March 2017 Vol. XVII No. 3
Providing a challenging, fully integrated music experience for the young musician because of support from people like you.
1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501 360-352-1438 studentorchestras.org
You are Helping SOGO Musicians Learn from the Pros
SOGO has so many amazing student musicians – why bring in professional soloists? SOGO’s Maestro John Welsh explains, “Part of developing the skills of students is aural – that is, hearing music performed by fully developed artists. That is why working in person with such people is so important.” To this end, Conservatory musicians are working with professionals Denise Dillenbeck and Charles Noble to perform Mozart’s Concertante Symphonie for Violin and Viola in E-flat Major at the SOGO concert on March 5 at the Washington Center. Working with musicians of this caliber is only possible with contributions from supporters like you. Conservatory violinist Angela Pak talks about what she’ll be watching for during rehearsals. “I think I will gain a stronger sense of direction in how the piece should be executed. I'll be able to visually see the kind of bow length, speed, and weight they use and the precision of their beat which will be a good guide for me to follow.” (See “Angela and Why bring in professional soloists? Amadeus” at right to learn more Part of developing the skills about Angela’s views about Mozart.)
of students is aural – that is, hearing music performed by fully developed artists.
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Noble has experienced this from both sides. “When I was a student in the Tacoma Youth Symphony, I got the opportunity (Continued on p. 2)
Ready to Rock?
SOGO Summer Music Camp June 26-July 7
Musicians from 5th - 8th grade should get ready to rock, swing, and explore music from around the globe at the new SOGO Summer Music Camp. The exciting class list includes Rock Orchestra, Steel Drumming, World Drumming, Mariachi, and Jazz Band in addition to traditional orchestra and band classes.
Classes Offered: Rock Orchestra Mariachi World Drumming Music Theory Steel Drumming Composing on the Computer Jazz Band Beginning Band Swap Band Intermediate Band Advanced Band Intermediate String Orchestra
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Elizabeth Ward, SOGO Brass Choir Assistant Conductor and French Horn Teaching Artist, helped develop the program. “SOGO, with its commitment to young musicians, is the perfect place to renew a summer music program,” says Ward. Camp will be June 26 - July 7, 2017. The program will be open to musicians from 5th – 8th grade who play strings, winds and percussion. The fee for each class is $75. Course descriptions are online at studentorchestras.org. Watch the website for online registration. “SOGO Summer Music will be a dynamic way to further reach into areas which are underserved in our community,” says Ward. “Learning music and meeting friends in a positive and supportive environment. It doesn't get any better than that!”
Angela and Amadeus SOGO Conservatory violinist Angela Pak shares her thoughts on Mozart’s ‘Concertante Symphonie for Violin and Viola in E-flat Major.’ As a violinist, it's always fun playing Mozart! I like the lightness and playful attitude it maintains throughout. I personally enjoy playing Mozart's pieces as you can see his character and personality shine through the melodies. The majority of the dynamics are either forte or piano, no in-between (with the exception of the occasional forte-piano or crescendos). Likewise, his tempos and rhythms can be repetitive as there is not much diversity in his notes. However, despite the little variation, Mozart is still able to deliver an entertaining performance with lots of energy and expression. What I find most challenging about this Mozart piece is being able to maintain the energy and playing each note differently so as not to be bland. As Mr. Welsh says often, we should not play two notes the same way. It will be important to focus on the shaping and articulation. Since there are so many violins, it'll be just as important to match each other's bowing and speed. Come hear Mozart’s character and personality shine through the Conservatory Orchestra this March 5 at 4:00 P.M. at the Washington Center.
Don’t have a middle schooler? You can provide a half scholarship for an underserved student to take two classes for just $75. studentorchestras.org
1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501
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Arts Supporters Like You
It Takes More than Two to Tango: Collaborat Dancers from Johansen Olympia Dance Center come together with SOGO’s Brass Choir to perform the tango at the March 5 SOGO concert. As the Brass Choir plays Por Una Cabesa (instantly recognizable from movies like Scent of a Woman and True Lies), local dancers from 8th grade to 11th grade will pair off on stage to perform the tango.
SOGO is thankful and proud to be part of a community with arts supporters like you. Each spring these three organizations offer arts scholarships to local students. Information on how to apply will be on their websites soon. Patrons of South Sound Cultural Arts (POSSCA) awards scholarships to local artistic high school seniors. Awards are given in a variety of categories including instrumental performance. www.possca.org
“It’s an exciting and unique opportunity to perform with live music,” says director Ken Johnson. “Since Josie and I took over as directors in 2008, our dancers have performed on another of SOGO’s concerts (a lively swing piece), and two of the Olympia Symphony’s programs. It’s a
The Washington Center Anacker Scholarship for the Arts is presented to one graduating senior in Thurston County who will be enrolling in a course of study focused on the arts, and intends to pursue a career in the arts. www.washingtoncenter.org
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Masterwork Choral Ensemble’s Youth Music Competition is open to all grade 3-12 vocal and instrumental students. Winners receive a scholarship award and an invitation to perform a solo in a Masterworks Choral Ensemble concert at the Washington Center the season following the competition. www.mce.org
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Learning from the Pros, cont’d to play with several professional musicians who appeared as soloists with the orchestra,” says Noble. “It was inspiring to see how they made music, and how they were open to interacting with us as equals.”
We’re excited this collaboration will bring these talented young artists of different mediums together on one stage. It will be a real treat for the audience!
