How (and Why) Playing the Recorder in 3rd Grade Affected Your Entire Life
Thursday, April 21 | 6:00 PM
Hub City Vinyl
Presented by Jennifer Green-Flint
Did you play the recorder in elementary school? You might be surprised how much that experience still matters.
Dr. Jennifer Green-Flint will lead us through an exploration of how your piercing rendition of “Hot Cross Buns” on your plastic recorder helped to create neuroplasticity in your brain, and develop the skills of tolerating discordance and conscious listening. Using these dispositions as a base for increasing emotional intelligence and empathy, we will focus on how ‘everything you really needed to know’ as an adult came from your recorder choir and not just your Kindergarten experience.
A former professional ballerina whose career shifted after an injury, Jennifer now specializes in organizational leadership and relational trust, with a focus on how identity and workplace environments influence success. She serves as a leader for Shenandoah Conservatory and the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy (both divisions of Shenandoah University), and as a strategic initiatives and leadership consultant for nonprofit organizations. Across her roles, she balances ideas with research to guide decision-making, improve performance, and strengthen organizational outcomes.
This conversation is for anyone who has ever participated in the arts, works with young people, leads teams, or simply wonders how small moments from childhood can echo across a lifetime.
Come early, grab a drink, browse the records, and settle in for a meaningful conversation in one of Hagerstown’s most unique spaces.
Reserve your spot: Admission is free, but RSVP is required due to limited space. https://www.cognitoforms.com/MarylandSymphonyOrchestra1/LectureSeriesRegistrationApril2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawQSjExleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFUklCUEVXVW91eHNtbDVqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjdf3R0QAa2GDq6Yv0Jjdvj-YQri9Pz9tuOqJBeOLVpcu0WRphFN_E9wScRa_aem_jB9dvherzUNqV6Ibhoh9Rw#GQRM7BXuCmxxIGWUzzUoKgXz3XRcIY1QN_41XmRl42w$
Lunch & Learn: Debussy, Beach, and Sibelius
Discover how composers like Claude Debussy, Amy Beach, and Jean Sibelius helped shape a bold new musical era full of innovation, emotion, and artistic exploration. Learn what to listen for, hear behind-the-scenes insights, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Why Attend?
-Insightful discussion with the conductor
-Deeper understanding of the music
-Connection with fellow patrons
⚠️ Seating is extremely limited. Early registration is strongly encouraged, and those who register first are guaranteed placement. Register here.
MSO Lecture: The Art of the Possible
The Art of the Possible: Connecting the Music of Beethoven to Taylor Swift
Join lecturer Dr. Kyle Weary to explore how Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, often regarded as a triumph of the human spirit, parallels Taylor Swift’s musical journey by using music to communicate complex emotions, build narratives of struggle and resolution, and inspire their audiences to imagine new possibilities for themselves and the world.
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Kyle Weary
Dr. Kyle J. Weary is Coordinator of Music Education and visiting Assistant Professor of Music Education at Gettysburg College and Artistic Director of the Gettysburg Children’s Choir. A PhD graduate of Auburn University in vocal music education, Kyle is recognized as a leader in teaching music literacy and contemporary commercial music. He graduated with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Winchester, VA, has presented at the state, regional, and national levels, and has twice earned nominations for the GRAMMY music educator award. Kyle was also the founder of the Vocal Music program at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts in Hagerstown, MD. Kyle has guest conducted The Maryland Symphony Orchestra, as well as various other organizations, and has a rich history of music leadership roles across the region.
Experience Enhancement:
Ticket system will be in place to provide ONE complimentary drink per attendee to celebrate our final lecture of the year!
MSO Lecture Series: Music in Cinema
Have you ever wondered how the music of your favorite movie was made? What does a composer think about when creating a musical theme or what the collaborative process between filmmaker and composer looks like? What is in the creation of soundtracks that you recognize from just a few notes? Dive into the world of Hollywood music with the upcoming Music in Cinema Lecture to find those answers.
On April 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM the MSO is proud to be hosting three fantastic guests to answer your questions about the role music plays in film making and how a film finds its unique sound. With moderator Shelly Strong, Former Executive Vice President at DreamWorks, music producer Julie Sessing (I am Number Four, Real Steel, The Manchurian Candidate) and film composer Simon Taufique (The Land of Gold, Imperium, The Interpreters) will zoom in to explain how they approach scoring a film and the collaborative process behind the music in your favorite films.
Register to secure your spot at this April’s lecture and suggest your own questions for the Q&A.
Featured Speakers:
Shelly Strong
Former Executive Vice President at DreamWorks
Julie Sessing
Music Supervisor
Simon Taufique
Music Composer
Map and Directions:
This program will be held in the Behavioral Sciences & Humanities Building (BSH) building, Room 114, on the Hagerstown Community College campus. CLICK HERE for a campus map showing the location of this building.
Parking is available in lots K1/K2/K3
Lecture Series | The Art and Strategy Behind Concert Planning
Orchestrating a Season: The Art and Strategy Behind Concert Planning
Join us on Tuesday, March 4, at 5:30 PM at Hagerstown Community College for the first lecture in MSO’s Spring Lecture Series! This is a FREE event; however, we do ask that you kindly RSVP on Eventbrite by CLICKING HERE.
Have you ever wondered how a symphony orchestra plans its season? How does an orchestra decide which pieces to perform, which guest artists to feature, and how to balance artistic vision with financial realities? Join us for the first lecture in the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Lecture Series, featuring Kim Bowen, Executive Director of the MSO, as she takes you behind the scenes of season planning.
In this engaging discussion, Kim will explore the intricate process of building a concert season—from selecting repertoire and securing guest artists to managing budgets and negotiating contracts. Learn how artistic vision, audience engagement, and financial considerations come together to create a season filled with musical excellence. Whether you’re a longtime concertgoer, a musician, or simply curious about the inner workings of the orchestra world, this is a fascinating opportunity to gain insider knowledge.
Location:
Hagerstown Community College
11400 Robinwood Drive
CBES Building, Room 103
Hagerstown, MD 21742
