Strike up the band because some of Trenton’s finest young performers are on stage!

On Sunday, April 16, Trenton’s Foundation Academies Youth Orchestra will be opening for the Concordia Chamber Players. This concert is scheduled for Sunday, April 16, at Trinity Episcopal Church – Solebury. Kicking off at 3 pm, this talented group of young artists is slated to perform a strings rendition of the iconic “Game of Thrones” theme song. Afterward, the Concordia Chamber Players will perform their final show of the concert season. This performance features a rich array of selections, including The Piano Trio “be still and Know” by Carlos Simon, Pisachi (Reveal) by Jerod Impichchaachaaha Tate, and Piano Quintet, Opus 57 by Dimitri Shostakovich.

FA’s Youth Orchestra is a talented collective of students in grades 9th through 12th who have been playing their instruments for an average of six years or longer. This ensemble is a smaller group than the school’s full orchestra, allowing students to play a different and often more rigorous repertoire than that offered in the orchestra’s daily classes. This ensemble, a voluntary extracurricular activity, is of particular value to students who cannot take daily orchestra classes during the semester and students looking for additional instruction outside their daily lessons.

“We are proud to see our scholars shine through the arts,” said FA CEO Sheria McRae. “Opportunities to showcase their talents and passions empower our scholars to lead purpose-filled lives and lean into who they were created to be.”

“I always enjoy working with students who love playing enough that they choose to stay after school once a week to look at exciting and challenging music,” stated Vincent Bello, FA’s orchestra teacher. “The group makes many decisions by consensus or vote because everyone is very invested.”

Concordia Chamber Players invited the Youth Orchestra to open their final concert of the season after partnering with FA, teaching master classes, and visiting the campus. Chamber musicians Michelle Djokic, David Samuel, Gabriella Diaz, and Siwoo Kim met with scholars in November, discussing life as professional musicians and performing a composition by Florence Price. Price was one of the first black female composers and the first black woman to have a piece performed by a major orchestra in 1932.

Performing with Concordia “is a valuable opportunity for students to act as ambassadors for our music program to a wider audience,” Mr. Bello said.

Later this month, Foundation Academies will partner with Trinity Episcopal Church – Solebury again, leading a forum entitled “Justice and Equity in Education.” The meeting will be held at the church from 11 am to Noon on Sunday, April 30.

The forum continues Trinity Church’s exploration of social justice issues and will follow a guest sermon by Kimme Carlos, the daughter of civil rights activist and Olympic champion John Carlos. Ms. Carlos is an ordination aspirant at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Trenton, NJ, an advocate for mental health and social justice, and president of the Foundation Academies Board of Trustees.

FA’s Youth Orchestra and the Concordia Chamber Players have worked tirelessly to produce a powerful performance you won’t want to miss. An afternoon of artistry awaits, so be sure to come out and enjoy the work of some of our community’s talented youth.

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