Category Archives: Local Events

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, commonly known as Sonata Pathétique

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During the Offering at Pender UMC’s Traditional Service on January 9, 2022, we were treated to Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, commonly known as Sonata Pathétique played by Liz Eunji Sellers .

View the entire service

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, commonly known as Sonata Pathétique, was written in 1798 when the composer was 27 years old, and was published in 1799. It has remained one of his most celebrated compositions.Beethoven dedicated the work to his friend Prince Karl von Lichnowsky. Although commonly thought to be one of the few works to be named by the composer himself, it was actually named Grande sonate pathétique (to Beethoven’s liking) by the publisher, who was impressed by the sonata’s tragic sonorities.

Liz played the second movement – Adagio cantabile (above)

This movement exemplifies the expressive Adagio style of many slow movements in the classical period. The famous cantabile melody is played three times, always in A♭ major, separated by two modulating episodes; the movement is thus a simple rondo rather than the sonata form more common for movements of this seriousness. The first episode is set in F minor (the relative minor of A♭ major), further modulating to E♭ major before returning to the main theme. The second episode begins in A♭ minor and modulates to E major. With the final return of the main theme, the accompaniment becomes richer and takes on the triplet rhythm of the second episode. There is a brief coda.

Under His Wings

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Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial Cairn

On December 21 at 1:30PM, the Pender UMC Choir traditionally sang for the Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie) Memorial Service at Arlington National Cemetery.

One of the songs we sang at this service – “Under His Wings” – was composed in memory of the victims.  It can be heard in the videos below.

On June 20, 2022, a Memorial Concert was held for long-time choir member, Diane Martini. The Pender Sanctuary Choir and the former Master Chorale of Washington sang several of Diane’s favorites, including Under His Wings.

 

A few years ago was the 25th anniversary of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. A C-Span video of the anniversary event

http://www.c-span.org/video/?316910-1/pan-flight-103-25th-anniversary-memorial-service

Another video from the anniversary year:

For full remarks about the anniversary service, including speaker’s notes, please see https://www.victimsofpanamflight103.org/events/2013/arlington

Here’s a timeline of the terrible event on December 21, 1988:

Extraordinary Response Pan Am 103

Join the Fun — Support Mrs. O’Connor and Pender’s Handbell Ringers!

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On November 14–15, Pender’s Carillon and Joy Ringers, directed by Brian Stevenson, will attend a local Handbell Festival alongside ten other handbell choirs for an unforgettable weekend of music.

🎵 Mrs. O’Connor will be performing in the final concert, and you’re invited to come hear the magic live at the free final concert on Saturday, November 15 at 2:30 PM!

✨ This festival, led by renowned composer and conductor Jason Krug, will fill the room with incredible energy and sound — imagine dozens of ringers creating beautiful harmonies together!

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of breathtaking music, joyful community, and plenty of smiles. Let’s fill the audience with O’Connor Studio families and cheer on these amazing musicians! 💛

It’s going to be a spectacular experience you won’t want to miss!

Grace UMC
9750 Wellington Road
Manassas, VA 20110

Washington Folk Festival 2025

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MaryO will be playing sekunda with the Washington Balalaika Orchestra!

The Washington Folk Festival returns this year after a one-year hiatus on October 19, 12pm to 9:00pm, with a contra dance from 7:30-9:00pm. Now a one-day event, expect a jam-packed roster full of dancing, storytelling, and music ranging from American to International styles: bluegrass to Celtic, Klezmer to Americana, blues to Zydeco, we cover folk music from around the world! Five stages, hundreds of performers, food trucks, a picnic area, and it’s all free!

Come see such acts as Furia Flamenca, Dede and the Do-Rights, Karpouzi Trio, Urban Artistry, the Sweater Set, Rick Franklin, The Irish Inn Mates, Morris dancers, Mrs. Toretsky’s Nightmare, Slaveya, the Washington Balalaika Orchestra, The Chromatics, Mutual Agreement, The Poor Ellen Smith Band, Trio Sefardi, Little Red and the Renegades, Jillian Matundan, and many more!

Spanish Ballroom 4:00-4:45

Members of the community-based Washington Balalaika Society play a wide variety of music from around the world on authentic folk instruments.

Glen Echo Park
7300 Macarthur Blvd
Glen Echo, MD 20812 United States + Google Map

More information at https://christmasinfairfax.com/event/washington-folk-festival-2025/

 

More Music Opportunities

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Calling All Musicians: Join Pender’s Vibrant Music Ministry!

Are you passionate about music? Do you feel called to share your musical gifts in a community of faith? Pender is seeking talented musicians to join our vibrant Music Ministry team and contribute to our uplifting and spiritually enriching worship services!

What We’re Looking For:

  • Instrumentalists: Whether you shine on the strings, whisper with the woodwinds, or resonate with the brass, we need your skills to fill our sanctuary with harmonious sounds.
  • Vocalists: Sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses—lend your voices to help lead our congregation in song and praise.
  • Handbells: We will teach you to play during our services and special events.

Why Be a Part of the Pender Music Ministry?

  • Community Impact: Through your music, you can touch the hearts of our congregation and inspire joy and contemplation in our weekly gatherings.
  • Spiritual Growth: Participate in a ministry that not only serves others but also nurtures your own faith and connection to the divine.
  • Musical Development: Collaborate with experienced musicians and vocalists that will help you hone your craft and explore new musical opportunities.

