About Us
Prelude is an Arlington-based nonprofit organization established to provide orchestral performance and educational opportunities to advancing musicians in Arlington and surrounding areas. Prelude is a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the Organization are exempt from taxation subject to limitations set forth in the Code.
Our Mission
Prelude, the Arlington Youth Orchestral Program, is an educational and performing organization whose objectives are:
- to advance the basic ensemble skills of young string instrumentalists through creative instruction, purpose-specific repertoire, and performance opportunities;
- to foster a lifelong love of the arts in younger generations through personal experience in a performing ensemble;
- to provide the convenience and accessibility of a challenging ensemble to the Arlington student community; and,
- to help build capacity and support for orchestral arts in the Arlington community.
Our Board of Directors
Prelude’s Board of Directors includes community members committed to advancing the orchestral arts in the next generation of Arlingtonians and to principles of good governance of non-profit organizations. The founding Board of Directors includes:
- Chris Bavolack: Chief Administrative Officer for Independent Sector (a national umbrella organization of nonprofits), Board Member of the Arlington YMCA, and father of an Arlington Public School student.
- Pam Lassell: Active free-lance violinist and teacher, regularly performing at venues like the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral, and Schlesinger Hall, orchestral contractor (primarily in the choral field) working with the Washington Concert Opera, the City Choir, and numerous other choruses, and a product of the Arlington Public Schools music program.
- Nancy Leach: 28-year resident of Arlington County, veteran of Capitol Hill, mother of five boys (two now in Arlington Public Schools), and active Board member and volunteer in community and school activities.
- Gretta Sandberg: Former Arlington and Fairfax County public school orchestra director, founder of Arlington County’s Jr. Honors Orchestra, and co-founder and former director of the Arlington All-County High School Orchestra, and 2007 VASTA Orchestra Director of the Year for the state of Virginia.
- Jennifer Wade: Prelude music director and conductor.
- Anne Wengrovitz: Prelude co-founder and Executive Director, experienced nonprofit executive, and mother of a student violinist enrolled in Arlington Public Schools.