NFSO: Holiday Pops Digital Program 2024

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Conducting your finances

in perfect harmony.

eglinfcu.org Insured by NCUA

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Season 2024 - 2025

WELCOME FROM MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR, TODD CRAVEN Greetings Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra patrons and welcome! We are pleased that you could join us for our annual Holiday Pops concert this evening, entitled Christmas on Broadway! You are in for a delightful concert of familiar holiday classics alongside an array of popular selections.

As always, we are happy to collaborate with our college community by featuring Voices of Northwest Florida, Unified Gospel Choir, and our very own Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale! Our guest artist, Broadway actress/singer Grace Morgan, joins us from New York City and is sure to thrill you with her incredible voice!

Please join us on February 22 for our annual Stars of Tomorrow concert, which features the winners of the John Leatherwood Concerto Competition and a side-by side featuring students from our Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra program! Use the QR code on the concert ad to get your tickets!

Also, know that every donation and ticket purchase supports not only these wonderful concert events, but also area students and music education in our community. Please consider making a donation via the QR code in your program today!

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra has something for everyone. We thank you so much for joining us and spreading the word of the cultural jewel that we have in our exceptional resident orchestra at the beautiful Mattie Kelly Arts Center.

Yours in music,

Todd Craven

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SCAN HERE TO DONATE TO THE NFSO!

Todd Craven, Music Director/Conductor Known for his creative programming, vibrant podium presence and spirit of collaboration, American conductor Todd Craven enters his fourth season as Music Director/Conductor of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and eighth season as Artistic Director of the Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra.

In both communities, he has brought a heightened level of collaboration and audience engagement, bringing his musical sensitivity and passion for contemporary music and advocating for the 21st century orchestra through creative programming that introduces symphonic music to people from all walks of life.

Todd’s recent guest conducting has included return engagements with the Virginia Symphony, Handel’s Messiah with the Jacksonville Symphony and a series of sold-out holiday concerts with The Florida Orchestra in Tampa. Todd made his debut with the Orlando Philharmonic last season for the Concert at the Springs, and has been re-engaged twice since, recently leading the OPO for Symphony of Illusions with Michael Grandinetti and a pre-concert interview with Jamie Bernstein at Steinmetz Hall, assisting in the premiere of Sid Ramin’s: Seventeen for student narrators and orchestra along side a Bernstein/Mahler concert narrated by Ms. Bernstein.

Mr. Craven has shared the stage with operatic tenor Lawrence Brownlee, violinist Rachel-Barton Pine and pianist Ann-Marie McDermott and has been integral in recording projects with Eric Jacobsen, Gil Shaham and Bela Fleck with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Other guest conducting highlights this season include the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Indiana, the Goiania Symphony Orchestra of Brazil and the Orlando Philharmonic. Past engagements include the Detroit Symphony, Toledo Symphony, Edmonton Symphony, Peabody Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Theatre at Illinois and members of the Baltimore Symphony brass.

Todd was the winner of the 2019 Los Angeles Conducting Competition, and was previously the Associate Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Assistant conductor for the Florida Grand Opera, and Music Director of the University of Michigan Life Sciences Orchestra and Michigan Pops Orchestra. A prize-winning trumpet player, Todd began his professional career as Principal Trumpet of the Sarasota Orchestra and performed with the New York Philharmonic, Cincinnati Symphony and as a frequent guest artist at the Sarasota Music Festival.

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Grand Underwriters The NFSO would like to thank our Grand Underwriters who provided contributions from August 15, 2024 - December 6, 2024

NFSO Visionary Society James H. Taraldson

Mattie M. Kelly

Kathleen “Taty” Saunders

Northwest Florida Symphony Guild

Platinum Level $5,000+

Bronze Level $500+

Destin / Ft. Walton Beach Airport

Steve & Jeanette Shires

ERA American Real Estate

Maj. General Donald Litke

Eglin Federal Credit Union

James & Victoria Richburg

Fred Semasko, Jr. & Annette Semasko

Stacy & William (Bill) Head

Gold Level $2,500+

Concerto Circle ($250-$499)

Stanley & Wanda Siefke

Audree D. Newman

Glenn M. Swiatek Dorothy & Robert Caskey

Silver Level $1,000+

Friend’s Circle <$249

Anonymous

Joshua D. Demeester

Harte Health, LLC.

