Arts & Entertainment

Natural Bridge Elementary students got the chance to learn about veterans and this country’s conflicts through a hands-on event the day before Veterans Day, a military field day. The field day, the second one the school has held, included several “stations” where students got to see and handle various pieces of military equipment. Tommy Harris, with the Intermont Military Vehicle Club, organized the presenters for the event, with members of the Botetourt Artillery reenactment group also demonstrating a Civil War cannon this year. “At NBE we really want to make sure our students understand the importance of Veterans Day and that they understand the sacrifices our military makes each and every day,” said Principal Rick Bain. Among the scenes last Wednesday were Dr. Lee Anthony, wearing a World War I uniform, talking to children about the war; children trying on a helmet and exploring a World War II jeep; students learning about trench warfare techniques before walking in a simulated trench; students checking out the jeep; and students learning about how battlefield graves were initially marked. (Bronson Winslow photos)

The 12th annual VMI Leadership and Ethics Conference, “Evolving Civic Leadership: Citizenship and Social Responsibility,” held Monday, Nov. 1, and Tuesday, Nov. 2, in Marshall Hall, brought more than 160 participants and several universities from across the nation to the table to talk about current hot-button topics and hear from inspirational speakers.

The W&L University Orchestra Concert will present a concert of music from the past reimagined, “What’s Old is New Again,” on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. in the Wilson Concert Hall. No tickets are required. Masks are required. The performance will be streamed at https://livestream.com/wlu. Program works include living composer Adolphus Hailstork’s “Sonata di Chiesa” and Schubert’s iconic “Symphony No. 1.” Also featured will be a new one-movement piano concerto by Marcus Maroney that will feature W&L piano instructor Dr. Akiko Konishi as soloist.

The Rockbridge Ballet has announced that the 2021 T. David Grist Merit Scholarship recipients are Taylorann Cash and Anna Barrash Wilson.