Welcome!
Dear TFO Family, Welcome to the 10th Anniversary Season of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra! We can’t believe it’s already been a decade, and we hope we’ll be around for many more decades to come. Last year was an extraordinary year for all of us. Between a global pandemic and the civil unrest in the United States, it’s a gift that we’re all here today to enjoy something truly special in little Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park (or the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church if it’s raining). We hope that these concerts give you peace and aid to any healing you may need right now. In order to continue the tradition of the TFO for many more decades, we hope that you’ll consider making a donation to this season and for many seasons to come. Donations of any size (even $1 in the tip jar) ensure that concerts remain free and open to the public. The Taneycomo Festival Orchestra is your orchestra. Taney County is our home, and we look forward to being here year after year. You can make a donation by scanning the QR code found in this book and the merchandise table with your phone, drop some cash in the tip jars, or talk to one of our volunteers at the merchandise table about making your special contribution. Thank you for coming to our concerts, and we hope to see you at many more! Larkin, Patti, and the TFO
Larkin Sanders EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Meet the Staff
Dr. Larkin Sanders is a native of Branson, Missouri and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri where she owns The Clever Clarinetist, is the clarinet instructor at Washburn University, maintains a private studio, performs with Xiphias Trio and other various ensembles, and is the Vice President of the American Single Reed Summit. Most notably, Larkin is the founder, executive artistic director, and a clarinetist of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra, a summer music festival in Branson, Missouri. Dr. Sanders is also a Woodwind Method Clinician for D’Addario Woodwinds, for which she frequently gives masterclasses and lectures. She is also a Selmer Paris Artist and performs on Selmer Présence clarinets in addition to D’Addario Reserve mouthpieces and Reserve Classic reeds.
In addition to her activities as a clarinetist, teacher, and administrator, Dr. Sanders is also a composer and author who has a fondness for songs and unique chamber ensembles. Larkin has had her works performed in a variety of settings. Her works are inspired by the talents of her friends and colleagues, and the genres of her works span from chamber operettas, art songs, children’s music, and more. She is also the author of The Creation of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra: The Performer’s Field Guide to Music Festival Foundation and The Olympic Clarinetist Daily Scale Method: Scales and Exercises for Everyday Use, used by The Florida State University and other studios as their official fundamental method.
Born and raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas, Patti Sanders graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Marketing. Currently she is surrounded by the Arts and is responsible for securing funding, venues, housing, and meals for the traveling musicians of TFO. Her husband, Sandy, is a drummer and professor of English; daughter, Dr. Larkin Sanders, is a free lance musician in Kansas City; and son, Hart, is an architect in Seattle with Olson Kundig Architects. The Sanders family has resided in Branson since 1992.
Patt i Sanders DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
A Southern California native, Dr. Neal Postma has served in a variety of capacities in the music industry around the US and abroad. As an educator, he holds adjunct positions at Winthrop and Claflin Universities where he teaches applied lessons on saxophone and clarinet, chamber music, and music appreciation. Active in the realm of arts administration, Neal serves as the Orchestra Manager for the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra and is the President of the American Single Reed Summit. Additionally, Neal is a D’Addario Woodwinds endorsing artist and clinician in their Woodwind Method Program.
Neal Postma ORCHESTRA MANAGER
Dutilly Peter LIBRARIAN Peter Dutilly, viola and music librarian, is returning for his fifth appearance at TFO. Peter is a fulltime member of the Orlando Philharmonic where he functions as assistant principal and is a member of the union Orchestra Committee, plays regularly with the Brevard (FL) and Memphis symphonies and Naples Philharmonic, and freelances throughout the southeast. His one-year appointment with Louisiana Philharmonic was cut short by Covid-19. When not playing viola, Peter composes music, cooks, fishes, and travels often to visit friends and family (or take auditions). Peter met TFO Creator Larkin while they were studying at FSU together.
Abigail Brower is a professional harpist currently based in Iowa. A graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, she performed with university orchestras while maintaining an active gig schedule. She spent the last several years performing regularly with Southern Indiana area ensembles and has experience teaching private lessons for students of all ages. During her time at Indiana University, Abigail was a student of Professor Elzbieta Szmyt, with one semester of study with Anneleen Lenaerts in Vienna, Austria. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership and Management from Shenandoah University.
