may 2018 Vol. XVIII No. 3
Providing a challenging, fully integrated music experience for the young musician because of support from
Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia
people like you.
1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501 360-352-1438 studentorchestras.org
2017-2018 Season Concert: Sunday May 20 • 4:00P.M • Washington Center Get Ready for the Dulcet Tones of Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp
“Both my mother and my older brother played the clarinet and I wanted to be different!” says SOGO flutist Katherine Hales, as she talks about why she was drawn to the flute. “My aunt played the flute ― we’re a very musical family ― and she let me borrow her old flute for the summer and I never gave it back.” Katherine, a senior at Timberline High School, will perform Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp at the May 20 SOGO concert. She will be joined on stage at the Washington Center by Olympia High School student Benjamin Albertson on harp. Katherine says she is thankful to have the opportunity to play the Mozart concerto. “I’m very excited to play this piece and I love working with Ben. I think Ben and I both agree that the second movement is our favorite because it’s so, so beautiful.”
SOGO’s New Music Director is Ready for the ‘Camaraderie and Vibrancy of Olympia’s Arts Scene’ SOGO is excited to welcome Cameron May as Music Director and Conductor, beginning in the 2018-2019 season. Though a native of Portland, Oregon, Cameron comes to Olympia from Champaign, Illinois, where he earned a graduate degree in orchestral conducting at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. May was initially drawn to the position because of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, but says he ultimately wanted to be a part of SOGO because of the people.
The challenging piece requires the soloists to watch each other closely. “We have to be set up so we can see each other. The harp rests on his right shoulder but I’m also supposed to be to the right of him and he has to be able to see me through his strings.” Katherine jokes that they do a lot of “head movements” to communicate while playing together.
Photo credit: Alyssa Tong Photography
“During my interview and audition, I was impressed with the warmth, openness, and commitment of everyone I met, from students to parents to staff. I was left with the feeling that all parties had the best interests of the organization at heart, and that really made me feel that SOGO was a place I wanted to work.” May does not plan to make sweeping changes right away. “My initial goal is to get to know the organization and community as much as possible. I feel that ― especially coming in as an outsider ― it is important for me to first do a lot of listening.”
Katherine will attend Western Washington University this fall and says she will “definitely” continue playing the flute. “Not only do I love music, but I feel like I’ve committed so much time that it would be a waste to just stop playing flute in college. I probably will not major in it, but there’s no way I’m going to stop in college.”
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A unique joy of working with young musicians is sharing many of classical music’s greatest masterpieces with them for the first time, and watching them start to develop a love of this music. ~ Cameron May
Benjamin is an accomplished harpist whose love of the instrument is clear. “I think it is no coincidence why it is considered the choice instrument of angels. Further, the harp is an instrument that allows direct dexterity. There is no bow, hammer, mallet, or valve to get between you and the sound. For this reason, I feel very connected to the instrument when I play it.”
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Benjamin says this Mozart concerto “is one of the few pieces in the harp repertoire from the classical era. At that time, the harp was a very different instrument, and it was quite limited in its ability to change keys. It is interesting to note (Cont’d on p.2)
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Meet Cameron May
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With the Conservatory Orchestra, May says he hopes to “develop a season of repertoire that gives the students a varied diet and maintains everyone’s interest.” “Some of my favorite classical pieces became my favorite classical pieces when and because I played them in my youth orchestra growing up,” May continues, “so I look forward to being a part of similarly formative experiences now as a conductor.”
But don’t expect him to stick to the same old pieces. “I am also interested in exposing the SOGO students to some pieces and styles that expand their musical tastes.” (Cont’d on p.2)
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that Mozart actually loathed writing for the harp. However, he was commissioned to write a harp concerto and a flute concerto. Mozart was not fond of the flute either, and so he decided to get the project over with by composing one flute and harp concerto.” “Despite Mozart's bad attitude,” continues Benjamin, “it is still a remarkable gem. It requires an eloquent delicacy and that makes it quite challenging for the harp to pull off because the harp is a rather percussive instrument. Despite this challenge, it is one of the greatest cornerstones of harp repertoire and it is an honor and delight to be performing it with SOGO.” Harpist Benjamin Albertson Benjamin aspires to become a professional harpist. This fall he will begin studying on a merit-based full tuition scholarship at the prestigious Glenn Gould School of Music.
SOGO’s Conservatory Orchestra will also perform selections from the Puccini opera Tosca. Vocal parts will be performed by Northwest opera singers Karen Early Evans (soprano), Jon K. Farmer (tenor), and Kwangsuk Ku (baritone). Order your tickets today for the spring SOGO concert ― at the Washington Center on Sunday May 20, 4p.m. ― at washingtoncenter.org or by calling 360.753.8586.
Meet Cameron May (Cont’d) May’s primary instrument is violin but he prefers to be on the podium. “I have always been drawn to the idea of large groups of people making music together, and being on the podium allows me to experience this music-making from a global perspective.” “A unique joy of working with young musicians is sharing many of classical music’s greatest masterpieces with them for the first time, and watching them start to develop a love of this music that can potentially last a lifetime.”
