Program

About Our Guests

Geoffrey Dana Hicks

Geoffrey is a seasoned performer, recording artist, composer, teacher, arranger and conductor. Mr. Hicks has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder in 1990 to play for Nelson Mandella and Senator Edward Kennedy at the Kennedy Library in Boston and was honored by Governor Michael Dukakis when he proclaimed December 14 “Geoffrey Dana Hicks Day.” His numerous awards include a Horace Mann grant and the Brookline Foundation grant for commission of “Sing It On The Mountain.” Mr. Hicks has performed extensively throughour Europe and the United States, at the White House, Carnegie Hall and at most of the concert halls, hotels and jazz clubs in the Boston area including Symphony Hall. He has performed before congressman, presidents, and international dignitaries. His recordings include

• “Take Me Away”
• “My Favorite Swings”

Melissa M. Bull

Melissa began playing violin at age five. Throughout her schooling, she received numerous awards, succeeded at multiple national competitions and music festivals, and was the youngest musician (11 years old) ever to win a professional position with the York (PA) Symphony Orchestra. In 1996, she was cited by the Pennsylvannia House of Representatives for excellent representation of the state in music and for winning the role of concertmaster of the PMEA State Orchestra. That same year she enrolled in the New England Conservatory of Music, studying with acclaimed violinist James Buswell. After a few years in part-time status, she now studies with him full-time at Gordon College. At Gordon, Ms. Bull is the first student to have earned the role of concertmaster in the mentored Symphony Orchestra. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Pittsburg's Heinz Hall, New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, and Symphony Hall in Boston.