Abigail Brower PRODUCTION MANAGER
Minnesota native Joseph Peters, Associate Principal Oboe and English horn with the North Carolina Symphony, previously held Principal Oboe chairs with the Minnesota Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has performed as guest principal with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, and he has also played with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Marlboro Music Festival, Oregon Bach Festival, Lakes Area Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra and the National Orchestral Institute. For three years he was a member of the New World Symphony in Florida.
Joe Peters CONDUCTOR
Peters first appeared with the Minnesota Orchestra at age 18 as a finalist in the Minnesota Idol competition, performing Mozart’s Oboe Concerto. As a soloist, he has also appeared with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Saint Paul Civic Symphony, Wayzata Symphony Orchestra, and the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, of which he is an alumnus. Also active as a conductor, Peters conducts the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra in Branson, Missouri. He was music director of the SUNY Buffalo State Philharmonia Orchestra and the Saybrook College Orchestra of Yale. He has led a variety of programs at the New World Symphony, including a collaboration with the Miami City Ballet, and he recently conducted a performance of Henze’s Kammermusik 1958 at Marlboro Music Festival. His conducting mentors include Michael Tilson Thomas, James Patrick Miller and Toshiyuki Shimada. Peters has been on the oboe or conducting faculty of various institutions including the SoBe Institute of the Arts, National Youth Orchestra of the USA, SUNY Buffalo State, and has conducted side-by-side concerts for New World Symphony’s MusicLab program. An advocate of contemporary music, he premiered Aaron Jay Kernis’ On Distant Shores with New York’s RIOULT Dance Company, and he has been involved in numerous other premieres by composers including Jocelyn Hagen and Samuel Carl Adams. Peters received a bachelor of music degree from the University of Minnesota and a master of music from Yale University. His teachers include Stephen Taylor, John Snow, Julie Madura and Marilyn Zupnik.
Staff & Board
The Taneycomo Festival Orchestra has a “working board.” This means that everyone on the board also has a job within the organization beyond their duties in governing the organization. Larkin Sanders, Executive Artistic Director Amanda Marcellus Miles, Board Neal Postma, Orchestra Manager Alzora Hooker, Board Peter Duttily, Librarian Marcia Schemper Carlock, Board Abigail Brower, Production Manager Crystal Wolfe, Board Nate Bliton, Recording and Sound Engineer Joseph Peters, Artistic Advisor Steven Smith, Graphic Designer and Photographer Victoria Lee, Artistic Advisor and Wind Coordinator Pete Marcellus, Board President Daron Kirsch, Artistic Advisor and String Coordinator Patti Sanders, Director of Development, Housing and Board Treasurer Steve James, Artistic Advisor and Brass Coordinator Jim Bartelt, Artistic Advisor and Percussion Coordinator
Meet the Orchestra
At the TFO, our orchestra members come from all over the world. Most of our members are graduate students in music performance at prestigious institutions and are destined to have bright futures and big careers. You won’t want to miss them as they take the stage this summer!
CONDUCTOR
Joe Peters, Raleigh, NC
VIOLIN
Tim Daucher, Mount Vernon, MO Pam Davis, Branson, MO Gustavo Fernandez Agreda, Parkville, MO Sophia Han, Cape Girardeau, MO Erik Hassell, Kansas City, MO Mary Hubbard, Grand Rapids, MI Zachary Montasser, Houston, TX Travis Myers, Edmond, OK Johnum Palado, Shreveport, LA Roshelle Pekarek, Kansas City, MO Kelly Rhode, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI Gus Weaver, Norman, OK
VIOLA
Nate Bliton, Grand Rapids, MI Tyler Chen, Spring, TX Peter Dutilly, Lakeland, FL Joseph Messick, Oklahoma City, OK Kathy Murray, Springfield, MO
CELLO
Liz Copeland, Overland Park, KS Amy Fear, Grandview, MO Daron Kirsch, Houston, TX Daniel Yung, Kansas City, MO
DOUBLE BASS
Adam Bernstein, Atlanta, GA Sam Copeland, Overland Park, KS Evan Spieker, Shawnee, KS
FLUTE/PICCOLO
John Ross, Nevada, MO Steven Smith, Springfield, MO Daniela Volkovinsky, Iowa City, IA
OBOE/ENGLISH HORN
Victoria Lee, Huntington Beach, CA Jenna Sehmann, Jackson, MO
CLARINET/BASS CLARINET
Alexandra Doyle, Covington, KY Larkin Sanders, Kansas City, MO
BASSOON
Andi Bragiel, Cincinnati, OH Mark Lauer, Tallahassee, FL
HORN
Lauren Harding, Kingsport, TN Andrew Sehmann, Athens, GA Amanda Stout, Kalamazoo, MI Sammantha Wells, Watkinsville, GA
TRUMPET
Tatiana Giesler, Cerritos, CA Katherine Shindledecker, Normal, IL
TROMBONE
Loudon Cunningham, Dallas, TX Stefan Stolarchuk, East Lansing, MI
PIANO
Clara Christian, Hollister, MO
PERCUSSION
Daniel Jarrett, Branson, MO
SAXOPHONE
Neal Postma, Columbia, SC
RECORDER
Larkin Sanders, Kansas City, MO Trevor Stewart, Lawrence, KS
Tim Daucher has been fortunate to have studied with Carlton Herrett, National Symphony Orchestra, Lynn Priece, Air Force Strings, Jody Gatwood, Catholic University, Laura Boyd and Kenneth Sarch, Shenandoah College and Conservatory, Dennis Powowraski, National Symphony Orchestra (Summer studies) and David Hays, Missouri State University. I began my orchestra career as a sub during the last two years of my undergrad with the Maryland Symphony under the direction of Barry Tuckwell. Performing with the TFO has been on of the best experiences in my music career.