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I have every confidence that Cameron May will respect our past and continue to honor those accomplishments while he adds his own stamp to SOGO. ~ John Welsh
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Dulcet Tones (Cont’d)
May is “thrilled to be moving closer to mountains and water again after being in the cornfields of Illinois” for the past couple of years and is looking forward to making the South Sound area his new home. “I have been struck by the camaraderie and vibrancy of Olympia’s arts scene as I have been learning more about the community, and can’t wait to meet and explore these various organizations and the people behind them.” To read more about May’s education and conducting experience visit studentorchestras.org.
I Feel Very Thankful for My 18 Years with SOGO By Maestro John Welsh As I start my final rehearsals for my last two programs on May 20th and July 1st with Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, I would like to reflect on some of its accomplishments in the last 18 years. We have a solid record of providing a meaningful experience for those young musicians wishing to expand their musical experiences beyond the wonderful music education they are provided in the area’s schools. We have given many students an opportunity to perform integral major works of Western Art Music in a format that features a limited and focused environment closely modeled after the experience they would have in their local avocational or semi-professional orchestra. We have provided advanced preparation for those musicians that wish to prepare for a professional or educational role in music while offering an experience that will stand those wishing to enjoy music as an avocational musician or audience member in good stead. We have had success at fostering a sense of collegiality by de-emphasizing competition. We have established a strong chamber music program in order to emphasize playing in a large ensemble in the same manner as one would play in small ensembles. Every effort has been made to foster experiences that stretch across geographic boundaries in our community in addition to breaching the youth/adult divide.
So I feel very thankful for my 18 years with SOGO as I prepare for my concert on May 20th and work on a gathering together of current Conservatory members, Alums, Teaching Artists and community musicians on July 1st. Cameron May is up to the challenge of continuing this record and adding more to it. He is a good musician, adept at rehearsing and a talented conductor. I have every confidence that he will respect our past and continue to honor those accomplishments while he adds his own stamp to SOGO.
Season Concert: Sunday, May 20, 4p.m. • Tickets *7-16 • Order at 360.753.8586 or washingtoncenter.org Auditions May 23, 29, and 30 • Summer Music June 25 – July 6 • *Plus a $3.00 Washington Center Facility Fee
FREE Choisr! Clas
SOGO Summer Music June 25 – July 6
Get ready to play, compose, swing, and explore musical styles from around the globe at the 2018 SOGO Summer Music. • Who: All classes are for musicians with one-year playing experience to 9th grade, except Beginning Band and Choir – no experience required. • Where/When: Washington M.S. June 25-July 6. Class times vary from 9am - 2:30pm. • Thirteen class offerings! Fiddling, Steel Drumming, Swap Band, World Drumming, String Bass, and Jazz Band in addition to traditional orchestra and band classes. • Students have an option to take a free Choir class when signing-up. • Cost: $75/class, with multiple class discounts available. Choir class is free if student is taking at least one instrumental class; otherwise $50.
Check out our catalog and register today at studentorchestras.org.
Congratulations Seniors! I would suggest playing in a full orchestra for any young brass players because it’s such a different experience. ~ Megan, trumpet
I probably will not major in music, but there’s no way I’m going to stop playing flute in college. ~ Katherine, flute
Thank you to all of SOGO’s donors and sponsors; this organization wouldn’t be where it is today without your help! ~ Alex, viola
SOGO has been a wonderful experience for me. I have come to find how much I love the community and spirit SOGO has. I have been able to make some great friends while also feeling that I have learned a lot about music. ~ Kyla, French horn These dedicated musicians have taken part in a combined:
25
Years of SOGO Membership 100+ Performances 700+ Rehearsals Candid photos: Jake Rivera, tuba (top); Nicholas Beers, violin (bottom) Group photo L-R: Megan Wakefield, trumpet; Katherine Hales, flute; Alex He, viola; Kyla Lewinsohn, French horn; Lewis Jackson, percussion SOGO is a registered 501c(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization and accepts both tax-deductible donations and in-kind contributions. We are always looking for new concert sponsors and advertisers.
2017-2018 Donors
We gratefully acknowledge the many donors who support SOGO.
