In Concert: Montgomery Philharmonic at Watkins Mill

Sweet symphonic sounds will be filling Watkins Mill’s spacious auditorium tonight as the school hosts and plays amongst the Montgomery Philharmonic.

Tonight's concert is the first fruit of a partnership that has been in the works for nearly two years. The size and acoustic quality of Watkins Mill’s auditorium was a big draw for the philharmonic, which normally plays at Gaitherbsurg Presbyterian Church. The philharmonic in turn adopted Watkins Mill’s music program, giving students the chance to play alongside musicians with decades of experience.

"The kids have had a really great time with it," said Doug Woodruff, Watkins Mill's director of band and orchestral music. "The buzz around the school has increased quite a bit. Hearing people talk about what’s going on, what teachers are going to come to support the music program, has definitely brought up the level of how we are being seen and heard around here."

Woodruff is conducting 15 of his students in the concert's opening section. In the second portion, Watkins Mill students will play three pieceswith members of the Montgomery Philharmonic. In the third portion, the philharmonic will bring the night to a finale with Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto and Aaron Copland's Rodeo

Proceeds will benefit Watkins Mill's instrumental music department.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and $1 for children under 12 years old.