October 2017 Vol. XVIII No. 1
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 Sundays at 4:00P.M. • November 5, March 5, May 20 • Washington Center Stepping Down from the Podium After 18 years with SOGO our illustrious Music Director and Conductor, Maestro John Welsh, is retiring his baton. For most of his 50-year career in conducting John worked with adult musicians, so SOGO was quite a change and one he has grown to love. The boundless energy these young people display and the opportunity to introduce them to the world of great orchestral literature became a passion for John. “I have constantly been amazed at the great amount of energy that suddenly appears on concert days!” he says. John has chosen pieces with personal meaning for the fall SOGO concert: Mozart’s Symphonie Concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Horn, which will feature SOGO alumni from as far back as 2008, and Tchaikovski’s Overture to Romeo and Juliet. Maestro Welsh celebrating with students after the May 2017 SOGO concert
“The Mozart wind Symphonie Concertante is included in three of my favorite Mozart pieces,” says John, “and the Romeo and Juliet Overture was on the reverse side of the LP of the Death and Transfiguration, which was on our May concert last season. I discovered that LP in my first year in undergraduate school at Miami University in 1962.”
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For those that aspire to a career in music, I hope that I have demanded enough of them. For those that don’t make music a career, I hope that they will be inspired to continue to pursue music as an avocation. And perhaps most of all I hope that they have discovered the beauty and drama intrinsic in this music.
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As he begins his final season, John reflects, “For those that aspire to a career in music, I hope that I have demanded enough of them. For those that don’t make music a career, I hope that they will be inspired to continue to pursue music as an avocation. And perhaps most of all I hope that they have discovered the beauty and drama intrinsic in this music.”
Please join us in the season opening concert Sunday, November 5, 4:00P.M. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. The Conservatory Orchestra, along with the rest of SOGO’s 120 young musicians, have prepared a very spirited program for you to enjoy. Order tickets in advance at washingtoncenter.org to avoid the lines.
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Thank You for Helping Young Musicians Play in a Full Orchestra “I enjoy playing with the entire orchestra, including brass, winds, strings, and percussion,” says musician Ben Jaudon. “I love my school orchestra. But it’s cool to play in a group with more kinds of instruments.” Ben plays violin in SOGO’s Academy Orchestra. He says, “It's fun to get dressed up and perform at the Washington Center.” This season Ben is looking forward to “learning new music with my friends and expanding my knowledge of different types of classical music. I know we're just kids, but it sounds almost professional.” Ben gets inspiration from listening to the other SOGO groups. “Wow, that could be ME in a few years!” Listen to Ben and the rest of the Academy Orchestra perform Suppé’s Poet and Peasant Overture and R.W. Smith’s By Loch and Mountain at the November 5 SOGO concert in the Washington Center.
Help Us Find A New Music Director
SOGO is seeking applicants for a Music Director and Principal Conductor to direct the growth of the Conservatory Orchestra, SOGO’s top ensemble, effective Summer 2018. If you know a conductor who would appreciate what our community offers - a vibrant arts community, strong schools with fine music programs, the beautiful outdoors, and of course SOGO’s programs and supportive donor base - encourage them look at our website and apply. Requirements include exceptional musicianship and conducting skills, successful experience working with youth musicians from age 12 and up, confidence and patience to motivate and inspire young musicians, and strong communication and leadership skills. Application details are on studentorchestras.org. All applicants must complete the online application form by 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 15th, 2017. 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501
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