River Concert Series July 22, 2022

My friend, Jim Tidwell photographed the River Concert on July 22nd at St. Mary’s College of Maryland at the last minute for me. I didn’t attend. He did a very nice job and I edited his photos. The concert featured some of Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite”, and David Froom’s “Elegy” and “Down to the Sunless Sea”. This part was conducted by Jeffrey Silberschlag with the Chesapeake Orchestra. They combined the concert with vocal works by Ralph Vaughan Williams conducted by Larry Vote, from a previously cancelled concert. The RCS choir sang with featured vocalists Diane Atherton, Joan McFarland, and Rachel Barham, all sopranos, Rob Petillo, tenor and James Rogers, baritone.

Diane Atherton, Rachel Barham

Rachel Barham, Joan McFarland, Rob Petillo, James Rogers

Drayden, MD Day trip

We took a day trip in the St. Mary's County heat to Drayden, MD.  Along the way, we visited the Drayden African American Schoolhouse, Dennis Point Marina and a local field of sunflowers in Ridge.

1890-1944

40 or more students in one room, grades 1-7

The school opened late so the students could work on the farm (even if they didn't want to).  The teachers were paid much less and the students received much less funding for their schooling than the white schools.

The door was locked, but I took a brief peak inside the window.  Even with a polarizing filter, there was still a lot of glare.

Dennis Point Marina

An old boat hull

River Concert Series July 15, 2022 Bach to Bop

Friday’s River Concert at St. Marys College of Maryland included such favorites as Vivaldi’s Spring from “the Four Seasons” and “Summertime” sung by Queen Shic with an incredibly high voice.  Her husband, Dontae Winslow, stole the show on his trumpet, with a wonderful rendition of “Stardust” and his own song “Trumpet and a Mic” and many others.  He conducted the Chesapeake Orchestra very enthusiastically several times during the performance.  Mr. Winslow’s accomplishments include composing, trumpet (musician) and orchestrator.  He was involved in several Superbowl half-time shows and the 2022 Oscars.  He came a long way from being Jeff’s trumpet student at the age of 13.

But, there was more.  Jose Cueto first violinist (concertmaster)  performed several times, partly with Sheng Wang.  Zach and Jeffrey Silberschlag did several trumpet pieces, partly with Dontae Winslow.  With so many soloists, there were a lot of photos! 

Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director 

José Cueto, violinist

Queen Shic, Dontae Winslow

Zachary Silberschlag, trumpter

Cellists

Violist

Next week’s show possibly includes works by Stravinsky and/or David Froom and vocal music composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams. 

Summer Flowers in St. Marys County

 

River Concert Series Music from the New World July 1, 2022

A huge crowd gathered on July 1st for the holiday classical music performance by the Chesapeake Orchestra.  The series continues on Friday nights through July 22nd at St Mary’s College of Maryland on the green at 7 pm.  Music Director, Jeffrey Silberschlag, shared such popular pieces as Copeland’s “Appalachian Spring”, Gregson-Williams “Wonder Woman”, Cluster’s “Star Trek through the Years and Bernsteins’s “West Side Story Suite”.  There was plenty of food from the local vendors and many games played on the green by young people.

Jeffrey Silberschlag, Music Director

Zachary Silberschlag, trumpet

Chaptico Market

Koz’s Creamery

Her own pose

Spikeball game.  Who will catch it?

Violins