New Sussex Symphony performing March 19
SPARTA — The New Sussex Symphony, under the musical direction of Karen Pinoci, announces the program for their upcoming annual family concert.
The March 19 event starts at 3 p.m. and takes place at Sparta High School on West Mountain Road in Sparta.
More than 100 student musicians from Sparta, Vernon, Blairstown, and Randolph will be joining the orchestra to perform. The repertoire includes music from the movie “Frozen,” Handel’s “Oboe Concerto in G minor,” Stephen Simon’s “Casey at the Bat,” and “The Empire Strikes Back.” The concert will conclude with Suzuki tunes and “Can-Can,” featuring the orchestra and student musicians performing together.
Kari Wong, a sophomore at Ridgewood High School, will be the oboe soloist. Kari serves as the principal oboe player in the Ridgewood High School Wind Ensemble and has performed with the N.J. Bergen County Band, NJMEA Junior Region I Band, Junior Region I Orchestra, and the N.Y. Youth Symphony Chamber Music Program. She has also successfully auditioned for the Greater Newark Youth Orchestra and the prestigious N.J. Youth Symphony. Wong won first chair English horn for the NJMEA Region I and All-State Wind Ensemble, was the 2015 scholarship recipient of the Cecelia Foundation, and won third place at the International Grande Music Competition. An accomplished musician, Wong has been invited as a guest musician by the N.J. Intergenerational Orchestra and performed in the Rising Star series at the Abendmusik Concert.
“Casey at the Bat” will feature narrator Mark J. Hontz, an elder law and estate planning and administration attorney in Newton. Hontz is the lay leader and administrative council chair of the First United Methodist Church of Newton, where he and his family are active members. Hontz also serves as the vice-chair of the boards of Sussex Bank and Sussex Bancorp and is active in community activities.
Children under 5 may attend for free when accompanied by an adult. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Although tickets may be purchased at the door, advance purchase is recommended, due to anticipated high turnout. Tickets are available at the Bill Wright School of Music on Woodport Road in Sparta, or at the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council office at 133 Spring St. in Newton. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will take place on Sunday, March 20 at 3 p.m.
To learn more about how members of the community can support the New Sussex Symphony and their youth Legacy Fund Scholarship, or to learn more about performances and other community involvement, contact Melinda McCoy-Miller at (973) 579-6465 or e-mail at nssnj@ptd.net.