Spotlight on Women in the Arts with Capt. Michelle Rakers, U.S. Marine Band, conductor April 17, 2010

Guest conductor Capt. Michelle A. Rakers, Assistant Director, "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band, leads the City of Fairfax Band in a musical kaleidoscope honoring women in music. Works by some of today’s hottest and most accomplished symphonic composers—Joan Tower, Julie Giroux, Carolyn Bremer, and Jennifer Higdon—take the spotlight next to perennial favorites by Camille Saint-Saëns, Antonin Dvorak, and John Williams in a fresh and colorful spring mix of wind music. Described as "bold," "tuneful," "playful," "energetic," "savvy, sensitive" and "pure espirit," this promises to be an exceptional evening of celebration that will enliven both the senses and the spirit. The concert features solos by GySgt Hilary Hart, U.S.M.C., in Saint-Saëns’ "Morceau de concert for horn," and the 2010 Young Artist Competition winner, Jacob Shochet, in Grundman's jazz-inspired "Concertante," as well as a performance of John Williams’ "Midway March," from the classic World War II motion picture "Midway."

A free master class and question and answer session with Capt. Rakers and George Mason University conducting and wind ensemble students will precede the concert at 2 p.m. at the George Mason University School of Music located at 4400 University Drive, MSN 3E3, Fairfax, Va.

Presented as part of Fairfax’s 25th Spotlight on the Arts Festival and Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts.

Information and tickets: www.fairfaxband.org or (703) 757-0220.