Community Events
Harmonic Celebration: Clarke County and American Legion Community Bands Unite for Free Concert
Music lovers and community members are in for a treat as the Clarke County Community Band joins the American Legion Community Band for a captivating combined concert. This special event, set to fill the air with melodies and harmonies, is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 3:00 PM, in the Armstrong Concert Hall at Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA. Admission is free, making it an ideal outing for families, friends, and anyone keen to enjoy an afternoon of diverse musical performances.
About the Bands:
The American Legion Community Band, located in Front Royal, VA, was formed in 1986 and has been playing concerts in the area ever since. The conductors and band members are all volunteer musicians from the local area, and new members are always welcome.
The band performs at various concerts and community festivals throughout the year. All performances are free and open to the public. The repertoire is versatile and traditional, from classical to popular, marches and operatic overtures to modern works for bands. The band is sponsored by the Giles B. Cook Post #53 of the American Legion.
The Clarke County Community Band, celebrating over three decades of musical presence in the Shenandoah Valley, continues to foster musical talent and appreciation within the community. Open to musicians of all ages and skill levels, the band rehearses every Monday night at Johnson Williams Middle School in Berryville, VA. Supported by the Clarke County Board of Supervisors, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, the band invites anyone with a love for music to join their musical journey.
A Day of Musical Unity:
The upcoming combined concert promises an array of musical pieces that reflect both bands’ rich and diverse repertoires. Attendees can expect an afternoon filled with classical favorites, rousing marches, operatic overtures, and modern compositions that showcase the talents and dedication of these community musicians.
This unique collaboration between the Clarke County Community Band and the American Legion Community Band highlights music’s power to unite people, celebrate community spirit, and foster connections through the universal language of melody and rhythm.
Whether you are a long-time supporter of local arts, a casual music enthusiast, or someone looking for a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon, this concert is not to be missed. It’s an opportunity to experience the joy of live music and support the vibrant cultural fabric of the Shenandoah Valley.
Join Us:
Mark your calendars and spread the word about this special event. It’s a perfect occasion to gather family and friends for an experience that celebrates the rich musical heritage of Virginia and the ongoing contributions of these two remarkable community bands.
Community Events
Warren County High School Graduation Ceremony – May 17, 2024 – Watch it LIVE on the Royal Examiner
Mark your calendars! Warren County High School’s graduation ceremony on May 17, 2024, will be broadcast live, allowing family and friends to partake in this milestone event from anywhere. The Royal Examiner is excited to provide live coverage of the ceremony, ensuring that no one misses out on celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024.
The broadcast starts at 6:55 p.m.
Make sure to share this page link with your family and friends so they can tune in and join the celebration. Whether near or far, everyone can witness the proud moment when Warren County High School’s seniors turn their tassels and step into their bright futures.
Congratulations to all the graduates and their families!
Community Events
Skyline High School Graduation Ceremony – May 16, 2024 – Watch it LIVE on the Royal Examiner
Mark your calendars! Skyline High School’s graduation ceremony on May 16, 2024, will be broadcast live, allowing family and friends to partake in this milestone event from anywhere. The Royal Examiner is excited to provide live coverage of the ceremony, ensuring that no one misses out on celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024.
The broadcast starts at 6:55 p.m.
Make sure to share this page link with your family and friends so they can tune in and join the celebration. Whether near or far, everyone can witness the proud moment when Skyline High School’s seniors turn their tassels and step into their bright futures.
Congratulations to all the graduates and their families!
Community Events
Ressie Jeffries Elementary School’s ‘Senior Walk’ Honors Alumni Poised to Take Their Next Step in Life
Shortly after noon, Wednesday, May 15, Ressie Jeffries Elementary School held its annual Senior Walk. Expected were graduates from both Skyline and Warren County High Schools, along with some from surrounding counties, including Sherando. We got word from staff at Ressie that, “The entire school Pre-K to 5th grades have been feverishly working to decorate the school as one final hoorah before these seniors walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.”
At the conclusion of the parade in the gymnasium area, some seniors were anticipated to participate in a final relay race to mark an official “Goodbye” to their childhood memories. Also invited to participate this year were former staff that taught, possibly some of the participating seniors, at Ressie.
Following the event we got this update from Ressie staffer Jamie Marion: “This was by far the BIGGEST Senior Walk we’ve had that included at least 50 graduates, along with the most parents we’ve ever had. Additionally, we had past staff members on video chat attending virtually. The positive comments, tears of joy, happiness, sadness, the reminiscing and all the cheering was phenomenal,” Marion observed, adding, “All-in-all it was a WONDERFUL day to be a Jaguar.”
Community Events
Experience the Splendor of Virginia’s Horse Country at the 65th Hunt Country Stable Tour
This Memorial Day Weekend, the Hunt Country Stable Tour invites equestrian enthusiasts and newcomers to explore over a dozen historic and private equine properties in Virginia’s picturesque horse country. Celebrating its 65th year, the tour resumes after a brief hiatus, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of horses and their trainers across various disciplines.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special hours at select venues, the self-driving tour will showcase notable farms like Kinross and Poplar Grange, where visitors can witness the training of eventing horses, jumpers, and steeplechase athletes against a backdrop of rolling hills.
A highlight for many will be the visit to Oak Spring Farm, once owned by Paul and Bunny Mellon, where internationally celebrated horses were bred. The tour also provides an opportunity to experience the historic Piedmont Fox Hounds, the oldest hunt in America, demonstrating traditional hunting calls and techniques at Trinity Church in Upperville.
Old Denton offers a unique perspective with demonstrations of mules excelling in disciplines from dressage to western reining. Polo enthusiasts can enjoy matches at Phipps Field, and early risers can catch a glimpse of racehorse training at the Middleburg Training Center.
The tour is not just about horses; historical estates like Stoke Farm and Welbourne Inn offer breathtaking vistas and engaging reenactments of their storied pasts. The Virginia Tech Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center will open its doors to those interested in equine health and nutrition, showcasing mares and foals in their care.
Other sites include the Salamander Resort, which highlights therapeutic riding programs, and The National Sporting Library & Museum, which offers tours of its rare books and art collection, enriching visitors’ understanding of country pursuits.
Tickets are priced at $40 per person, with free admission for children under ten, covering both days of the tour. All proceeds will benefit Trinity Ministries, supporting various organizations that improve the lives of people in need.
With the lush landscapes of Virginia as its backdrop, the Hunt Country Stable Tour celebrates the region’s equestrian heritage and its commitment to community and preservation. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the event’s official website at [Hunt Country Stable Tour](https://trinityupperville.org/hunt-country-stable-tour). Join us in experiencing the grandeur and tradition of Virginia’s horse country on a weekend filled with beauty, history, and equine excellence.