Get Involved:

  • Rehearsals: We meet weekly to practice and prepare, ensuring every service is both spiritually and musically fulfilling.
  • Sunday Services: Be a part of our regular worship schedule and special holiday performances that highlight the church calendar.
  • Community Outreach: Occasionally, our music ministry participates in local events and services, expanding our impact beyond the church walls.

If you’re excited about making a joyful noise unto the Lord and enhancing our worship experiences, we would love to hear from you! Contact our Patrick King, our Music Director today to learn more about how you can get involved.

Let your talent soar in a place where music meets ministry, and together, we’ll create beautiful worship experiences that resonate with all who attend. Join us and be a key note in our melody of faith!

Fun with Music

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Step into a world of giggles and song with “Fun “with Music at Pender! This is not just any music class – it’s a journey through sound and imagination designed especially for preschoolers and their favorite grown-ups. Since 2013, Jim and Roberta Pont have been creating a space where tiny toes tap, and little voices echo with joy, crafting a magical musical experience for children from birth to five years old.

Wave ‘hello’ and join us every Monday morning for a delightful 30-minute musical escapade! Our littlest musicians and their families come together at 10 AM to sing, dance, and make friends with tunes. We dive into a treasure trove of stuffed animals and toys, transforming the room into an enchanting stage for our budding performers. With every stuffed lion’s roar or elephant’s trumpet, your child’s imagination will soar!

After the musical fiesta, it’s time for a yummy snack, followed by playtime where kids can explore and make-believe. Meanwhile, moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers can relish a homemade brunch prepared with love – a perfect chance to mingle and share stories.

Our box of wonders is always brimming with surprises! One day it’s a car zooming around, another day it’s a train chugging along. Flip it over and voilà, it’s a drum or even a rumbling thunder to match the beat of our songs. From ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ to sparkling new Bible-based rhymes, we have tunes that will make your little one’s heart dance with every beat!

Last year, our pint-sized percussionists marched on bubble wrap to the rhythm of a march, popping and hopping with glee. And guess what’s next? A tunnel adventure awaits their curious little eyes and eager hands!

So, if you’re a parent with a playful tot between zero to five, and Monday mornings are open, come and make a splash in our sea of melodies at ‘Melody Mornings’. It’s not just fun; it’s a musical hug for the heart and soul. Can’t wait to sing and swing into a new day of joy with you and your little one!

This class meets every Monday starting September 8, 2025 at 10 am except for school holidays.

Pender UMC is at 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22033.

School Year Piano Lessons

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Hello everyone!

I hope you are all having an enjoyable summer and that it has been filled with adventures and memory-making.

Wow! What a summer I have had so far! Aside from a ‘little bit’ of relaxing, I’ve also been doing some travel, reading, learning and planning, as I prepare for another exciting year of piano lessons.

A lot of information was given to you in June. I know it was a busy time for everyone so this email is to touch base with you about August Fall Start-Up in the hopes that it arrives when you have a moment to write some things on your calendar.

  1. When do lessons start? Set a reminder and mark your calendar: our fall term of lessons will begin on August 26 – no lessons the first week of school. However, Fairfax County has a holiday on Labor Day, September 2.  If you normally have Monday lessons and want a lesson that first week of September, there is some time available on other days.  Please let me know.
    ​
    For ease of scheduling, I’m keeping the same days/lesson times as last year.  If you need to make a change, please let me know as soon as possible.
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  2. What do your children need? Having your books and notebook ready for the first day of lessons will ensure an efficient start – so please remember to bring them!  A bit of review might be in order.  If you have an iPad, please bring that, too.
  3. Is your piano dusty? Summer is full of family fun and this might mean that your children may not have been practicing as much as they do during the school year. This is understandable.  I can promise, however, that your children will be even more excited about returning to lessons if they feel prepared and ready to learn. Setting up a practice schedule for the weeks leading up to the return of lessons is a great idea. Plan for at least 15 minutes of practice a day during the rest of the summer and, if possible, schedule it in the morning before the day’s activities begin.

In addition to the regular fun we have at the studio, I have been planning some new and exciting ways for your children to enjoy the piano and become even better musicians. Here are just a few things your children can look forward to:

  • New tween and teen piano games! Yes, even the older students in the studio will get off the bench for some hands-on, game-based learning
  • New music! I’ve been busy collecting a lot of repertoire during the summer months and am so excited to share the new music with your children this year.
  • Student Portal: This year I am requiring all students under 17 to log their practice time in our Student Portal.  If you’ve forgotten, there’s more info here.

I can’t wait to reconnect with you soon and I look forward to hearing about your summer fun.

Mary

2025 Fall Piano Lesson Registration

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Thank you for your interest in the O’Connor Music Studio!

Available times are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the day and after school for all ages and levels.  There may be other times available if requested.

After you register, you will get a confirmation email with the information you need to access the Parent/Student Portals. After logging in you may choose from the available lesson times or request something different.

If you are a transfer student, please have your most recent method book(s) and notebook available for the interview.

Prospective students must have a piano, organ or electric keyboard to use for daily practice. 

Roadtrip! students (ages 4-5) are scheduled for half-hour lessons with their parents present.

Beginning children (ages 6 to 9) are scheduled for half-hour lessons.

Youth (ages 10 and up) may be scheduled for half-hour lessons or forty-five minute lessons.

Adults are highly encouraged to take hour-long lessons but are always welcome to schedule half-hour lessons at first.

I look forward to meeting you!