COURT HOUSE – Linda Gentille and The Jersey Shore Pops have appointed John Drechen as Assistant Music Director for the orchestra. John Drechen has been with the orchestra since it’s inception in 2009. Drechen is currently the Band Director at Lower Cape May Regional High School, a position he has held since September of 1990. He is responsible for multiple ensembles, including the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Marching Parade Band, the Pep Band, the Pit Orchestra for Musicals, and the Summer Community Concert Band.
Dr. Nick Holland, President of the orchestra association comments, “We are so happy to have such a talented musician and conductor take a more important role in the orchestra. Because our music director and conductor Linda Gentille has a full performance schedule around the world, we felt that Mr. Drechen would be a wonderful addition to help with the enormous amount of work involved with the musical preparation for each concert. He has the skill and experience in addition to the respect of all the orchestra members to handle this job.”
Drechen’s instrumental ensembles have been awarded superior performance ratings in festivals, hold two consecutive titles as Atlantic Coast Tournament of Bands Concert Band Champions, and recently have been winners of the Gatorade / Philadelphia 76er’s Battle of the Bands. Since 1994, he has been the Pit Conductor for musicals at Lower Cape May Regional High School, conducting for 12 musicals, including; “Funny Girl”, “Bye, Bye, Birdie”, “Sweet Charity”, and several others. Drechen’s performance experience includes past membership in the Bridgeton Symphony (currently the Bay Atlantic Symphony), the Haddonfield Symphony, freelance work in both Philadelphia and New York in theater pits for musicals as well as on stage for orchestral work. He has also performed as a soloist for regional concert bands and orchestras. Additionally, he is a founding member, alternate conductor, and Solo Cornet for the Congress Street Brass Band of Cape May, New Jersey.
Conductor Linda Gentille continues, “I am so happy to welcome Mr. Drechen to the production team for the pops. His experience with so many different orchestras and bands, plus his musical talent was the reason he was chosen. If I am delayed for any reason on my concert travel schedule. Drechen will take over as conductor for the orchestra. This is a great relief to know that someone so talented will be there if for any reason my flights home are delayed.”
Drechen will begin his new duties with the 2013 upcoming Summer Concert Series. The Jersey Shore Pops 2013 Summer Concert Series will include 8 concerts with a focus on international guest stars from around the world. The series will open at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center the last weekend in June. The 8 concert series is as follows:
June 29, 7:30 p.m.: “The Irish Tenor”
July 6, 7:30 p.m.: “Stars & Stripes Forever”
July 13, 7:30 p.m.: “Legends in Concert”
July 21, 7:30 p.m.: “ The Italian Tenor” starring Aaron Caruso
July 28, 7:30 p.m.: “Swingin’ Sixties” starring Jim Yester and the YesterDaze
Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.: “Classics Rock” starring conductor & pianist Linda Gentille
Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m.: “Music of The Glenn Miller Orchestra”
Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.: “Sinatra & Friends” starring Peter Oprisko
The individual tickets will range from $25 for balcony seating to $40 for VIP orchestra center seating. Discounted season tickets range from $75- $220. This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The funds were administered by the Cape May County Culture and Heritage Commission, under the authority of the County Library Commission, for the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
To purchase either season or individual tickets, please call the JSP Ticket Office at 800-838-3006 or the PAC at 609 463-1924. Tickets can be purchased online or in person and student ID must be showed for ticketing. The PAC is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for walk in ticket purchase and is located at the Middle Township High School , Exit 10 (GSP).
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