Violin
Pam Davis is assistant concertmaster of the Springfield Symphony and concertmaster of the Springfield Regional Opera Orchestra. Performing experience has included the Missouri Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of the Ozarks, the Fort Smith Symphony, the Traverse and Midland Michigan Symphonies, the Las Vegas Symphony, the Florida Symphony, and the Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico. A Michigan native, Pam holds degrees from Indiana University, Southwest Missouri State University, and Missouri State University and has retired from a career as an educator and administrator. Pam and Dwight have lived in Branson for 25 years and the highlight of recent years has been TFO! Gus Fernandez Agreda is a native from Santa Cruz Bolivia. At age of 5 he was accepted in Bellas Artes Music School. He started playing violin at 8. He participated and played in different orchestras and festivals in different cities in Bolivia. In 2012 he received a scholarship to study music at University of Central Arkansas. In 2017, he received the outstanding artist award, college division, by the city of Conway AR, being the only international student in the category. Currently, Gus is pursuing an MBA at Park university and a Graduate certificate in violin in the International Center for Music under the tutelage of Ben Sayevich. Described by the Classical Voices of North Carolina as making the violin “seem easy, almost as child’s play,” violinist Sophia Han is the Assistant Professor of Upper Strings and Concertmaster at Southeast Missouri State University. A versatile musician, Han has command both in the classical and popular genres having performed as guest soloist with orchestras across the US as well as appearing on tour with artists such as Michael Bublé, Audra McDonald, and rock band STARSET. Currently serving as the Associate Concertmaster of Paducah Symphony Orchestra, Han has also appeared as the Concertmaster of Souther Illinois Music Festival Orchestra, the Assistant Concertmaster of Tallahassee Symphony, and is in demand as an adjudicator. With degrees from Florida State University, University of Michigan, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Han’s principal teachers include Corinne Stillwell, Aaron Berofsky, and the late Richard Luby. Erik Hassell is a free-lance violinist based in Kansas City. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Mizzou while studying with Eva Szekely. This is his 5th year at TFO. He spends his days working in the Independence School District assisting the orchestra programs; and his evenings consist of a private studio of over thirty students, rehearsals, random gigs, or relaxing with his cats Fred and George, the orange tabbies. He is also a member of the Xiphias Trio with clarinetist Dr. Larkin Sanders and pianist Bridget O’Leary.
Violin
Mary Hubbard is a violinist from Grand Rapids, MI who is overjoyed at returning to Branson for another season of TFO! While Mary is a professional dog groomer by day, she has her musical needs met by free lancing around Grand Rapids, playing chamber music with friends and teaching private lessons. As always, there is nothing but love and gratitude to the staff who created and run TFO, and the community of Branson, who have made this wonderful town a second home to many of us in the orchestra. Thank you all!
