About Us

Prelude is an Arlington-based nonprofit organization established to provide orchestral performance and educational opportunities to advancing musicians in Arlington and surrounding areas. Prelude is a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the Organization are exempt from taxation subject to limitations set forth in the Code.

Our Mission

Prelude, the Arlington Youth Orchestral Program, is an educational and performing organization whose objectives are:

to advance the basic ensemble skills of young string instrumentalists through creative instruction, purpose-specific repertoire, and performance opportunities;

to foster a lifelong love of the arts in younger generations through personal experience in a performing ensemble;
to provide the convenience and accessibility of a challenging ensemble to the Arlington student community; and,
to help build capacity and support for orchestral arts in the Arlington community.

Our Board of Directors

Prelude’s Board of Directors includes community members committed to advancing the orchestral arts in the next generation of Arlingtonians and to principles of good governance of non-profit organizations.

Chris Bavolack is an experienced executive in education and nonprofit administration with an extensive roster of community and athletic volunteer experience. Mr. Bavolack currently works for The Nature Conservancy and serves on the Board of the Arlington YMCA as well as his church council. He is the father of an Arlington Public School student.
Pam Lassell is an active free-lance violinist and teacher, regularly performing at venues like the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral, and Schlesinger Hall. She is an orchestral contractor (primarily in the choral field) working with the Washington Concert Opera, the City Choir, and numerous other choruses. Ms. Lassell is a product of the Arlington Public Schools music program herself.
Nancy Leach, a 30 year resident of Arlington County, is the mother of five boys (a college graduate, two currently in college, and two in Arlington Public Schools - HB Woodlawn and Williamsburg Middle School). She is a veteran of Capitol Hill and active Board member and volunteer in community and school activities.
Carrie McLeroy has an extensive background in communications, marketing, and business development. She is currently the editor in chief of the U.S. Army’s flagship publication, Soldiers magazine. Carrie is also a U.S. Marine veteran. Carrie is the proud mom of one of the charter members of Prelude (the first enrolled violist) and has enjoyed seeing its young musicians grow.
Kevin O'Connor is Counsel with the Washington, DC law firm of Picard Kentz & Rowe LLP, where his practice includes a number of administrative areas, including international trade, federal taxation, and food safety. Mr. O'Connor has worked with 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and other tax exempt entities to incorporate and obtain tax exemption, and has counseled such organizations with respect to compliance with the laws that govern them. In 2009, he began representation of Prelude on a pro bono basis. Mr. O'Connor is the father of a son and a daughter who currently attend Jamestown Elementary School in Arlington, VA.
Gretta Sandberg is a former Arlington and Fairfax County public school orchestra director, founder of Arlington County’s Jr. Honors Orchestra, and co-founder and former director of the Arlington All-County High School Orchestra, and 2007 VASTA Orchestra Director of the Year for the state of Virginia. Presently, Ms. Sandberg is Director of the Highland County String Program.
Jennifer Wade co-founded Prelude and serves as Music Director and Conductor. Please visit the Conductor page to read more about Ms. Wade’s skills and experience.
Anne Wengrovitz co-founded Prelude and currently serves as Executive Director. She is an experienced nonprofit executive, with expertise in strategic planning, project management, public relations, fundraising, and personnel. As a consultant to federal health agencies, she currently provides policy analysis, project management, writing, editing, and program evaluation services. Ms. Wengrovitz is the mother of a Prelude violinist who attends Yorktown High School.