South Hills Junior Orchestra Present Patriotic Program in DC

The travel ensemble of the South Hills Junior Orchestra presented a patriotic program in Washington D.C. 

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

Orchestra members also took a bus and walking tour of the monuments, and enjoyed the International Spy Museum and Hershey Park 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 D.C. 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, Canon-McMillan, Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Keystone Oaks, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, Ringgold, Trinity, Upper St. Clair and Washington, as well as local charter, cyber, and home-schooled students.