Renonwed conductor and former ATG President Joan Cochran Sommers, Professor Emerita of the University of Missouri-Kansas City will be directing the 2018 ATG Festival Orchestra.

The Festival Orchestra will will perform on the Saturday evening Gala concert. Rehearsals will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to prepare for the concert performance.
 
This year the ATG Festival Orchestra will perform four selections including:

• The March of The Boyars by Johan Halvorsen; Arr. by Joan C. Sommers
• West Side Story Medley by Leonard Bernstein; Arr. by Heinz Ehme
• The Prayer by David Foster & Carol Bayer Sager; Arr. by Josepth Natoli
       Featuring vocal soloist, Leonie Kratz, from Germany
• It Don’t Mean A Thing, If It Ain’t Got That Swing by Duke Ellington; Arr. by Liz Finch
       Featuring vocalist Leonie Kratz and accordion jazz artists,
       Matthias Matzke (Germany) and Cory Pesaturo (USA)

There are several parts in all three pieces, of course, and most accordionists with some experience in ensembles will find a part suitable for them. Contact Joan Sommers at joansommers@kc.rr.com and give her your playing level if you have never played in this or any other orchestra before or if you have questions.
 
All players must register and plan to attend all three rehearsals of the orchestra. Music will be sent to you upon receipt of your Festival registration.
 
As always, this will be a real symphonic type experience for everyone and you are encouraged and very welcome to come share your musical talents with others in making some great music together. We look forward to hearing from you!