Violinist Zachary Montasser has enjoyed a varied and fruitful career. He was a featured violinist in the Tikvah Company of Artists, where he accompanied live contemporary dance. He has performed with the South Florida Symphony, Opera in the Heights, and is currently a core First Violin of The Symphony of Southeast Texas. As a Musical Theater Musician, Mr. Montasser has played with Houston-area Musical theater companies including Stages Theater, Theater Under the Stars, and the A.D. Players. Zachary’s teachers include Janet Sung, Andrzej Grabiec, Oleg Sulyga, Post Graduate, he has studied with Kathleen Winkler. Travis Myers is a freelance violinist/fiddler from Edmond Oklahoma. He studied violin performance at Oklahoma City University and has played with TFO in 2 previous seasons. Travis enjoys playing in a wide variety of styles/ ensembles ranging from classical to pop, but feels the most at home while sitting in an orchestra. After social distancing for over a year Travis is overjoyed to be sharing live music as a community once again. Johnum Palado, from Shreveport, Louisiana, will be a fourth-year violin performance major under David Bowlin and mathematics minor at Oberlin College and Conservatory. As a violinist, he has soloed with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra, performed in Carnegie Hall with the Honors Performance Series String Orchestra as principal second, and led Oberlin’s Contemporary Music Ensemble as concertmaster. Johnum is a member of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra and has subbed for local orchestras in Texas and Arkansas. For hobbies, Johnum enjoys composition and church music, the latter especially as he serves as an interim organist at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shreveport. Roshelle Pekarek is an Ozarks native living in Kansas City, MO. She received her B.M. in Violin Performance from Missouri State University and has played with groups including the Springfield and Topeka Symphonies. She enjoys playing music of all styles, ranging from string quartets to rock bands. She currently plays in Porch Music KC, with neighbor Larkin Sanders and other TFO friends. Kelly Rhode is a violinist and teacher based in the Metro Detroit area. She currently teaches third through fifth grade orchestra at University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. While not playing or teaching, Kelly enjoys board games with friends, practicing Feldenkrais and Yoga, and being outside. This is Kelly’s 6th season at TFO (2012-15 and 2017) and she is so excited to be back again creating music with old friends and new. Gus Weaver received his musical beginnings in Florida and pursued advanced violin studies with Hal Grossman at the University of Oklahoma, Chung Park and Keum Hwa Cha at Idaho State University, Carol Sindell at Portland State University, and Carolyn Plummer at the University of Notre Dame. He performs with the Amarillo (TX) and Fort Smith (AR) Symphonies, Mariachi Orgullo de America (Oklahoma City, OK), and Norman Classical Strings (OK). He also maintains a private studio of violin, viola, and guitar students in the Oklahoma City metro area and teaches mariachi to students in an Academia OKC school program. Gus is a member of the Executive Board of AFM Local 375-703. In his free time he runs, reads, works in the yard, helps manage the Oklahoma Composer’s Orchestra, and enjoys meditation.
Nate Bliton plays the viola and loves making recordings of wonderful music. While his primary education is in music composition (holding M.M. and B.M. degrees in Music Composition from Michigan State University) he is equally passionate about circus arts, extreme sports, and designing interactive software and electronics for music, theater, dance, and other installations. These days he works at Grand Valley State University on the West side of Michigan for their department of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
Viola
Tyler Chen is a rising senior at Baylor University in Waco, TX, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education with viola. He started playing viola at age 10 and soon developed a passion for music and community. In addition to being a full-time music student, he is involved in teaching group and private lessons, working as a camp counselor, and playing various gigs. In his free time, Tyler enjoys being active, playing tennis, reading, and watching funny shows on Netflix. Peter Dutilly, viola and music librarian, is returning for his fifth appearance at TFO. Peter is a fulltime member of the Orlando Philharmonic where he functions as assistant principal and is a member of the union Orchestra Committee, plays regularly with the Brevard (FL) and Memphis symphonies and Naples Philharmonic, and freelances throughout the southeast. His one-year appointment with Louisiana Philharmonic was cut short by Covid-19. When not playing viola, Peter composes music, cooks, fishes, and travels often to visit friends and family (or take auditions). Peter met TFO Creator Larkin while they were studying at FSU together. Joseph Messick got his bachelor of the music arts - viola at DePauw University School of Music and is pursuing a masters in music - viola performance and a masters in art - nonprofit leadership at Oklahoma City University. He loves folk and early music and performs with Mariachi Orgullo de America and the OCU Early Music Ensemble as well as several other ensembles in Oklahoma City. A prolific performer, Joseph is also an avid amateur ludomusicologist who enjoys studying video game music and the ludomusicality that the medium affords. After graduating, he intends to study abroad in Europe or Japan. Since moving to Springfield, MO in 1997, Kathy Murray has served as a part-time instructor of Theory and Musicianship at Missouri State University. In addition to her position in the Springfield Regional Opera, she is also a member of the Springfield Symphony, the Missouri Philharmonic, and the Fort Smith (AR) Symphony, and has performed with several other symphony and chamber orchestras in the area. She studied viola at Loyola University of New Orleans with Michael Gyurik and at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Peter Kamnitzer. Her degrees are in composition, and her teachers were William Horne and Sylvia Pengilly at Loyola, Jonathan Kramer and Fred Bianchi in Cincinnati.
