Musicals, classical and jazz concerts, film premieres, poetry, and an art exhibit featuring the Susquehanna River – what more could one ask for in the month of November? As always, there is plenty to see and do in our small town, so mark your calendar and enjoy all the offerings.
November 1-Dec. 8 – Schmucker Art Gallery Gettysburg College
Drawing on the Susquehanna, an exhibition curated by artist Rob Evans, features eighteenth and nineteenth-century prints, paintings, books, and objects (including petroglyphs and Staffordshire china) that examine the history and significance of the Susquehanna River on art and culture. While artists were interested in presenting the economic opportunities of the river and the surrounding environment for settlement and expansion, they also were drawn to the picturesque beauty of the river and landscape. Free admission. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.
www.gettysburg.edu/gallery
November 2-4 at 7:30 pm and Nov. 5 at 2 pm – The Prom: The Musical Majestic Theater
Students from the Gettysburg College Department of Theatre Arts and the Sunderman Conservatory of Music unite to present this award-winning musical that expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. Rated PG-13. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.
www.gettysburgmajestic.org
November 3 at 7:00 pm – First Friday Poetry Ragged Edge Coffeehouse
Poet Michael Garrigan, who writes and teaches along the Susquehanna River, will be the featured poet this month. The evening will begin with an open mic and conclude with the featured poet. You are encouraged to bring a poem to share during the open mic. Mr. Garrigan is the author of two poetry collections – River, Amen and Robbing the Pillars– and was the 2021 Artist in Residence for The Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. Get there early to pick up some coffee and baked goodies before the reading.
www.theraggededgecoffeehouse.com
November 10-19 – Senior Moments Gettysburg Community Theatre
A one-act play that is a collection of short plays and songs performed by our young at heart actors. For ages 10 and older. Advance online tickets are $15 and $20 at the door if any seats are left.
www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org
Saturday November 11 at 8:00 pm – Sunderman Conservatory Jazz Ensemble Majestic Theater
Under the direction of Dr. Amanda Heim, the Gettysburg College Jazz Ensemble presents its Autumn Leaves concert featuring renowned saxophonist Tim Warfield. (One would pay a lot more than $5 to hear him in NYC!) Enjoy the enthusiasm of these young performers as they present America’s own music – jazz! Tickets are $5 and students with college IDs are free.
Sunday November 12 at 5:00 pm – Gettysburg Children’s Choir Christ Lutheran Church
Director Matt Carlson presents the Children’s Choir and the Chorale in “Lovely Day”, the first concert of the 2023-2024 season. Come enjoy the beautiful, inspiring choral song of these children and teens in a great acoustic space. Free admission.
Monday November 13 at Noon – Notes at Noon Musselman Library
On the Gettysburg College campus in the Main Level Apse, Musselman Library presents the first performance of the year featuring the Sunderman Wind Quintet. The quintet is comprised of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn faculty members. Their one-hour program “Fall for Wind Quintet” features works by Milhaud, Barber, Molnar-Suhajda, and Deslandres. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages are provided. Admission is free.
Monday November 13 at 12 and 7 pm – Great Art on Screen Majestic Theater
Borromini and Bernini: The Challenge for Perfection provides a journey into the great beauty of Baroque Rome, when the city was the center of Western art and where every ambitious painter, sculptor, and architect had to be. Tickets are $18.
Tuesday November 14 at 7:30 pm – Frisson Ensemble St. James Lutheran Church
The Gettysburg Community Concert Association presents the Frisson Ensemble, a chamber ensemble that showcases emerging young artists as well as seasoned professionals. Frisson performs engaging programs for winds, piano trio, and piano quartet as well as popular music by such composers as Gershwin and Piazzolla. They feature some of the best and brightest of classical music stars.
Tickets are $20 at the door. Children to age 18 and college students with ID are admitted free.
Saturday, November 18 at 7:30 pm – Songs and Stories of a Civil War Hospital Christ Lutheran Church
This presentation seeks to tell the authentic history of a Civil War hospital in its original setting – Christ Lutheran Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm with music on the church steps (weather permitting) followed by the main program in the church nave at 8 pm. The main program features a violin prelude, a brief history of the church, accounts of Chaplain Howell’s death, and a miraculous escape into the bell tower, along with readings from journals, letters, and authentic Civil War music. Admission is free.
www.songsandstoriesgettysburg.org
Friday November 17 at 8:00 pm – Wind Symphony Concert Majestic Theater
Under the baton of Russell McCutcheon, the Sunderman Conservatory of Gettysburg College Wind Symphony presents a concert featuring the compositions of professor of music emeritus John “Buzz” Jones. A centerpiece of the concert is selections from the oratorio For the People, commissioned by the Pennsylvania Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Elegy & Dance will feature a senior French horn student and her studio professor accompanied by the band. 1916 is music for soprano and small chamber ensemble based on three poems by Carl Sandburg, Robert Frost, and Florence Coates. Swedish Samba is a joyous romp for jazz quintet and band with the rhythmic energy of this popular Brazilian dance.
Tickets are $5 and free for students with college ID.
Monday November 27 at 7:30 pm – World Premiere: A Gettysburg Christmas Majestic Theater
A film made in Gettysburg by Bo Brinkman. When Hope (Kelly Jakle) gives up on relationships and Christmas, it takes a Christmas miracle in the form of Charley (Lee Majors) to help mend her heart, trust again, realize the importance of family, and find love. The world premiere screening will be followed by a Q&A with Bo Brinkman and the cast. Tickets to the premiere are sold out but other opportunities to see the film are being offered. We’ll have an announcement soon.
Gail Jones has enjoyed a twenty-five-year career as a music educator in Pennsylvania and Maryland public schools as well as teaching music education methods at Gettysburg College for over a decade. She has also served as a guest conductor, French horn player, and private music instructor.
Gail has a deep appreciation for live music performances of all genres and encourages Adams County residents to attend the many concerts offered in our community.