VALLEY LEE, Md. — The Music from Poplar Hill – The Jo Ricks Music Series will present its final concert of the 2025 fall season on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. when former “Pershing’s Own” U.S. Army Band trumpeter Chuck Seipp and pianist Raffi Kasparian perform at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 19167 Poplar Hill Lane.
The Theseipp-Kasparian Duo, known nationally for brilliant brass and keyboard collaborations, will bring a program of classical, patriotic and holiday selections to the historic 1790s church located fifteen minutes south of Leonardtown in western St. Mary’s County.
Tickets are on sale now at www.musicfrompoplarhill.org. Seating is general admission and space is limited.
Two free youth outreach events precede the evening performance. On Thursday, December 4 at 1 p.m., Seipp and Kasparian will host an educational program open to children, youth and families at St. George’s Episcopal Church. On Friday morning, December 5, the duo will visit the band and orchestra programs at Great Mills High School in Great Mills.
Every concert in the Jo Ricks Music Series includes similar complimentary educational components for St. Mary’s County students.
Chuck Seipp served as principal trumpet with “Pershing’s Own” at Fort Myer, Virginia, performing at White House events, state funerals and ceremonial functions worldwide. Raffi Kasparian, a Steinway Artist, toured extensively with the Army Band before launching the duo’s civilian career. Their recordings and live appearances blend virtuosic trumpet lines with sophisticated piano accompaniment across multiple genres.
The series, now in its third season, was created to bring nationally recognized artists to Southern Maryland for affordable performances while providing direct educational access for local students. Concerts take place in the intimate acoustics of St. George’s Episcopal Church, a venue praised for its warm sound and historic charm.
“We’re excited to add to the cultural offerings in Southern Maryland with Music from Poplar Hill: The Jo Ricks Music Series,” said Artistic Director Eliza Garth. “Residents here can enjoy the talents of established artists from nearby cultural centers, right here in our community. And, of course, we welcome concert-goers from surrounding counties and the wider region to visit St. Mary’s County, attend our events and discover the geographical beauty and friendly vibe we offer.”
The series honors the memory of Jo Ricks, a longtime Southern Maryland and Washington-area resident known for uniting people through music. Programming reflects her belief that live music nourishes the spirit, enriches life and strengthens community ties.
Funding comes from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council through grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and from private donations. All contributions support both the professional concerts and the free youth outreach initiatives.
St. George’s Episcopal Church sits on a rise overlooking St. George Creek in the Valley Lee area, approximately eight miles southwest of Leonardtown via Maryland Route 249 and Poplar Hill Lane. The brick sanctuary, built between 1794 and 1799, remains an active parish and frequent venue for chamber music in the region.
Great Mills High School, located on Great Mills Road near the intersection of Route 5 and Route 246, serves students from Lexington Park, Great Mills and surrounding communities. Its instrumental music program regularly collaborates with visiting professional musicians through partnerships like the Jo Ricks Music Series.
The December 5 concert marks the conclusion of the 2025 fall schedule. The series plans to announce its spring 2026 lineup early next year.