Cello
Liz Copeland currently serves as the orchestra director at Leawood Middle School and Leawood Elementary School. She performs regularly in Kansas City with the KU Medical Arts Symphony and Midwest Chamber Ensemble. She also substitutes with Springfield Symphony and Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. During the summer, she enjoys playing with and has served as principal cello with Taneycomo Festival Orchestra in Branson, MO. She holds her bachelors and masters degree in cello performance from the University of Missouri - Columbia. When not playing or teaching music, she enjoys cooking with her husband, Sam, and taking walks with her dog, Banjo.
Cello
Amy Fear is the Director of Orchestras for Blue Valley High School. She is a graduate of Wichita State University with a Bachelor in cello performance and Masters with string pedagogy emphasis. Amy is a contributing author for the GIA publications “Teaching Music through Performance in Orchestra” Vol. 1 & 2. An active performer, she performs in local and regional orchestras, including the Westwood Ensemble and Taneycomo Festival Orchestra. Outside the field of music education she loves cooking, traveling to ride new mountain bike trails and is a regional referee for USA Cycling. Her German Shepherd Gretchen is a happy trail and camp dog. A Texas native, Daron Kirsch is active as a cellist and educator throughout the country, and this is year nine at TFO! Since last year, he has started running (aiming for five hundred miles this year), moved to a new pad, and began producing a podcast with his quartet. He currently lives in Houston with his partner Elizabeth and dog Zoe. Daron has terrible luck with cars, six toes, a way with words that allows him to pad this bio to exactly one hundred words, four more toes, and the preternatural ability at restaurants to order exactly what they’re out of.
Daniel Yung holds degrees in both cello and piano from Truman State University as well as a Master’s in Cello Performance from UMKC’s Conservatory. He has been a full-time accompanist for the choirs at Pleasant Hill Middle and High Schools for the past three years where he gets to perform on piano, guitar, drums, and various other instruments. Outside of that, he can be found performing regularly with Porch Music KC, the Westwood Ensemble (once it resumes), or subbing for other groups such as the Midwest Chamber Ensemble and St. Joeseph Symphony.
Double bassist Adam Bernstein likes playing just about any string instrument he can find. He also likes playing anything else, from card games to board games to video games, and enjoys watching movies, reading books, riding bikes, taking hikes, looking at good sunsets, and generally trying to make sense of life. Adam grew up and lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was a busy freelancer before the pandemic. He studied at the Oberlin Conservatory and Michigan State university, has played with some terrific ensembles, recorded on a couple Grammy nominated albums with Oberlin and the Atlanta symphony, and generally works hard to keep his resume looking fancy. He’s returning for his fifth year in residence with the TFO, and he’s absolutely thrilled to be back to playing live music.
Bass
Sam Copeland is a freelance performer living in Kansas City. He strives to keep one foot in the classical music world and another foot in the jazz world. Sam plays with lots of different KC-based ensembles, including Jim Lower Jazz Ensemble and Midwest Chamber Ensemble. During the day Sam teaches orchestra in Blue Valley school district. When he is not busy playing bass or writing bios for concert programs, Sam is into reading and hanging out with his dog Banjo and his lovelier wife Liz. This is Sam’s fifth year at TFO. Evan Spieker is happy to participate in the TFO for his 6th summer season. “I want to express my thanks to the TFO; and for all the hard work they put into this summer, and spreading musical enrichment to the music community.”
Flute
Flutist John Ross is an accomplished soloist, educator, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. He is on the music faculty at Cottey College in Nevada, MO. Dr. Ross has performed with the Italian-American Opera Festival Orchestra (CA), the Charleston Chamber Orchestra (WV), the Muncie Symphony, Tallahassee Symphony, and the Charleston Light Opera Guild. Dr. Ross attended West Virginia University, Ball State University, and Florida State University, studying with Joyce Catalfano, Thomas Godfrey, Francesca Arnone, Mihoko Watanabe, and Eva Amsler.
