Hershey Symphony to Close Its 2007-08 Classical Season

With Mozart, Mahler and More Trumpets Featuring Shawn Small, Jeremy Walmer and the Hershey Festival Strings

HERSHEY, PA - The Hershey Symphony Orchestra will conclude its 2007-08 Classical Season on Friday, May 2, 2008 at 8:00 p.m, Hershey Theatre with Mozart, Mahler and More Trumpets.  A pre-concert chat will be hosted by Dr. Sandra Dackow at 7:00 p.m.

Join the Hershey Symphony as they conclude the season with Mozart�s Overture to Die Entfurung aus dem Serail and Symphony No. 7 in D Major, K. 45, Vivaldi�s Concerto alla Rustica in G Major and Concerto in C Major for Two Trumpets; and Gustav Mahler�s Symphony No. 1 in D Major.  The nationally renowned Hershey Festival Strings will take the stage as well as featured trumpet soloists Jeremy Walmer and Shawn Small.

About Featured Soloist Shawn Small
Shawn attended Lebanon Valley College in Annville , PA where he received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Trumpet and is now pursuing his MMed. Prior to college, Shawn earned the honor of participating in Pennsylvania�s All-State festival for two years and moved beyond that achievement to All-Eastern.  Performance study was under Mr. James Checket and Mr. Timothy Erdman of Lebanon Valley College, a former member of The President�s Own United States Marine Band. While at LVC, Shawn performed in the Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Brass Quintet, and Jazz Ensemble holding principal chair in these ensembles. In 2001, Shawn was selected as a featured soloist for LVC�s Wind Ensemble in which he performed a trumpet adaptation of the Mendelssohn Concerto.  During his undergraduate years, Shawn was also a member of the MENC Future teachers of America Honors Band in 2000 and held principal chair in the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band in 2001.

Since graduating LVC, he has performed in many local ensembles, was a featured soloist with the Perseverance Band of Lebanon in 2002, the Hershey Symphony in 2003, and the Hershey Festival Strings in 2006. Current performing groups include Hershey Symphony, the Perseverance Band of Lebanon, and Funf - a student brass quintet that has received national recognition.

Shawn is currently an elementary music teacher in the Cornwall-Lebanon School District.  He is also the Assistant Director and Drill Writer for Lebanon and Hershey High School�s Marching Bands as well as Lebanon�s Indoor Drum Line.

About Soloist Jeremy Walmer
Jeremy Walmer grew up in Jonestown, PA and began playing the trumpet in 2nd grade. Growing up, music always had a major influence on Jeremy as both of his parents are heavily involved in the arts. Jeremy was a highly decorated scholastic performer having been selected for such prestigious festivals as All-Eastern Band and All-State Band. His primary trumpet teacher was Timothy Erdman of Lebanon Valley College and a former member of The President�s Own United States Marine Band.

Jeremy enrolled at James Madison University in 1997 to pursue a degree in music. Under the guidance of James Kluesner, Jeremy quickly became one of the top trumpet players in the studio. He earned a reputation for being a well-rounded musician after holding principle chairs in nearly every performing ensemble on campus including the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Fünf - a student brass quintet that has received national recognition. In addition, Jeremy was a featured soloist with the 425-member Marching Royal Dukes. In 2000, Jeremy won the JMU Concerto Competition after a dazzling performance of the Haydn Trumpet Concerto. After a national audition, Jeremy was selected for the 2000 Disney Collegiate Band. While performing for thousands of people everyday in Anaheim, Jeremy was a featured soloist and developed some long-lasting memories. He also had the opportunity to record a CD at Capitol Records and to record music for the 2000 Democratic National Convention.  Currently, Jeremy regularly performs with the Hershey Symphony Orchestra and has been a soloist with that group. 

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, $5 for students.  Children 12 and younger will be admitted free.  Please contact the box office at (717) 533-8449 for additional information or visit our website at www.hersheysymphony.org.

About the Hershey Symphony Orchestra
For more than 38 years, the Symphony has entertained music lovers throughout Central Pennsylvania.  Comprised of outstanding local musicians, the Hershey Symphony Orchestra is one of the largest volunteer community orchestras in the nation.  For more information about the Symphony, please contact the box office at (717) 533-8449 or visit our website at www.hersheysymphony.org.