Daniel R. Sluka

James & Carol Wilson

Jnanodoy Bhattacharya

Joe & Dee Purka Almut E. Flentge-Parker Corina & Stanley Zalace Lynn Keefe MD Pediatrics, LLC John G. Leatherwood Cathy J. Alley Amanda Grandy Harry H. Holmes Associates Inc. Henry & Linda Snider

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The Northwest Florida Symphony Guild is designed to support the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and their educational outreach programs such as the Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras and the Annual Concerto Competition. If you have a love for music and want to pass on the appreciation to future generations, join the Guild today!

For more information, visit mattiekellyartscenter.org/nfso.

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Since 1965!

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Holiday Pops

Christmas on Broadway The Star Spangled Banner

Smith/Key

Veronica Ferrell, ERA American Realty, Guest Conductor

A Christmas Carol: Main Title

Alan Silvestri

March of the Toys from Babes in Toyland

Victor Herbert Vince Guaraldi/Pugh

A Charlie Brown Christmas

George Frideric Handel

Behold I Tell You a Mystery/ The Trumpet Shall Sound from Messiah

Featuring Lloyd Reshard, Jr., Bass-Baritone

Selections featuring the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale John Rutter

Candlelight Carol

Eric Whitacre

Lux Arumque

Conducted by NFSO Chorale Music Director Darrin Scott Isaac

Pat-a-Pan

Barlow Bradford Selections featuring guest artist Grace Morgan Irving Berlin Penelope Rodriguez Rogers and Hammerstein

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White Christmas First Snowfall My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music

-- INTERMISSION -A Christmas Festival

Leroy Anderson

Stille Nacht

Chip Davis Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez/arr. Tincher

A Hand for Mrs. Claus

Featuring Voices of Northwest Florida

Man in the Mirror from MJ: The Musical

Michael Jackson/Glen Ballard/Siedah Garrett Featuring NWFSC Unified Gospel Choir

The First Noel

Traditional English Carol/arr. J. Daniel Smith Featuring Skylar Smith, Chevon Corlew-Coleman, Unified Gospel Choir and NFSO Chorale

Selections featuring guest artist Grace Morgan Flaherty/Ahrens

Once Upon a December from Anastasia

Lopez-Lopez

Let it Go! from Frozen

Alan Silvestri

God Bless Us Everyone from A Christmas Carol

Thank you to our sponsors,

VPS Airport and ERA American Real Estate

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FIRST VIOLINS Ingrid Roberts, Concertmaster Nicholas Hatt, Assistant Concertmaster Matheus Canada Alexander Meneses Ana Meneses Emily Palmer Price Sukhia Michael Yusko

SECOND VIOLINS Yuka Takeuchi, Acting Principal Tara Bohlen Deborah Cafarelli Sara Fay Michelle Hamilton Allen Knight Ashley Leigh

VIOLAS Jeremy Hill, Acting Principal Iris Bobren Caroline Bruns Sharon Fugate Allyson Royal

CELLOS Kathryn Delamare Troy, Acting Principal Angelese Pepper Jamie Simonsen Turner Sperry Thu Vo

BASSES Glenn Swiatek, Principal David Goldflies (bass/bass guitar) Logan Hedgepath John Palensky Jeb Stuart

FLUTES Sarah Jane Young, Acting Principal Yoana Hilt Elisa Lyle, piccolo

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OBOES Matt Fossa, Principal Jillian Camwell, English horn

CLARINETS Newell Hutchinson, Principal Melissa Turner

SAXOPHONE David Camwell

BASSOONS Shawn Karson, Acting Principal Josie Whiteis

HORNS Stuart Kinney, Principal Kelly Langenberg Kevin Fails Judith Sykes

TRUMPETS Dale Riegle, Principal Kyle Mallari Ryan McKinley

TROMBONES Laurie Penpraze, Acting Principal Jason Sulliman Brian Thomson

TUBA James Langenberg, Acting Principal

TIMPANI Timothy Blackstock, Principal

PERCUSSION Zachary Webb, Principal Alyssa Coleman Jordan Hale Peter Krostag

PIANO/KEYBOARDS Lois Henry, Principal

HARP Katie Ott, Principal

CONCERT VISUALS Madeleine Yeung

NFSO STAFF Operations Manager/Director of Education and Outreach: Lynne Fehrenbach Personnel Manager: Matt Fossa Librarian: Laurie Penpraze

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Grace Morgan Guest Artist Broadway Actor/Singer Grace Morgan was most recently seen in the critically acclaimed Encores! production of Titanic at New York City Center. Other credits include playing the role of Christine Daaé in the original cast of the 25th Anniversary National Tour of The Phantom of The Opera.

