Orchestra Magic at the Forbes Theater

“In an unexpected twist of fate, I found myself returning to my Alma Mater, this time not as a student, but as an educator guiding my own students. This full circle moment was made possible through the initiative of Dr. Kira Omelchenko, the James Madison University (JMU) orchestra director, who extended an invitation to our orchestra to participate in a side-by-side concert with the JMU Symphony Orchestra as part of the Contemporary Music Festival (CMF) Concert,” said Greg Conway, EMS band director.

The origin story of this collaboration can be traced back to Maria Lorcas, EMS orchestra director, as Kira initially reached out to her. “For me (Greg), the experience was incredibly rewarding. Seeing my students perform on the same stage where I once studied music education was a profound experience. Our students, who are accustomed to small ensembles in their classes, were suddenly thrust into a large ensemble setting, performing alongside collegiate-level musicians. This was not just any large ensemble; it was an opportunity to play next to musicians deeply immersed in their study of music and the intricacies of their instruments.”

One of the highlights of this experience was the palpable connection formed through music. As Maria conducted “The Great Locomotive Chase,” I noticed the JMU students backstage were genuinely engaged with our performance. It was a moment that underscored the incredible power of music to bridge communities and levels of ability, all in the name of creating beautiful music together.
Last fall, the initiative saw a piece shared side-by-side with Harrisonburg High School, as part of Dr. Omelchenko’s vision to rotate schools from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County each year as guests at the CMF concert. This rotation aims to provide local students with the invaluable experience of performing at the prestigious Forbes Center Concert Hall, alongside their collegiate counterparts.

The opportunity for our students to collaborate and perform at such a high level was thrilling. It not only broadened their musical horizons but also reinforced the communal spirit that music reinforces. “I am truly excited about the connections and growth that this partnership will continue to nurture in the future.”