holiday concerts
December 2014 Vol. XV No. 3
SOGO HO HO & The Sound of Music: These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things We're celebrating The Sound of Music's 50th anniversary at our The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Christmas themed Brass Choir holiday show. My Favorite Things, one of the movie's many timeless songs, 'is such a Christmas favorite - it just made sense,' says Greg Allison, conductor of SOGO's brass choir. We will be joined again by Victorian caroling group Joy Song. If you were in the audience last year, you know how powerful our combined performance of O Holy Night was. More than one concert-goer said it gave them chills, so we're bringing the song back again this year. Our composer in residence, Mark Thome, is writing a mash-up of Do-Re-Mi and The Twelve Days of Christmas. Can't you hear it now? 'Doe, a deer, a female...partridge in a pear tree!’ Dani Westbrook, our multi-talented trumpet teaching artist, will croon My Favorite Things. And we'll toss in some humor with another SOGO original: The Twelve Brass of Christmas. We hope to see you all at this funfilled concert - December 13, 2 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church. Tickets: Call 360.352.1438.
HOHO Brass Choir Holiday Show Saturday, December 13, 2 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church 1925 Boulevard Rd. SE, Olympia Tickets: Call 360.352.1438 $5 students, $10 seniors & adults $25 family of 4+ (2 adults & 2+ children) Messiah Sing-Along Monday, December 22, 7 p.m. Washington Center Free and open to the public
O Come, All Ye Singers
by Ginny Nordhorn
I confess, despite having kids in SOGO I had not gone to a Messiah Sing-Along until just a few years ago. Now it's one of my favorite holiday traditions. Whether you have the voice of a nightingale or the croak of a frog (ahem), everyone should experience a Messiah Sing-Along at least once. Why? The Experience: For those who aren’t in a choir, this is your chance to sing with a large group. Need a conversation starter for your next holiday party? The Messiah Sing-Along is perfect to chat about with Aunt Sally or your boss’s spouse. No Time Commitment: The musicians will spend hours rehearsing in the upcoming weeks. In contrast, you can just show up. Sit with your fellow sopranos, altos, tenors or basses, or “dance with the ones who brought you” in the mixed section. (Cont'd, p. 2)
Messiah Sing-Along SOGO is pleased to have Claudia Simpson-Jones, Suzanne Montgomery, and Chip Schooler join us again for this year's Messiah Sing-Along.
A Musical Gift for the Season Why have Dr. Douglas and Karen Jeske, owners of Tumwater Eye Center & VUE, sponsored the SOGO HO HO for so many years? 'Music and performing arts helps develop the whole person and complements academic studies. We 2010 SOGO HO HO: Dr. Douglas and are inspired by the work of SOGO Karen Jeske (left) with SOGO Executive Director Krina Allison. as they challenge and encourage student musicians to go beyond the basics and become accomplished individuals.'
Suzanne tells us, 'Being part of a Messiah choir, attending a performance, or going to a Messiah sing-along has made dear Handel's masterpiece the one constant in my many years of holiday music.' Anna’s Bay Chorale conductor Suzanne Montgomery
'It is always a pleasure to work with such dedicated students and teachers. The audience is always amazed at the talent displayed,' enthuses Claudia. Messiah Sing-Along: December 22, 7 p.m., at the Washington Center.
'We particularly enjoy sponsoring the HOHO concert in preparation for Christmas. The concert is lively, interactive, and always festive with surprise performances. HOHO is a musical gift for the season!'
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O Come, All Ye Singers, cont'd
If you do want to brush up on your part, the program list can be found at studentorchestras.org/?s=messiah. Scores will be available for purchase at the event and a limited number will be available for checkout. Or download your part for free at imslp.org/. It’s FREE: This concert is SOGO's thank you to our community. Wear Your Fancy Duds – Or Not: I’m a jeans and hoodies kind of gal. But come December, I love to pull out my grandmother’s cocktail ring and vintage fur for the Messiah Sing-Along and The Nutcracker. Many people come straight from work in whatever they are wearing. It’s Just Plain Fun: Live music has a natural excitement that can’t be replicated. Like a live sporting event, everyone’s enthusiasm and energy is contagious. Experience it for yourself: December 22, 7 p.m., at the Washington Center. Free and open to the public.
Intimate chamber music Dvorak, Klughardt, Korngold, and Mozart are the composers highlighted at the Holiday Chamber Music series presented by musicians from the Conservatory Orchestra. The eight chamber ensembles will 2014 Chamber Music Camp perform single movements of works Sunday, December 7, 5 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Olympia (sanctuary). Directed by John Welsh and Mary Jo Rydholm, there is a mix of string and wind groups performing. The chamber music program has been an integral part of the SOGO experience. Beginning with Debut and Academy, musicians perform in ensembles each year during the Spring Arts Walk at the Washington Center. As musicians mature and become members of the Conservatory Orchestra they participate in a two day chamber music camp in August and spend a few weeks after the November concert in preparation for the Holiday Chamber Music concert. The concert is free and open to the public. Come and enjoy intimate chamber music during the holiday season by the community’s finest young musicians.
