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Rod Vester, Director
A Major Encounter
Under the direction of Rod Vester, Shenandoah Conservatory’s newest music group CONTEMPO Ensemble uses music for positive social change and is composed of students from all musical backgrounds. A Major Encounter will take the audience on an exciting and memorable musical journey featuring an array of genres including pop, electronic, rhythm and blues, alternative and original compositions by ensemble members. Special student guest artists collaborating with the CONTEMPO Ensemble include Joshua Lewis, tenor saxophone; Mathuin Smith, baritone saxophone; Alyson Zieg, trumpet and Connor Eldredge, trumpet.
Digital Program
View Digital Program
Shenandoah Conservatory uses digital programs for all performances. In addition to their engaging and accessible design, digital programs are cost effective, environmentally friendly and enable us to create and update our programs more efficiently, which means we can focus our resources on the performances you love! View our digital programs by clicking the button above, scanning the QR code in our venue or texting PROGRAM to (540) 307-2336 at the performance. [Note: Digital programs are best viewed on your mobile or tablet device.]
Lean In & Engage
Q: What are students learning or experiencing through this process?
Through this process, CONTEMPO Ensemble students are learning:
- How to demonstrate advanced techniques of contemporary musicianship by playing by ear, improvising, and using notational tools such as chord charts, lead sheets and tablature.
- How to analyze the various components of contemporary music compositions and arrangements including song structure, chord progressions, melodic and rhythmic patterns, groove and arrangement techniques.
- How to utilize music technology, amplified instruments, live sound reinforcement, microphones and digital workstations.
- How to exhibit both the professional and soft skills required to foster a creative and productive learning environment and rehearsal space that welcomes all.
- How to demonstrate the ability to create and perform music together with musicians in rehearsals and performances.
- How to use music, as a tool, to give voice to societal issues and political unrest.
– Rod Vester, CONTEMPO Ensemble director
Q: What excites you about working on this program?
“What excites me about this program is that all of the music was either selected or composed by the ensemble members. The ensemble uses music for positive social change and by them having a voice to select and compose the music for the ensemble, each song connects with them in a deep and meaningful way.”
– Rod Vester, CONTEMPO Ensemble director
Q: What are you excited about for audiences to experience?
“I am excited that the audience gets to experience a highly diverse musical program that will unite us yet give us space and freedom to be our individual selves.”
– Rod Vester, CONTEMPO Ensemble director
ACCESSIBILITY
Accommodations for disabilities may be arranged by contacting the Box Office at least three days prior to the performance.
Photos by C King Media