She has worked regionally all over the country, playing the role of Belle in A Christmas Carol at The Denver Center, Sandy in Grease at Forestburgh Playhouse, Irene Molloy in Hello Dolly! at Beef and Boards, and Anne Egerman in A Little Night Music at Indiana Repertory Theater. When Grace is not performing on stage, she is a vocal recording session singer in the film and music industry. Most recently she can be heard in Rebel Wilson’s new film The Deb, which comes out later this year.

She can also be heard as the demo voice of multiple leading ladies in MTI’s Broadway Jr series of classic musicals produced all over the country. Grace is a voice and acting coach and educator for Broadway Vocal Coach Aspire Program and mentors young students throughout the year. A graduate of the University of Michigan Musical Theater Department, Grace now resides in New York City with her husband and two children.

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Lloyd Reshard, Jr. Guest Artist Bass-Baritone Bass-Baritone Lloyd Reshard, Jr. made his debut with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra in 2023 as guest soloist in the Sounds of the Spectrum concert, alongside internationally renowned tenor Lawrence Brownlee to support the Emerald Coast Autism Center; followed immediately afterward as bass soloist for NFSO’s Messiah. On the opera stage this year, Lloyd has performed the roles of Prince Gremin in Heartbeat Opera’s 10th Anniversary production of Eugene Onegin, Amonasro in Union Avenue Opera’s concert version of Verdi’s Aida alongside Internationally acclaimed artists tenor Limmie Pulliam and Soprano Marsha Thompson.

He also reprised his roles of Dulcamara in Landlocked Opera’s production of Donizetti’s Elixir of Love and Father in Amelia Island Opera’s production of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. In addition, made his debut with Panama City Symphony as host and guest artist in their concert Nightmare on the Bay: Mischief at the Masquerade Ball.

Along with the opera stage, Lloyd co-founded Inicio Musica with pianist and composer Lois Henry in August to curate concerts and recordings that highlight under-performed works and composers. Their first public concert Between the Earth and Sky debuted in 2023 in Mattie Kelly Art Center’s Tyler Recital Hall. Mr. Reshard was also the artistic director and a performer in 2019/20 in the narrated song cycle Viola! Song Cycle, which chronicles the tragic accounts of Pensacola’s first black hospital named after its founder, The Viola Edward’s Hospital. Viola! was premiered at the University of West Florida and was reprised February 2020 at Mattie Kelly Arts Center.

Lloyd is also a lyricist in 4 choral collaborations with internationally renowned HaitianAmerican composer Sydney Guillaume, including: Nou La (2022; Phoenix Chamber Choir), This, Too, Shall Pass (2022; Master Chorale of Tampa Bay), A Taste of Freedom (2023; Spokane Symphony & Chorale), and, I Will Not Look Away (2024; Portland Gay Men’s Chorus). In July over 1,400 voices came together to sing a newly arranged version of Nou La during the HarbourVOICES International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions Gala Concert in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, opening for musical phenom Jacob Collier.

When he is not performing, Lloyd teaches voice privately at Playground Music Center and volunteers his time with the Kukua Institute and the Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council. For more information and performance updates, visit: https://lloydreshardjr. com as well as like and follow his Facebook Artist Page Lloyd Reshard, Bass-Baritone.

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Skylar Smith Director Voices of Northwest Florida Skylar Smith is the Assistant Professor of Applied Voice at Northwest Florida State College. She is a graduate of the University of Mobile where she received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance. She enjoyed singing with Voices of Mobile and performing some of her most prolific roles including the Countess in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and Magada in Menotti’s The Consul. As a professor at NWFSC, she predominately teaches Applied Voice and Music Appreciation and directs the vocal ensemble, Voices of Northwest Florida.

