American Festival Pops - and NVYW

So this weekend was pops - American Festival Pops to be specific.  This orchestra is based at George Mason University, under the direction of the inexhaustible Tony Maiello.  Really - if you know Tony, you know that his energy and passion for music could power a city!  
AFPO uses professional musicians from DC and a small handful of university students, 9 for this concert.  It is a chance for select music students to perform side by side with GMU faculty and other professionals, in order to learn the ropes of the business before they launch their own careers.  Watching my guys work was a great joy for me - seeing them play so well, and have such a terrific time, and frankly, sound so good - it really is one of the reasons we do this.  Dylan, Max, Kevin, and Brian - you guys were awesome this weekend.  Thanks!  
Also - this weekend marked the debut of the Northern Virginia Youth Winds Percussion Ensemble - a group I am proud to direct.  The did a terrific job playing some very challenging literature - I'm happy to be affiliated with the NVYW family.   Pictures to come soon!