The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania has announced new virtual programs launching in October and November. On October 23, Jeffrey L. Webb, associate professor of music at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and director of the Johnstown Symphony Chorus, presented the first of four events geared to students in grades 9 and above. The discussion—offered as a virtual Zoom assembly for Greater Johnstown High School students—was supplemented by performances by pianist/vocalist/conductor Michael Warren, JSO Concertmaster Maureen Conlon-Gutierrez, and Thomas W. Douglas, artistic director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and music director of Kansas’s Newton Symphony Orchestra. The discussions came about after JSO leadership worked with Johnstown NAACP President Alan Cashaw to identify needs for students of color in Johnstown that could be met by the orchestra. On October 26, the orchestra will launch a free digital program on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram entitled “Musicians Out Front” featuring conversations between Music Director James Blachly and JSO musicians. In November the JSO will begin offering “The Making of Our Maestro: An Exclusive Online Series,” streamed live on Zoom on Thursday evenings from November to March.
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