We are excited to invite you to the third event in our three-part series, Sanctuary, Shelter Stage: Exploring the Percy Grainger Home & Studio, where the rich legacy of Percy Grainger will come to life through a house tour led by Curt Ebersole, Music Director of the Westchester Symphonic Winds. Join us on as we delve into the fascinating world of Grainger’s life and work, all from the comfort of your own home!
Our guest this time is Lt, Col. Daniel Smith-Toven who serves as the Commander of the West Point Band. Prior to this assignment, Lt. Col. Smith-Toven served as the Deputy Commander and Associate Bandmaster of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” and Director of The U.S. Army Chorus. Before that, he was the Deputy Commandant at the U.S. Army School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Before joining the Army, he held a variety of professional music positions throughout the northeastern United States including founder, music director, and conductor of the Plum Creek Chamber Orchestra, and assistant conductor of The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, where he worked with Grammy Award-winning mentor, the late Robert Page. He has also prepared choruses for the Boston Pops Holiday Pops under the direction of Keith Lockhart, and for performances with the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops Orchestra under the direction of Marvin Hamlisch. In addition to teaching high school in the Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., areas, Lt. Col. Smith-Toven spent the fall of 2001 as Director of Choruses for Colgate University. He continues to be in demand as a clinician and guest conductor and has conducted numerous County, District, Region, and All-State band and chorus festivals in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina.
House tours have always been a cornerstone of the Percy Grainger Society’s mission, offering a unique glimpse into the environment that this remarkable composer shaped over his forty years of residence. PGS has worked to refine these tours to enhance your experience, providing deeper insights into Grainger’s artistic journey.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members, learn more about Percy Grainger's legacy, and appreciate the significance of the spaces he inhabited. Whether you are a long-time member or new to our community, your presence will enrich our discussions and celebrations.
Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with your passion for music and art. Join us at the Percy Grainger Home and Studio – your own sanctuary for creativity, learning, and inspiration.