Out & about: ‘WIND DRIVEN II’ concert to raise money for Guitars For Vets

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What: “Wind Driven II,” a benefit for Guitars For Vets

When: 3 p.m. Sunday

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 2101 Jefferson Street, Roanoke

How much: Free; an offering will be taken

Info: 344-3204;
fpc-roa.org/calendar

Saturday, August 10, 2013

The music of Brahms and Bach will help bring guitar lessons to veterans of the U.S. military coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.

First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke will hold a concert Sunday made up of classical, jazz and folk tunes called “Wind Driven II.” Though the concert is free, a free will offering will be collected to benefit Guitars For Vets, a nonprofit that provides free acoustic guitars and lessons to veterans who have been referred to the program.

In addition to Wayne Gallops, the church’s organist, the ensemble includes flautist Julie Hickcox, percussionist Al Wojtera and bassists John Preston Smith.

Wojtera is chairman of Radford University’s department of music while Gallops works there as director of bands and music education. Wojtera, Hickcox and Smith are all members of Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.

Aside from Brahms’ “Praeludium in G minor” and Bach’s “Fantasia and Fugue in A Minor,” the program will offer French composer Theodore Dubois’ “Toccata in G for organ,” a rendition of “The Irish Tune from Country Derry” — otherwise known as “Danny Boy” — and an improvisation based on requests from the audience.

Saturday, September 14, 2013