DEMAREST — Music and movement will take center stage this fall when the Hanover Wind Symphony (HWS) presents its free autumn concert, Dance On, a program built around the rhythms and traditions of dance. The performance takes place Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. at Memorial Junior School, 61 Highland Ave., Whippany.
For Northern Valley audiences, the highlight of the evening will be the featured soloist: Madison Choo, a junior at Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest. Madison, this year’s HWS scholarship recipient, will perform Vincenzo Bellini’s Concerto for Oboe — her first solo performance with a full wind ensemble.
“I’m extremely honored to be the recipient of this scholarship,” Madison said. “I’m also very excited for my first-ever performance where I’m playing as a soloist. I hope everyone enjoys it.” She has been preparing her part since early July, using the scholarship award to pursue advanced lessons with her private teacher.
A Rising Star
Though Madison only picked up the oboe as a freshman, her progress has been swift. She now studies in the pre-college program of Manhattan School of Music and performs with its Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also a member of the Grammy-winning New York Youth Symphony, playing alongside college students and accomplished peers from across the region.
Closer to home, Madison contributes her talents to the Northern Valley Regional High School wind symphony, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and pit orchestra. She also marched with the school’s band for two years, serving in a leadership role. Her résumé already includes membership in the New Jersey Region I Band, underscoring her standing as one of the state’s most promising young oboists.
Music to Move You
HWS conductor Matthew Paterno of Parsippany said the concert is designed to invite audiences into the joy of rhythm and dance. “Come dance the night away with the Hanover Wind Symphony and our fall program Dance On! We hope you savor the energy and excitement of the music behind so many different types of dances,” he said.
The evening’s program includes:
- Danzón by Arturo Márquez
- Four Scottish Dances by Malcolm Arnold
- Havana Nights by Randall Standridge, with guest conductor Ayden Khan of Wayne, HWS associate music director
A Tradition of Community Music
The Hanover Wind Symphony, now celebrating its 40th year, is one of only a handful of premier community-based adult wind bands in New Jersey. Made up of volunteer musicians, the ensemble is dedicated to “bringing music to people and people to music,” often mentoring young talent like Madison along the way.
With woodwinds, brass, and percussion at full strength, HWS continues to put a contemporary spin on traditional favorites. Its free concerts attract audiences of all ages, affirming the enduring appeal of live wind performance.
For Madison, the October concert marks both a milestone in her own journey and a reminder of the opportunities community ensembles provide to the next generation of musicians.