5 Things You Never Knew About The Sound of Music 1 - The Sound of Music is one of the best-selling soundtracks of all-time. It has never been out of print. 2 - 'Cadillacs and cataracts and hearing aids and glasses, Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses. Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings.' - Not the usual lyrics to My Favorite Things! Julie Andrews sang this ersatz version for her 69th birthday celebration at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall. 3 - The 1965 film was nominated for 10 Oscars and won five, including Best Picture and Best Director. 4 - My Favorite Things has been recorded by such varied artists as John Coltrane, Tony Bennett, and Yo-Yo Ma. Julie Andrews called it, 'the song I love to sing the most...It was so evocative.' 5 - Edelweiss is not an Austrian folk song. It was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein and is the last song the pair wrote together.
Edelweiss flowers in the Alps. Photo credit: Spin2006.info
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The Power of the Baton
Music Theory is Cause for Laughter!
SOGO's Conductor's Workshop on Sunday, November 16 with Dr. Samuel Jones was a big success. Dr. Jones demonstrated how much direction can be conveyed with minute hand motions. The word of the night was 'legato.' It takes a tremendous amount of control and inner pulse to lead. Conductors from Tumwater, Olympia, and North Thurston schools did some excellent work and got a good dose of constructive criticism. See photos at facebook.com/studentorchestras.
It seems impossible to think that Music Theory can actually be funny, but it really depends on the context in which it is presented. Such is the case at New York State’s maximumsecurity Auburn Correctional Facility. Music theory instructor Stuart Duncan had distributed large hand-written cards to inmates, each labeled with a different pitch in the chromatic scale. 'Alright, gentlemen,' Stuart called out over the noise. 'We are going to form a lineup!' The men stared, not knowing if he was serious. 'Take your card,' Stuart continued, 'and stand in order of the chromatic scale. We are going to form a human piano!' Laughter and relief swept through the room. Stuart was hoping the inmates could better visualize major and minor scales by forming a “human piano.” His goal was to share the joys of music making, not to treat or regard them as criminals. It’s clear that Stuart stood beside them, aware of their crimes, yet believing that the human need for education and artistic expression extends to everyone, including those living behind bars. The lineup was no longer a threatening assembly of criminals, but a team of individuals with the potential for creativity and growth.
'I really must let you all know how well the Orchestra did in the Conductor's Workshop yesterday. You all were so attentive and patient. You also did yourselves proud in playing so well. I am proud of you!' says John Welsh. Left: Dr. Samuel Jones and Austin Schlichting, River Ridge HS. Below, center: James Harper, Tumwater MS. Below, right: Jennifer Sagerser, Griffin MS.
SOGO Brass Choir musicians excited to kick off the November 2 concert.
Edited from an article by Julia Adophe in the New Music Box
Why do brass instruments pair so well with Christmas music? Brass instruments playing Christmas music is a tradition that goes back to the Salvation Army. As the Salvation Army grew and the members worked to convert people on London streets, they often met with unruly crowds. A musical family, the Frys, began to accompany Salvation Army members to protect them and to distract the crowds with their music. This tradition of having musicians play with the Salvation Army as they evangelized grew into today’s standard brass bands. Salvation Army brass bands are still seen at Army campaigns, as well as at many festivals and parades during the Christmas season.
SOGO is Community Supported
Poinsettia, Wreath, and Coffee Pickup December 4, 4-6 p.m. Allison home, 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia Didn't place an order in time? Stop by and pick up one of our limited edition "Jingle Beans” gift baskets featuring a Jingle Bells poinsettia and a 12-oz package of SOGO Christmas Blend Coffee, with a few surprise SOGO goodies. $25.
Maestro John Welsh smiles proudly at SOGO soloist Nolan Welch (no relation) during the November 2 dress rehearsal.
DISTINGUISHED SPONSORS Olympia Federal Savings Olympic Dermatology & Laser Clinic R.L. Ray Violin Shop SPONSORS Cabinets by Trivonna Tumwater Eye Center & VUE GRANTS National Endowment for the Arts Washington State Arts Commission foundations Charneski Charitable Fund National Federation of Music Club Advertisers Andrew J. Kapust, DDS, PS Annie's Quilt Shoppe Bischofberger Violins, Ltd Cooper Moss Advanced Dentistry David T. Stone Violins Donald Sampson, DDS Evergreen Brass Quintet Law Offices of Connolly, Tacon & Meserve Music & Arts Music 6000 Old School Pizzeria Pioneer Technologies South Sound Women’s Center TAGS Awards & Specialties Tanasse Chiropractic WSECU
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Come to listen; come to sing!
SOGO Messiah Sing-Along December 22, 7 p.m., Washington Center Messiah Sing-Along
Conductors John Welsh, SOGO Claudia Simpson-Jones, Olympia Chamber Orchestra Suzanne Montgomery, Anna’s Bay Chorale Chip Schooler, South Puget Sound Community College Orchestra
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Soloists Soprano – Denise Daverso Mezzo-Soprano – Ashley Crute Tenor – James Walters Bass – Thomas Freet
Boston Baroque - Live Stream Handel’s Messiah The period-instrument ensemble Boston Baroque has launched Boston Baroque Radio, an internet radio station that will offer free live streams of season concerts. On Saturday, December 13th, the ensemble will be performing Handel’s Messiah, which can be heard on the internet. The stream is both audio and multi-camera live video. Visit www.bostonbaroque.org/ for more information.
Right: Olympia Chamber Orchestra Conductor Claudia Simpson-Jones
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