Steven Smith is originally from Branson, MO and currently resides in Springfield, MO where he is an adjunct instructor in the Graphic Design and Technology Department at Ozarks Technical Community College. Steven recently graduated from Drury University where he received a B.S. in Graphic Design. As a musician, Steven plays contrabass clarinet with the Missouri State University Community Band where he has been a member for the last ten years. This year also makes his tenth season playing flute with the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra. As well as being a founding member of TFO, Steven has dedicated much of his time as the graphic designer and photographer for the orchestra over the last seven years. Dr. Daniela Volkovinsky received her doctorate in flute performance and pedagogy from the University of Iowa, her Master’s from SUNY Purchase, and her Bachelor’s from Columbus State University in GA. Daniela was a finalist in the 2020 Upper Midwest Flute Association Young Artist Competition, winner at the 2019 Oklahoma Flute Society Collegiate competition, and many others. She’s also a founding member of the Wild Prairie Winds woodwind quintet and an avid teacher. In addition to her teaching and performing career, Daniela wrote a dissertation titled, An Annotated Catalog of Flute Music by Female Composers between 1988 and 2021.
Oboist Victoria Lee is a Southern California native returning for her eighth consecutive season with the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra. A dedicated educator, Ms. Lee maintains studios at the Orange County School of the Arts, and the Orange Coast, Irvine Valley, and Fullerton Colleges. Ms. Lee is a founding member of award-winning reed quintet Syrinx and is principal oboe of the Santa Monica Symphony. She holds BM and MM degrees from the Orchestral Performance program at the Manhattan School of Music. Ms. Lee resides in Huntington Beach and serves her cat overlords Gunner and Sailor in her free time.
Oboe
Jenna Sehmann is an oboist and teacher of Double Reeds and Music History at Southeast Missouri State University. Jenna previously served as oboe faculty at Cornell College (Mount Vernon, IA) and Mount Mercy University (Cedar Rapids, IA). Ms. Sehmann holds a Master of Music degree in oboe performance from the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree in both music performance and music industry from Eastern Kentucky University. In addition, she has completed doctoral coursework at the University of Iowa and will complete her capstone recording project in Fall 2021.
Clarinet
Alexandra Doyle is a clarinet teacher and performer hailing from Cincinnati. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and regularly performs with ensembles in the area, including the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Alexandra is the Adjunct Instructor of Clarinet at the Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton, as well as the woodwind instructor for the Pride of La Salle Marching Band. She also teaches at the Tallant Music Studio. Prior to CCM, Alexandra attended the University of Houston in her hometown. She is the proud mom of three cats and numerous houseplants.
Dr. Larkin Sanders is a native of Branson, Missouri, and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri where she is the clarinet instructor at Washburn University, owns the Clever Clarinetist, performs with a variety of ensembles, and is the Vice President of the American Single Reed Summit. Most notably, Larkin is the founder, executive artistic director, and is a clarinetist of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra, a summer music festival in Branson, Missouri. Dr. Sanders is also a Woodwind Method Clinician for D’Addario & Co and is endorsed by Henri Selmer Paris, Silverstein Works, and Brian Corbin Clarinet Products. In addition to her activities as a clarinetist, teacher, and administrator, Dr. Sanders is also a composer and author of The Creation of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra: The Performer’s Field Guide to Music Festival Foundation, Mr. Denner and the Missing Notes, and The Clever Clarinetist’s Daily Scale Method: Scales and Exercises for Everyday Use.
Dr. Andi Bragiel is a bassoonist and music educator living in Cincinnati, OH. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, she holds degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, UNC Greensboro, and the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music. She has appeared with the Altoona Symphony, Johnstown Symphony, Greensboro Choral Society, Queen City Chamber Orchestra, and Dayton Philharmonic. Dr. Bragiel is also a member of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity and serves as the Alpha North Province President. She currently teaches elementary general music and choir in the Winton Woods City School District and maintains an active private studio.
Bassoon
Mark Lauer is the principal bassoonist with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and the second bassoonist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (GA) and has spent summers performing at the Texas Music Festival, National Music Festival, and Brevard Music Center institute and Festival. Mark is currently a doctoral student at the Florida State University College of Music. He received his Master of Music from FSU in 2017 and a Performer’s Certificate and Bachelors of Music from the University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Mark is grateful to his teachers, Jeff Keesecker, Marita Abner, and Steven Houser.
