Wind Ensemble | NoVa Youth Ensembles

WELCOME HERE

Intermediate Wind Ensemble

NoVa Youth Wind Ensemble offers students a unique musical experience to learn and perform at an advanced level. We are the first in the area to offer a high caliber musical experience to band students. The ensemble supports our communities through concerts, outreach to younger students and the elderly, which will create lasting bonds that span generations. If you would like a challenge while broadening your musical horizons, please join us! In the intermediate wind ensemble, you learn to refine your musical skills through challenging repertoire, focusing on advanced techniques, musical interpretation, and ensemble balance, while also exploring diverse musical styles.

Meet Your director

Joshua Sheppard holds a Bachelors of Music Education degree from West Virginia University. He has been teaching for three years in Loudoun County. He is currently one of the band directors at Eagle Ridge Middle School in Ashburn. Mr. Sheppard also has been teaching for three years at Briar Woods High School being an instructor with the Briar Woods Falcon Regiment, and the Indoor Drumline.

During Mr. Sheppard’s time at WVU, he was the drum major of the Pride of West Virginia Marching band of 330+ members. He also served as the conductor for the WVU Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble. Mr. Sheppard has held a successful teaching career striving to help students reach their full potential. He has taught jazz band, concert band, marching band, percussion, string orchestra, general and choral music, as well as piano.

During Mr. Sheppard’s free time, he loves watching football (Go Ravens!) and Hockey (Go Caps!), traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Chamber Orchestra

The NoVa Youth Chamber Ensemble is an advanced ensemble where members have to be accepted by audition to participate. The ensemble will take music beyond the page and delve into advanced musicianship skills. Students will expand their musically, creativity, artistry and depth of musical understanding. This includes listening skills, lyricism, emotional expression, and improvisation. Students will learn to approach music making holistically, and creatively, by delving into the many genres of composers. Conductor- Mr. David Lester.

We look at the ensembles as a team. As directors of the ensembles, our jobs are to give you the tools to create beautiful music in a relaxed, atmosphere. Your part is to practice, be prepared, and come with a positive attitude ready to learn.

I hope you will join for a great 2024-25 concert season!