Patron, $250 to $499 Anonymous (2) Krina & Greg Allison Bischofberger Violins, LTD. Dawkins Charitable Trust Kathryn & Grey Guykema Sarah & Steve Hauschka Olympia Pediatrics, PLLC Martha Robbins Ed Sandor Helen Tafejian Elizabeth Ward Colleen Welch Christina & Jessie Zach
Joan & Greg Armstrong Isabelle Bohman Carla Nagle Carol Tamblyn Carlson Georganne & Scott Copeland Helen & Evan Cropp Dr. & Mrs. Damitio Sheila & Jerry Fay Carolyn Folden Phyllis Freitas Gretchen & David Gacetta Teresa & Robert Gilbert Denise LaFlamme & Brad Grimsted Bonnie & Peter Hauschka Kari & Tom Hertter David & Linda Hoffman Elizabeth Jankus Kristen Jaudon Pat & Paul Kabler Judith Kimeldorf Daniel Knonopatzke Dr. George & Linda Lamb Eric Lee Monica & Michael Lorich Judy & Norman Lund Laurie & Fred MacInnes Nancy & Bill Mikkelsen Ginny & Justin Nordhorn Mary Nordlund Sheila & Dale Norton Hian & Yeena Pouw Nancy & Ernie Rascon Virginia Ray Lucy Reuter Dr. Scott and Amy Rowley Anne & Ronald Schafer Patricia Shramek Dwayne Slate Lisa & David Smith Floyd Smith Sandra & Mark Spee Janet Cherry & Mark Teply Vondean & Bob Thompson Debbra Warren Washington State Federation of Music Clubs Catherine & Alan Wertjes Daidre & Lawrence West Deborah & Bruce West
Friend, $100 to $249 Anonymous (2) Ramona & Greg Allen
Donor, $50 to $99 Anonymous (1) Mary Jane & Frederick Adair
Sponsor, $2,000 to $4,999 Connie & Milt Harper Olympia Federal Savings Olympic Dermatology & Laser Clinic, INC. P.S. The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound ThurstonTalk WA State Arts Commission John Welsh Guarantor, $1,000 to $1,999 Academy Mortgage Corporation, Kathy Randich Cabinets by Trivonna Capital Heating & Cooling Dorrie & Harold Carr Lindsey & Doug Ford Dana & Josh Phelps Jeanne & Greg Tranum Benefactor, $500 to $999 Chris & David Bartruff Charneski Charitable Fund Mary & John Fleckenstein Mary Milnes PCS Structural Solutions Deifi & Doug Stolz Timberland Bank Tumwater Eye Clinic & VUE, Dr. Doug & Karen Jeske
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You’re Invited!
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Philanthropist, $5,000 + Goldberg Family Charitable Foundation
After 18 years with Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, Maestro John Welsh is retiring the baton at the end of the 2017-2018 season. Please join us for a reception to celebrate Maestro Welsh in the Washington Center Black Box Theater immediately following the May 20 SOGO concert.
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Jennie Adkins Roger Baugh Mark Damitio Cherie Davidson Jeanyce Derby Beth Dubey Susan Tusa & Dan Durham Jennifer Ferguson Ryan & Kurtis Hall Nancy Hoff Melissa Johnson Jennifer & Samuel Meyer Lois & Brian Midles Dee & Richard Morton Olympia Piano, Jennifer Bowman Bernadine & Suryakant Santi Frances Tanaka Kathryn Hamilton & Steve Wang Kim & Roger Wigfield
in memorial Adele Gudger Smith
In-Kind Greg & Krina Allison Levin Conway Dolores Damitio Stephanie Ehinger Doug Ford Gloria Gagne Doug Gross Sadie Hawkins Music & Arts Joy Nguyen Ginny Nordhorn Print NW R.L. Ray Violin Shop Kathy Rosmond Salon Salon Ed Sandor Contributor, $25 to $49 Chip Schooler Anonymous Linda Schmitt Stacy Yarbrough & Bret Bertolin TAGS Awards & Specialties Jean Black Rose This Joan A. Boileau Mark Thome Dianne & Mike Chaney ThurstonTalk Diane Coulter TSS Evelyn & John Coyne Washington Center for Judith & Raymond DeBuse the Performing Arts Catherine Young & Kirk Ericson Elizabeth Fox Donations in memory of or in Patricia Kay honor of someone special are Marnie & Donn Livingstone gladly accepted. Sara Mahood Georgene & William Marshman We make every effort to Cheryl Roosendaal & Kevin ensure accuracy. Please inform McFarland us of errors or omissions by Patricia Mosure contacting us at Lynn & Glenn Scroggins studentorchestras@gmail.com. Miriam Sterlin & Ryan Stephens Kathleen & Thomas Stidham, Jr. SOGO is a registered 501c(3) Storman’s, Inc. tax-exempt non-profit Dannette Sturm organization and accepts both Vantage Physicians tax-deductible donations and Linda Wozniak in-kind contributions. We are always looking for new concert Member, up to $24 sponsors and advertisers. Dr. William T. Arnesen Contributor list updated April Carolyn Baker 2018. Heidy Barnett Dr. Rich & Dianne Hurst Carleta Rawlings Ellen & David Saunders Carol & Jack Tranum
A note to SOGO donors from Maestro Welsh: “During my almost 50-year career as a Music Director of various orchestras, I have seen how these notfor-profit organizations depend on the generosity of people who love music. I can only say that I am sincerely grateful. Helping our young people experience this great art form is truly an example of great dedication.”