Horn
In her third season at TFO, Dr. Lauren Harding has degrees from University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and West Virginia University. An award-winning soloist, her previous awards include the Southeast Horn Workshop’s Collegiate Solo Competition, WVU’s College of Creative Arts Young Artists’ Competition, and Midsouth Horn Workshop’s Graduate Solo Competition. She has held positions with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and Saint Josephy Symphony. As a clinician, Dr. Harding has presented and/or performed at various workshops through the International Horn Society. When she is not performing or teaching, Dr. Harding enjoys walks, crossstitching, and films.
Andrew Sehmann is Adjunct Instructor of Horn at Young Harris College and Georgia College and State University, where he teaches horn lessons, aural skills and music appreciation. Current and former students have placed first chair in the Georgia Music Education Association’s All State Band, and attended Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra program. He has a DMA and MM from the University of Georgia and Diplomas in Horn and Orchestral Performance from the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. Principal teachers have included Jean Martin-Williams, James Naigus, Johannes Hinterholzer, Marie-Luise Neunecker, Richard Deane, and Mick Sehmann. Amanda Stout holds her undergraduate degree in Horn Performance and Arts Management from the University of Iowa and her Master of Music in Horn Performance from Western Michigan University. Amanda currently does educational programming for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and resides in Michigan with her cat, Eevee. Sammantha Wells is currently going into her second year at the University of Georgia. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education degree, and she studies horn with Dr. James Naigus and Dr. Jean Martin-Williams.
Trumpet player Tatiana Giesler is a classically trained and multifaceted performer who has performed with the Colburn Orchestra, American Youth Symphony, and Debut Chamber Orchestra to name a few. She has had the honor of sharing a stage with wellrenowned musicians such as Thomas Hooten, Malcolm McNab, Eric Marienthal, Rebecca Wilt, and Jack Black. Her playing has taken her to London with the CSULB Wind Symphony, as well as Denver and Lexington with the National Trumpet Competition, winning second place for the Small-Ensemble division one year and making the semifinals in the Graduate Solo division respectively. Hailing from Columbia, SC Katherine Shindledecker is an international prize winning soloist, as well an advocate for diverse representation in music. I graduated from Winthrop University with a bachelor’s degree in music performance and am currently pursuing a master’s in music performance from Illinois State University.
Trumpet
Trombone
Loudon Cunningham is a freelance musician in Dallas. He performs with the San Antonio Symphony, Dallas Chamber Symphony, Allen Philharmonic, DFW Brass, as well as other ensembles. He also maintains a private studio of students. Loudon began his studies at SMU and continued in New York, where he studied with members of the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera.
Bass Trombonist Stefan Stolarchuk is a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He holds degrees in trombone performance from Bowling Green State University, and the University of Michigan. Known for his versatility, Stefan is a regular performer with numerous orchestras across Michigan, on both bass and tenor trombone, and is also a frequent chamber music and recital artist. He is the bass trombonist with the award-winning Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra, based in Detroit. Stefan currently lives in East Lansing, MI, with his lovely and talented wife, TFO violist Dilek Engin Stolarchuk.
Dr. Clara Christian is Associate Professor of Music and Piano Program Director at College of the Ozarks. Her students have won state and national awards, and many go on to graduate school or careers in teaching. Christian previously taught at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Northwestern University’s Music Academy. Dr. Christian has performed throughout the U.S., in St. Petersburg, Russia, and in Strasbourg, France. She received her D.M.A from Northwestern University, her M.M. from the Peabody Institute, and her B.M. from Wheaton College. Recent performances include a solo appearance with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra and premiering commissions for her trio “Fuse.”
Piano
Percussion
Daniel Jarrett is entering his 5th years as Director of Bands for the Branson Public Schools and 7th year of teaching Instrumental Music. He oversees the Branson Band Program and teaches Marching Band, Symphonic Band, two Jazz Bands, and three Percussion courses. When he’s not teaching he enjoys cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. Daniel loves the opportunity to make music with the musicians of TFO in the summer and always enjoys the camaraderie of the orchestra!
