Grammy-Nominated Composer Debuts New Work With Robinson Secondary Musicians

FAIRFAX, VA — On Tuesday, Robinson Secondary School’s Symphonic Band will premiere a new concert band piece by Dr. Jennifer Jolley, a Grammy-nominated composer, conductor, and music educator.

Jolley is the faculty composer for the Beyond the Notes Music Festival's ComMission Possible Project.

“Beyond The Notes Music Festival’s mission is to create and provide profound learning and social experiences through music that go beyond the notes,” according to a release. “The ComMission Possible Project began in 2009 and unlike most commissions, the students are placed at the center of the creative process. Students are asked to explore their own creativity and curiosity, to ask questions, and to make decisions. The project creates opportunities for students to hear directly from the composer regarding student suggestions, questions, and ideas about the composition.”

After applying to the ComMission Possible Project, Robinson Secondary was awarded the honor of presenting the premiere of Jolley’s work, as well as a one-day residency with the composer at the school.

Under the direction of Tiffany Hitz, the Robinson Secondary School’s Symphonic Band will premiere Jolley’s concert band piece on Tuesday, at 7 p.m., at the Russell Theatre, which is located in the school at 5035 Sideburn Road in Fairfax.