She started the vocal ensemble in the Fall of 2020 and continues to work with the group to perform on campus and in the community. The group recently traveled and performed in France during the summer of 2023 and hope to return in 2026. She has music directed two Summer Musical productions- Jesus Christ Superstar and Cinderella- in conjunction with NWFSC and the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. She made her performing debut at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Cinderella as Crazy Marie aka the Fairy Godmother. You may also find her performing and music directing over at Emerald Coast Theatre Company where she recently was the music director for The Sound of Music and had her premiere role as Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins.

Voices of Northwest Florida Grace Scofield Haven Clark Adyla Muhlbach Alexia Rac Alice Heller Danielle Borgers Rebecca Batarao Noelle Mallory

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Sylvia Cabel Addison Starrett Mackenzie Collins Alyssa Early Sound Technician: Isaiah Santana Collaborative Pianist: Tracy Mank Director: Skylar Smith

Darrin Isaac Music Director/Conductor Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale Rev. Darrin Scott Isaac is a minister, composer, singer, and conductor best known for his prolific contributions to hymnody and sacred choral literature.

He holds a Bachelors degree in Music from University of Indianapolis where he studied voice and composition, a Master of Arts in Music Ministry from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary where his academic focus was liturgical composition, and recently completed his Master of Divinity at Christian Theological Seminary. His original choral works and hymns are regularly used in worship throughout the United States and abroad. In concert settings Isaac’s music has been presented by ensembles ranging from elementary school choirs to collegiate and professional ensembles. His most significant works include his piano sonatas, a mass setting, his first symphony which premiered fall of 2022, and a setting of the Requiem Mass which will be premiered in the fall of 2023.

As a conductor, Isaac specializes in sacred choral literature and has toured internationally presenting works both classic and contemporary. His most formative choral conducting training came from his work with the Cornish American Song Institute in 2018. This opportunity allowed him to spend the summer in England working with professors and ensembles in several Oxford Chapel Choirs in a program that culminated with a concert series in Falmouth, Cornwall.

Additionally, Isaac has a background in opera and art song performance. The focus of his repertoire is in oratorio literature and sacred song cycles.

His published works include a book of choral works, Four Motets and Oxford Canticles, and a Lenten devotional and hymn book entitled 40 Days of Hymns.

Isaac’s primary work is at Point Washington United Methodist Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida where he serves as the Associate Pastor Director of Music Ministries.

He currently lives in Panama City Beach, Florida with his wife and son.

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Michael J. Saunders Co-Director Northwest Florida State College Gospel Choir “Unified” Michael J. Saunders was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He served in full-time music ministry for over 20 years. He attended the Settlement School of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for much of his musical training. He also received his training in church music with the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod in his earlier years and the Church of God in Christ, International.

He previously served as the Director of Music for Destin Assembly of God and the West Florida District Assemblies of God. Michael received his Bible training from the Deliverance Bible Institute and the Southern New England Bible College. He has traveled domestically and internationally conducting workshops on music and worship in the Fiji Islands, Vienna Austria, London, England and in the United States.

He currently attending the Northwest Florida State College working on his Associate of Science Degree in Music Education and Sound & Recording Engineering. He started a Church Organist mentorship program for young organists in his church. His desire is to help raise up musicians in the church. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Pensacola, and Central Florida Chapters. He is currently the Organist and Music Director of New Life Church in Miramar Beach, FL, and Co – Director of the Northwest Florida State College Gospel Choir “Unified” along with Chevon Corlew-Coleman. He is currently an ordained minister in the Church of God.

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Chevon Corlew-Coleman Co-Director Northwest Florida State College Gospel Choir “Unified” Chevon CorlewColeman (Gospel recording artist) is a native of Springfield Ohio. The third of six children to an evangelical minister and elementary teacher, Chevon’s musical sound is heavily influenced by contemporary and southern gospel music.

Being in a church with “voice” as the only instruments, she learned to harmonize and sing parts by the age of five.

