top of page

WEST HILLS SYMPHONIC BAND

We are thrilled to feature Jamie Kasper as a soloist on our upcoming Winter Concert on Sunday, February 16th! She will be performing Flute Concertino in D major, Op. 107 (1902) by French composer Cécile Chaminade.


Jamie Kasper grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania and decided she wanted to play the flute when she was 9 years old. Her grandmother bought a flute for Christmas that year, and with the help of books and a 1980s tape recorder, Jamie taught herself to play. She majored in music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and started her career as a music educator, working in schools in Maryland and Virginia before returning home to Pennsylvania in 2002. Jamie currently works as the director of the Arts Education Partnership, a national organization working on arts education policy and research. When she's not monitoring education policy, traveling for work, or playing the flute, she enjoys reading, gardening, and hiking.


When asked why she chose this piece, Jamie said: "I played this at my junior recital in college and then again for a community recital when my husband and I lived in central Pennsylvania. My friend My Lee was the piano accompanist for that recital. My Lee passed away shortly after we played together, so I think of her a lot when I play this piece."


Jamie also added: "A popular anecdote is that the composer wrote this piece after her lover, a flutist, left her for another woman. She wrote the piece to be virtually unplayable by him as revenge. It might not be true, but it's a fun story."

This year, the National Day of Giving is on Tuesday, December 3rd, and we invite you to "give big" as the West Hills Symphonic Band participates in Pittsburgh Magazine's annual Give Big Pittsburgh event.


Presented by GBU Life, the event will raise money for local nonprofits through a single online donation platform, providing a simple way to connect donors to the charitable causes they care about most. This 24-hour online fundraising effort offers nonprofits the chance to raise funds to support their critical missions.


Give Big to the West Hills Symphonic Band on December 3rd:


Our goal for Give Big Pittsburgh is to raise at least $10,000 in support of five key goals:


  1. Music & Instrument Acquisition: Expanding our music library and purchasing much needed percussion instruments for in-season and summer performances.


  2. Guest Artists: Enhancing musical experiences for our members and audiences alike by involving guest soloists, conductors, and composers to contribute their insights and talents to both rehearsals and performances.


  3. Composer Commissions: Championing creativity by commissioning works from emerging and established composers, including those in our region, to bring fresh new music to our audiences and contribute to the lasting legacy of wind band literature.


  4. Student Scholarships: Empowering young musicians by providing scholarships to help them pursue their passions and further their education in the field of music.


  5. School Band Grants: Supporting band programs by offering grants to help fund essential resources such as music, equipment, and instrument repairs.


By investing in these initiatives, we will also strengthen connections among musicians, schools, and local arts organizations, creating a more vibrant and united music community. With your generous support, we can continue our mission of inspiring, educating, and sharing the joy of music with an even broader audience. Help us build a stronger foundation for the arts and make a lasting impact on the future of music in our Pittsburgh area communities!



The West Hills Symphonic Band was featured in an article by Lori Altmeyer this week in the West Hills Gazette, a locally owned and operated news source providing community service through the delivery of quality journalism.


Lori spoke with Music Director & Principal Conductor Clem Rolin, Assistant Conductor Tom Snyder, and Brent Alexander, one of our low woodwind players, a current board member, and a featured guest conductor on our upcoming Fall Concert.


Make sure to check out the full article using the link below!


West Hills Symphonic Band – where harmony thrives in the hills

BY LORI ALTMEYER ON OCTOBER 23, 2024

bottom of page