheegan, who coached and taught Jeff throughout his Middle and High School years. 

Later when Jeff was a Music Ed major at GMU, Ray offered him the opportunity to Intern with the Cooper jazz band.  This ultimately led to the creation of the first extracurricular jazz program, McLean Jazz Workshop in 1980. 

Ray volunteered as a sectional teacher, donated the first music stands we owned, and donated some big band charts to help us start a modest library.  Throughout the formative years of MJW (the predecessor of VMA) Ray continued to mentor Jeff in the gentle art of teaching.   In 1984, Ray insisted Jeff attend a concert at Cooper to hear a young trumpet player of promise.  Ray introduced Jeff to another students of his, Aaron Broadus.  Aaron joined Jeff's jazz band as a 12 year old, and the subsequent 30 years have led to the dynamic collaboration that is VMA today.

VMA honors Ray's legacy by creating an Internship to allow future music educators the same opportunities Jeff and Aaron enjoyed in their formative years.

Visit our Staff page to Meet Kimberly Williams, our inaugural Raymond P. Rogers Intern for VMA for the coming year.  Also meet James Ottinger, VMA Intern who will add a needed dynamic to the low brass section and to the program overall.

Please take a moment to introduce yourself to these fine future music educators and welcome them to the VMA family!

To accommodate unprecedented interest, the registration period for Virginia Music Adventures' fall programs has been extended to 5pm Thursday, October 16.

Many positions have been filled in our rolling enrollment process, but additional auditions for the few remaining openings in the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors and the Chapel Square Combo will be scheduled for Wed October 15, and if necessary Friday October 17.

Registration for remaining open positions for Wakefield Wind Ensemble will continue through October 16 as well.

The first meeting of the Wakefield Wind Ensemble has been rescheduled to Friday, October 24 when new and returning members will have the opportunity to demonstrate their scale and rudiment skills.

Chapel Square Combo will begin October 17 as previously scheduled.

  VMA practice times this fall will be the same as last year:
   
       AJA   Wednesdays 4:15 - 6:30 beginning October 15.
       CSC   Fridays        3:00 - 4:30 beginning October 17
       WWE Fridays        4:00 - 6:00 beginning October 17

VMA members from the Fall/Spring 2007/2008 program have from September 1st to September 14, 2008 to register to reserve their seats for the upcoming 2008/2009 season.

Following Preferred Registration, Open Registration for unfilled spaces will begin September 15 for prospective members.

Auditions for new members will be held by appointment between October 1 - 10.  Spaces will be offered on a "rolling" basis as qualified applicants are identified.  Audition times will be schedueld in the order their registrations are received beginning September 15.

The VMA Summer 2008 session begins Monday, June 30 and runs through July 25.  Please check the events calendar for important dates.  Click on an event listing for additional details.

Participants please send in your registration forms and tuition fees.

AJA performance at 12:00 pm at the GU Jazz Fest is on!  Join us at Copley Lawn on the campus of Georgetown University for an afternoon of Jazz.

Information on the Summer 2008 program is now on the website.  Returning member have registration prefernce until May 5. 

Returning members should submit an online registration form and registraion fee to reserve their place. 

New prospective members may submit an online registration form and registration fee, and will then be contacted to schedule an audition where necessary.

Welcome the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors home from their tour to the Rpublic of Turkey and celebrate the music of the Wakefiled Wind Ensemble and the Chapel Square Combo at this rare Monday evening concert.  Start time is 7:00 pm at the Ernst Theatre on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale campus.  Tickets available from band members, or by sending an email to jeff@vamusicadventures.org

Begin checking the Media section of the Web Site beginning March 21/22 for "postcards" from AJA in Turkey!!

Please view the Events section fo the web site for updates on WWE, CSC, and AJA events for the remainder of the session.

Join Virginia Music adventures for an exciting evening of food, drink, music, prizes, & fun!

There will be dozens of items to bid on in the Silent Auction. Enjoy sumptuous appetizers celebrating the tastes of Turkey prepared by the Annandale High School Culinary Department. Enjoy brief performances by the Wakefield wind Ensemble, the Chapel Square Combo, and the Annandale Jazz Ambasssadors as you munch and bid. An be on hand for the final drawings in the VMA 2008 Fine Dining raffle!

Location: The Forum @ Ernst Cultural Center on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003.

An updated itinerary has been posted that includes information on the possible Central
European Tour.  Please CLICK HERE for information.

Rehearsals begin this week.  If you have not already, please send in your tuition and
Emergency Health Care Forms.

Also please review rehearsals policies on our FAQ page.

Reminder - AJA Rehearsal is Tuesday next week, not Wednesday.

The "Welcome Home/Spring Final Concert" has now been scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2008 at the Ernst Theater on the Annandale Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College.  Please make a note of it.

