The Eastern Wind Symphony and Palmer Square Present: Maestro For A Minute!
(Princeton, NJ) – On Sunday October 4, 2015 at Noon, The Eastern Wind Symphony will present a special performance on the Green at Palmer Square. This ensemble, comprised of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, is preparing for an historic performance in Chicago, IL this December at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. During this special Sunday afternoon performance only, members of the audience will have the chance to stand on the podium and conduct the band through popular tunes and marches for a small donation. If the spotlight is not for you, consider simply requesting your favorite song. All proceeds go to support The Eastern Wind Symphony’s trip to Chicago.
The Eastern Wind Symphony (EWS), under the artistic direction of Todd Nichols, is a professional caliber wind ensemble based in Princeton, NJ. The ensemble is made up of volunteer musicians who come from varied fields such as music education, freelance and business. The EWS will be making history this December at the distinguished Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and is raising money for its tour to Chicago. “The Eastern Wind Symphony is the first adult band from NJ to ever be selected to play at this most prestigious conference,” conductor Todd Nichols explains. “The conference has been in existence for nearly 70 years and the EWS will perform for an international audience of the finest musicians, conductors, educators and composers. It is the highest honor a wind band can receive.” As EWS enters its 20th season, this is a very special event for many members who have played with the group for most of that time, especially Nichols, who says, “I am looking forward to making great music at the highest level with incredible musicians, many of whom are very dear friends and colleagues.”
Maestro For A Minute, which is presented in partnership with Palmer Square, is an especially unique occasion for EWS. “We have established our home concert location in Richardson Auditorium in Princeton for the past 3 seasons,” explains EWS Executive Board President Rebecca Gentile. “This Palmer Square performance gives us an opportunity to come out of the formal concert hall and interact with the same community in a more accessible setting. The premise of the concert, allowing people to take the lead and conduct the group or request a song, really allows us to connect with our audience in a new and exciting way. It will also keep the musicians on their toes and stretch our musicianship to deliver a performance to the quality people have come to expect from the EWS.”
“We think this is going to be a unique and exciting event, says Anita Fresolone, Marketing Director for Palmer Square Management. “And we love the idea of supporting such a talented local group that isn’t necessary a household name, but we hope to help change that while raising funds for their big trip.”
For a donation of $20, people can select a song for which they’d like to take the baton and lead the band. Audience members may also request a song for $10. Enjoying the performance from the audience is free, and this event will be fun for the whole family!
Not sure if you want to give conducting a try? “I think anyone who likes to listen to music of any kind qualifies to try their hand at conducting,” Rebecca says. “We’ll have people available to provide a quick conducting tutorial before the volunteers take the podium and our musicians are well trained to follow our guest conductor’s lead. We would love to see children take advantage of this opportunity. It’s a great way to encourage a love of music and possibly an interest in playing an instrument, for children of all ages.” And what if you’d like to stay in the audience? According to Mr. Nichols, “You can expect great music, good times and even some laughs!!!”
Contact:
Rebecca Gentile
President, Executive Board
Eastern Wind Symphony
215-530-0165
rebeccagentile2000@gmail.com