Let’s Look Forward to the 2025 Season
Like an unfinished song, our 2025 Summer Concert Series is a work in progress. Information about our free concerts will be posted here at it becomes available.
The four concerts in our 2024 series covered a variety of music and were executed flawlessly. See below for a summary of these superb performances.
Our 2024 Concerts
With their tuba, horn, trombone and two trumpets sounding, members of the Monumental Brass Quintet marched down a Spirit Center aisle on May 31 to kick off Glen Mar’s 2024 Summer Concert Series. To the delight of the 160 people attending, they performed a variety of pieces ranging from classical music by J.S. Bach to a ceremonious John Philip Sousa march.
“It was a wonderful way to spend an evening,” praised Jo Ann Barsda, a Halethorpe resident. “It was an incredible selection of past and present pieces,” raved Jenny Henderson, as she pointed to the smile on her face as she left the event.
For many, the June 21 Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet concert began with eating hot dogs topped with sauerkraut, chili sauce, or cheese along with macaroni salad prepared by Glen Mar’s own Chef George Dohner.
At the main event, the Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet bedazzled a crowd of 250 people with original and traditional old-time music in the Spirit Center. Ken and Brad, a father-son duo, along with Rachel Eddy and Alex Lacquement, weaved sounds from the clawhammer banjo, fiddle, guitar, hammered dulcimer, violin, upright bass, gourd banjo, and harmonica to create energetic, foot-stomping music. Though known primarily for their instrumental expertise, they sometimes lent their vocal skills to the tunes.
“It was the best bluegrass music, I’ve ever heard,” commented David Simmons from Rockville. “The musicians were very talented and engaging,” lauded Marti Simpson of Ellicott City.
After the concert, the professional musicians jammed with about 15 audience members who had brought their own musical instruments. Playing with these musicians “was a dream come true” for Anita Stonebraker of Montgomery Village.
Patriotism and unity were on full display to the 400 people attending The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band concert on July 19. They heard America the Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner, and God Bless America in addition to songs focused on different sections of the country such as Moonlight in Vermont and Chattanooga Choo Choo. Videos showing the stunning beauty and diversity of this great land were displayed on screens while soldiers in dark military dress uniforms performed flawlessly.
“It was very impressive and makes me proud to be an American,” commented Bill Davis of Elkridge. “I had goose bumps the whole time,” raved Candy D’Adamo. Summer Concert Series Planning Committee Member Lois Hildebrand remarked, “It called attention to things you take for granted like military service, keeping the country safe, and sacrifice.”
Dr. Gene Koshinski and Dr. Tim Broscious (known as the Quey Percussion Duo) have spent a large portion of their lives studying and playing percussion instruments, as well as directing the percussion program at the University of Delaware where they hold a full-time residency. Their expertise was on full display at an August 16 concert at what looked like a percussion playground set up in the Spirit Center. One hundred sixty people watched and listened as the musicians blew conches, beat a wide variety of drums, tapped a marimba, and jiggled bells wrapped around their ankles.
“I loved how the concert was multicultural and used so many different instruments,” commented Rob Chung. Rob is so fond of drums that he and his wife named their 6-year-old daughter Alesis after a drum. Ian Liener, who thought this concert was “mind expanding” commented that you have to understand “ethnomusicology” (the study of music in its social and cultural context) to perform a concert like this one.
Our 2024 Supporters
These concerts are free thanks to community support. The Howard County Arts Council awarded Glen Mar’s Summer Concert Series a $5,500 grant for the 2024 concerts.
We are grateful for a generous donation from “Friends of the Music Program at Glen Mar Church” and another generous donation in memory of Karen Angle.
Also, thanks to our sponsor, Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home. It is located at 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City.
About the Summer Concert Series
Glen Mar Music Director Dr. Sophie Hong started the Summer Concert Series in 2017. Funding for these free concerts comes from sponsors, donations, and grants.
This series has offered a wide variety of quality musical experiences featuring nationally and internationally known artists.
Volunteer committee members meet a few times a year to offer advice on prospective performers and other aspects of the concerts. Committee members acquire sponsors and donors, submit grants, and publicize the events. Members of this committee are Connie Ballenger (director of publicity), Ellen Dan, Lois Hildebrand, Patty Hutton, Fred Sadler (executive director), and Susan Straumanis.
Additional volunteers help with ushering, greeting, and technology.
Sponsor or Donate
If you are interested in sponsoring or donating to the 2024 series, email
su************@gl********.org
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