This is a full instrumental concert ensemble focusing on intermediate music levels. The group focuses on refining musical techniques and knowledge.
Mrs. Francine Amos Hardy is a native of Prince George's County and an alumna of the Washington Archdiocese. Mrs. Hardy is the Director of Bands/Instrumental Music at Bishop McNamara High School where she teaches Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. She is also the moderator for the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Mrs. Hardy received her Bachelor of Music degree in oboe and flute performance from The Catholic University of America. She continued her studies at CUA and received her Master of Music degree in oboe performance along with completing the Teaching Certification program. Mrs. Hardy has been the flutist and oboist for her parish, St. Ambrose in Cheverly, MD, since she was a freshman in high school. Furthermore, she is an active freelance musician in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area and has subbed with the National Philharmonic and the PG Philharmonic, performed with the Atlas Theatre Company, and has been a featured musician on several albums of local artists such as For the Love of Ireland by Patrick Mulhern, Silent by Gylchris Sprauve, and How? by Gylchris Sprauve. Also, Mrs. Hardy has a short essay published in the Handbook for the Music Mentor by Michael V. Smith, Colleen Conway, and Thomas M. Hodgman. Mrs. Hardy had the honor of performing for Pope Francis during the Junipero Serra Canonization Mass with the CUA Symphony Orchestra in the fall of 2015. Also, in the spring of 2016, Mrs. Hardy had the honor of being the Guest Conductor for the WAMTC South Elementary Honor Band which featured the most outstanding musicians from the local Catholic elementary schools. Outside of teaching and performing, Mrs. Hardy has been an adjudicator for various solo and ensemble festivals in the local area.