South Hills Junior Orchestra Present Patriotic Program in DC

By Becky Brindle

The travel ensemble of the South Hills Junior Orchestra (SHJO) presented a patriotic program in Washington, DC, recently.

On Friday, June 21, the group played on the grounds of George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon, followed by a concert the next in front of the steps to the Jefferson Memorial.

Orchestra members also took a bus and walking tour of the monuments and enjoyed Hershey Park and the International Spy Museum over the weekend.

In support of U.S. Veterans, musical selections included "Anchors Away" and "Armed Forces Salute," two arrangements by SHJO Director and Composer-in-Residence William Critser, a Mt. Lebanon resident. 

Other pieces featured in Washington, DC, were "Ashokan Farewell," "Irish Suite," "Jesse Polka," "Land of Liberty," "Johnny Comes Marching Home," "Simple Gifts" and "Yorkshire Ballad."

The orchestra has been derived from numerous school districts, including Baldwin-Whitehall, Bethel Park, Brentwood Borough,Canon-McMillan, Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Keystone Oaks, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, Ringgold, Trinity, Upper St. Clair Township and Washington, as well as local charter, cyber and homeschooled students.    

Practice takes place at Upper St. Clair High School.