At the age of 12 she became the vocal arranger and song writer for a girl’s quartet “ACKT of Faith” while in junior high. She was a member of the community choir “Unity for Christ”, in her hometown of Springfield, under the direction of Arlin “Par” Tolliver, and as a member of this choir, she was a soloist, vocal arranger, and worked closely with a young Johnny Stephens, now known as EGOT winner John Legend! Her passion for music, song writing, and vocal performance landed her the opportunity to perform with gospel artist and five-time Grammy award winner, Larnelle Harris, at the age of 17!

Chevon’s musical experience has afforded her the opportunity to perform with and provide the opening act for many Christian/ Gospel artist, and as a song writer landed her on CeCe Winan’s 2007 compilation album “Pure Worship” penning the record “A little More”.

Chevon Corlew-Coleman currently serves at Praise Power & Compassion ministries, where she has been the minister of music for 14 years.

She recently accepted a position as Co-director of Gospel Music for Northwest Florida State College’s community gospel choir “Unified” .

She is married to Isaac Coleman and is the mother of three.

As a Christian woman who loves God, her hope is to continually share her love and passion for music, bringing, hope, faith, and inspiration to all who hear.

To find out more about Chevon, you can visit her website at Chevon.Info.

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Unified Gospel Choir Chevon Corlew-Coleman, Co-Director Reverend Michael Saunders, Co-Director Issac Coleman, Business Administration Ashlyn Payne

Michael Saunders

Caa’si Coleman

Miriam McGriff

Chelsey Pickett

Levi Braswell

Chevon Corlew-Coleman

Shakira Oswald

Connie Braswell

Simone Wilson

Dr. Karen Brown

Terera Hawkins

Gena Peoples

Valencia Tamper

Isaac Coleman

Aavery Floyd

Jadyn Scaife

Darries Fauntleroy

Jeff Scaife

Samuel Hill

Juanita Payne-Galbreath

Rafa Santos

Lauryn Wilson

Francine O’Neill

Marcinia Simms

Jerome Floyd

Megan Paul

Theresa King

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Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale Bazarte, Jacqueline

McRee, Theresa

Beard, Scott

Miller, Nancy

Bell, Kara

Morgan, Matthew

Berry, Jelani (JB)

Morgan, Megan

Borella, Annie

Pecore, Christopher

Brandewie, Cynthia

Powell, Janette

Burleson, Michael

Raulerson, Kaelyn

Campbell, Rachel

Robinson, Cadence

Casstevens, David

Robinson, Stephony

Casstevens, Elizabeth

Rockwell, Sylvia

Chandler, Mary

Sites, Liberty

Ellenburg, Melissa

Sizemore, Sheila

Foltz, Chris

Smith, Elijah

Gay, Ashley

Smith, Skylar

Girard, Ed

Stillions, Ruby

Hart, Rebecca

Tessier, Paul

Hencinski, Marcus

Mechling, Sharon

Hencinski, Mary

Vancil, Marybelle

Hernandez, Laura

van den Woldenberg, Lisa

Hill, Elizabeth

Wilson, James

Hudson, Andrew

Wright, Hannah

Huston, Madelyn

Zirpola, John

Izzo, Robert (Bob)

Zlatovic, Candyce

Johnson, Christy

Zombres, Christopher

Langsten, Kelly Loftis, Holly Long, Jeremy

Darrin Scott Isaac, Director

Long, Martha

Madeleine Yeung, Collaborative Pianist

Loughlin, Lin Matthews, Sam

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Harry Larimer, Music Librarian

Cind ea March 8-9 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center With Live Music by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra $48 Adults | $22 Children (12 & Under)

Season Production Sponsor:

Signature Season Sponsors:

NFBallet.org | 850.729.6000

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Personalized Financial Planning Fred R. Semasko Jr., Financial Advisor

850.279.4387 proud sponsor of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra 23

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lori Kelley, Chair Maj. Gen. Thomas “Rudy” Wright, Ret. USAF, Vice Chair Cory Fosdyck Kristen “Rhea” Goff Megan Harrison Maj. Gen. Don Litke, Ret. USAF Tanner Peacock Dr. Jon Ward Dr. Cristie Kedroski, Interim President (will change to “Mel Ponder, President” starting in January)

100 College Boulevard East, Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 729-5382 | www.nwfsc.edu Northwest Florida State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Northwest Florida State College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 300334097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Northwest Florida State College does not discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment.

For more information, visit nwfsc.edu.