Please Click Here for Information and to Register

Pre-registration for returning musicians is underway and will continue through September 9, 2007.  Former musicians with questions should contact jeff@vamusicadventures.org.
Open registration for the Fall/Spring sessions begins on September 10, 2007.

Click Here for more information about this exciting event.

Rehearsals

• AJA rehearses daily 4:00 - 6:30 pm
• WWE rehearses daily 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Emergency Care Forms needed
If you have not done so THIS SUMMER, please turn in your emergency care form ASAP!  Emergency Care Form Click Here to download a copy.  Our insurance company requires us to collect a new form each session for each child to insure accurate health information and contact numbers.  We are not supposed to allow a student to participate without one on file.

Summer Tuition Due
Please be sure to send in your tuition payments with your students on the first day if
you have not already mailed it in.

• For AJA Fall tuition is $300
• For WWE Fall tuition is $250

Rehearsal Location
Rehearsals are held at the Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River
Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003.  Please consult the information board immediately
inside the main doors each week to be directed to the room we are rehearsing in - it
sometimes changes.  Remember we are guests at the church - conduct yourselves
accordingly.

A few notes about rehearsal structure during the summer
Dress in light, comfortable clothes - it is hot in the church in the summer.  Bring a snack if you need one - there are water fountains at the church.

The listed start times are anticipated down beat times.  Please arrive early enough to
set up your personal equipment and be ready to play by start time.

Similarly, listed end times are anticipated ending times.  Please be prompt in picking up.  
If you will be more than 10 minutes late please call and let us know.  We pledge
not to be more than 10 minutes late in return (except for dress rehearsals - see below)

The number to call for any emergencies or messages is 571-236-1792 to reach Steve and/or 703-477-9666 to reach Jeff.   As we can not always hear the phone during rehearsal, know that we listen to message at the break and at the conclusion of rehearsals.  

If you are running more than 15 - 20 minutes late to pick up, you may find we
have packed up and left.  Our agreement with the Church sometimes requires us to vacate.  Unclaimed children are available for pick up from Jeff's house
should you get stuck in a traffic nightmare at any time.  We will always wait at the church
for at least 15, but will in no circumstances leave students by themselves.  
Call if you're unsure where to go.

If a student can not attend a rehearsal and has made prior arrangements to be
absent or is critically ill and can not come, their music folder must still be sent in or
dropped off.  All music must be in each rehearsal each week.  Make sure to make
arrangements to send it in and get it back.

The rehearsal immediately before any performance is considered a dress rehearsal
(students do not need to wear uniforms).  Dress Rehearsals require attendance by
all musicians from beginning to end, and sometimes run over.  Be sure to plan
accordingly - there is no flexibility in this requirement.

Open Registration for VMA's Summer Programs has begun.  Auditions times for AJA and seats for open positions for WWE will be scheduled and filled on a first come basis until openings are filled.

GU Jazz Fest is On!!
Call time for AJA is 11 am.  
Noon - AJA performance
1:00 pm Georgetown U band plays (Aaron conducting),
2:00 pm Aaron's own R&B group plays with Aaron singing and Jon Laine playing drums.  
3:00 pm the Afro-Bop Alliance plays (great improv and percussion), and 4:00 pm he Navy jazz/rock band the Next Wave performs (as in all service bands, they're totally tight).

AJA Students should bring:
Khaki and blue uniform, instrument and music (we will collect at the end) clothes pins for windy music issues, a change of clothes to hang out on the lawn and enjoy the other concerts, a bag lunch or money (or both) to buy something from the GU stand (band CD's and T shirts will also be for sale), sunscreen, water.

As noted in earlier emails, there will only be a single performance for AJA this Saturday, April 28 at the Georgetown University Jazz Fest.  We will plan to stay on the GU campus and enjoy Aaron's band's performance.  Stay tuned for more details.

Current WWE and AJA members will need to re-enroll by May 15 to hold their spots.   After May 15 positions will be filled first come first come served.  Entry into AJA for new members is by competitive audition.

We will be emailing you a link by the end of the weekend.  When you follow that link you will be able to register to return.  This online registration plus your registration fee (mailed to us) will secure your spot for the summer.  Returning members do not need to audition.  Beginning May 16 we will begin filling open positions.

Summer Session:  July 9 - July 27
Rehearsals:  Daily.  WWE 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm AJA 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location:  Little River United Church of Christ
AJA Beach Performance Tour - Weekend of July 20 - 22
Final Concert for All - July 28
Registration Fee:  $35.00
Tuition:  WWE $250/pp; AJA $300/pp
Minimums:  WWE - 12; AJA -16
Tour Fee:  Estimated at $250.00 per person