150 years is a long time! As Shenandoah Conservatory prepares to celebrate our sesquicentennial, we also celebrate a rich history of preparing future music educators to teach across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our origin story is rooted in music teaching and we are honored to perform at the Virginia Music Educators Association's 2024 Professional Development Conference. Welcome to this evening's concert and thank you for joining us.

Shenandoah Conservatory is home to almost 700 students in music, theatre and dance. We are an extraordinary community of teaching artists, performers, composers, and scholars and we care deeply about our students. Our uniqueness lies in a diverse range of nationally recognized programs – including 22 degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, artist diploma and doctoral levels. Just as importantly we are a place of innovation and collaboration. We are a place that values individual stories and is prepared to meet the challenges of a diverse and rapidly evolving world.

The VMEA Conference represents a special time set aside from the flurry of our busy schedules . . . time for us to renew acquaintances with colleagues and alumni. We are delighted to share this time with you. Maestro Andrizzi, faculty colleagues and our students have prepared this concert especially for you. Thank you again for joining us and enjoy!

Jeffrey Marlatt, Ph.D.
Interim Dean and Professor of Music
Charlotte A. and Verne E. Collins
Endowed Professorship in Music