Your Dollars Ma
Noble continues, “It is super important for young people to be exposed to a high level of music making - it provides an example for them to aspire to, and there is a lot to be learned just through the act of observing a professional musician in action.”
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Ms. Dillenbeck has toured Europe and America with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and has played with the Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Pennsylvania Ballet Theater, and Philly Pops. She is an Artist in Residence at Central Washington University and a member of the Kairos String Quartet. Mr. Noble holds degrees from the University of Puget Sound, the University of Maryland, and the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University and has been the assistant principal violist of the Oregon Symphony since 1995. Visit studentorchestras.org to learn more about Ms. Dillenbeck and Mr. Noble.
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Dillenbeck previously performed with SOGO as a member of the Kairos Quartet back in 2013. "I love orchestra kids, having been one myself,” she says. “There are so many places kids can choose to spend their time, groups they can align themselves with, and to choose to There are so many apply yourself day after day to a difficult musical instrument dating from centuries ago. Yes, these places kids can choose instruments are full of potential and beauty, and to spend their time, that still nabs young people with open hearts, even today!" and to choose to apply
yourself day after day to a difficult musical instrument dating from centuries ago is pretty phenomenal.
SOGO Summ
Instrument Petting Zoo Olympia Arts Walk Saturday April 29, 2-4PM Washington Center Free and open to the public
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studentorchestras.org
for elementary and m
June 26 Online registration
1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501
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ting with Young Dancers The tango started in the dance halls of Buenos Aires and was originally considered low-class. But when wealthy Argentinians introduced the dance in Paris in the early 1900s, the tango became a craze. “This will be a fun challenge for our dancers as they are used to performing mostly classical ballet, contemporary, and jazz,” says Johnson. “The choreography promises to be an exciting fusion of these styles with a tango flair. We’re excited this collaboration will bring these talented young artists of different mediums together on one stage. It will be a real treat for the audience!” Dancers and non-dancers alike, join us for the winter SOGO concert on March 5 at the Washington Center.
“Oboe and I Were Meant for Each Other” By Alex Gosse, SOGO Conservatory Orchestra I frequently get asked why I chose oboe and honestly I don’t know what drove me to choose it. Sometimes, as cheesy as it sounds, I feel like it picked me.
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The first time I had ever heard of the When I hear oboe was at Westthe oboe side Band Festival and Mr. Lundberg it feels like just mentioned everything I the word “oboe.” love mashed Somehow that into a sound. word stuck with me. I looked it up and fell absolutely in love with the way it sounds. There’s nothing like it. It’s unique, it stands out, and it’s just gorgeous.
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real treat as most of our productions are performed to recorded music, as is the case with most ballets, except in large professional companies.”
$20/Month
When I hear the oboe it feels like everything I love mashed into a sound. I switched from clarinet to oboe, I didn’t work well with clarinet. I never wanted to play it or practice. Although clarinet is beautiful, it’s not my favorite instrument. I switched because I really wanted to play oboe and it felt right for me. I just knew oboe and I were meant for each other.
$36/Month
To younger kids thinking about playing oboe I would ask yourselves, do you love the sound of oboe? Is it your favorite? Because, if not I wouldn’t do it. You will hear this sound every time you practice and it probably will not sound like the recordings, which can be discouraging. But you need to love it regardless and keep practicing.
ake A Difference Provides a specialty instrument - such as an English horn, an Eb clarinet, or a bass trombone - for one student for one season. Provides a half scholarship for one student for one season.
$60 One-Time Gift
Provides 10 students with the opportunity to attend a live classical music SOGO concert.
mer Music Camp
middle school age students
I would also tell younger kids that it isn’t scary, it’s not impossibly difficult. Yes, it is challenging but all instruments are challenging. They just require lots of hard work, motivation to practice, and discipline. Most importantly I would tell young oboe players to not give up! It is so rewarding and music will bring so much joy and love to your life. How did you choose your instrument? Tell us at Facebook.com/studentorchestras.org.
Get your Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts in one fell swoop at the March 5 SOGO concert raffle!
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Prizes include 4 Summit Club tickets to a Rainiers game; a tea set, tea & gift card; an adult coloring kit; tickets to the May 21 SOGO concert; and other handmade specialty items.
begins soon at studentorchestras.org
$1 per ticket. Drawing will take place on March 5, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. (after intermission) at the Washington Center. Raffle sponsored by SOGO. Must be present to win.
6 – July 7, 2017
*Dates subject to change.
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studentorchestras.org
1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501
Facebook.com/ studentorchestras
2016-2017 SEASON
SUNDAY MARCH 5, 4:00 P.M. WASHINGTON CENTER DISTINGUISHED SPONSOR
OLYMPIA FEDERAL SAVINGS
FEATURING
CONSERVATORY ORCHESTRA John Welsh, Conductor Mozart, Concertante Symphonie for Violin and Viola in E-flat Major Denise Dillenbeck, violin Charles Noble, viola Sibelius, Symphony No. 2 in D Major
BRASS CHOIR Greg Allison, Conductor Zdechlik, Centennial Fanfare Gershwin, Someone to Watch Over Me Gardell, Por Una Cabeza with Johansen Olympia Dance Center
Also Appearing: Debut Orchestra and Academy Orchestra
With Guest Soloists Charles Noble, viola, and Denise Dillenbeck, violin TICKETS: $6-$15* | 360.753.8586 *plus $3 Center surcharge
Olytix.org | 6 and under free*