Saxophone
Dr. Neal Postma is a saxophonist based in South Carolina where he enjoys a multi-faceted music career. In addition to being an active performer and pedagogue, he works in arts administration as the president of a national single reed conference and in music business. As an educator, Neal currently serves on the faculties of Winthrop University and Claflin University where he teaches saxophone, clarinet, and music appreciation and directs chamber ensembles. Neal frequently performs as a soloist, with chamber groups and with orchestras and has given performances at Walt Disney Hall, Music China, CCM, and multiple World Saxophone Congresses. Neal is a Yamaha Performing Artist, Key Leaves Endorsing Artist, and D’Addario Woodwinds Artist and Clinician.
Recorder
Trevor Stewart serves as Principal Clarinet of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, NAVO Chamber Orchestra, and the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. He also performs as a recorder player in the Kansas City Baroque Consortium. Stewart is the Instructor of Clarinet at Missouri Western State University, a private educator, and a clinician. He has performed with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, the Missouri Symphony, the Fort Smith Symphony, the Conway Symphony Orchestra, and the Interlochen Philharmonic. He earned a Master of Music degree in Clarinet Performance and an Artist’s Certificate from the UMKC Conservatory.
2021 Season Schedule
TFO All-Star Soloists
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 7:30 PM • CHAD A. FUQUA MEMORIAL PARK 312 ESPLANADE DR, HOLLISTER
Long-time members of the TFO introduce themselves and perform solo works for their instruments. This intimate concert is a fun way to get to know our individual musicians.
Johan Halvorsen Passacaglia for violin and viola Pam Davis - violin Peter Dutilly - viola (1864-1935) Sam Copeland Love Letters
Liz Copeland - cello
Natalie Moller ...et la bête for Solo Violin Sophia Han - violin
Gaspar Cassadó Suite for Solo Cello III. Intermezzo e Danza Finale Daniel Yung - cello
Philippe Hersant Niggun Andi Bragie - bassoon (b. 1948) Stacey Berk Myths for Solo Oboe IV. Arachne (b. 1970)
Victoria Lee - oboe
Mike Block Blue Danube in Budapes Daron Kirsch - cello
Hans Fryba Suite Im Alden Stil for solo bass (1899-1986) Sam Copeland - bass Adolphus Hailstork Bassoon Set Mark Lauer - bassoon (b. 1941) Barry Cockcroft Kuku
Neal Postma - saxophone
FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 7:30 PM • CHAD A. FUQUA MEMORIAL PARK 312 ESPLANADE DR, HOLLISTER
MUSIC BY MONTGOMERY, BACH, & MENDELSSOHN Jessie Montgomery’s Strum celebrates the American spirit in this rousing work for string orchestra. It’ll get us in the dancing mood for Bach’s 4th Brandenburg Concerto, featuring soloists Erik Hassell (violin), Trevor Stewart (recorder), and Larkin Sanders (recorder). Finally, Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony invokes images of the Scottish Highlands in our own picturesque scene at Fuqua Park.
Jessie Montgomery Strum Johann Sebastian Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 (1685-1750) I. Allegro II. Andante III. Presto Featuring Erik Hassell, violin; Trevor Stewcart, recorder; Larkin Sanders, recorder INTERMISSION Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3 “Scottish” (1809-1847) I. Andante con moto; Allegro un poco agitato II. Vivace non troppo III. Adagio IV. Allegro vivacissimo; Allegro maestoso assai
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 7:30 PM • CHAD A. FUQUA MEMORIAL PARK 312 ESPLANADE DR, HOLLISTER
As you might have guessed, the music on this program was all composed by musicians who are alive today! Many of them will even be in attendance. This concert is a great way to experience music-making from start to finish.
Caroline Shaw (b. 1982)
Blueprint
Joshua Burel
Elegy for Solo Oboe, Beneath the Peddler’s Moon (2020)
Valerie Coleman (b. 1970)
Zachary Montasser - violin Nate Bliton - viola
Johnum Palado - violin Daniel Yung - cello
Jenna Sehmann - oboe
Rubispheres I. II. III.
John Ross - flute Alexandra Doyle - clarinet Mark Lauer - bassoon
Lydia Busler-Blias (b. 1969) Alexander Lee (b. 1993) Dai Fujikura (b. 1977) Larkin Sanders (b. 1987) Mark Mellits (b. 1966)
Appalachia (1992) Lauren Harding - horn
to give the weeds a chance to grow (2019) Victoria Lee - oboe Alexandra Doyle - bass clarinet Andi Bragiel - bassoon
Larkin Sanders - clarinet Neal Postma - saxophone
Poyopoyo Andrew Sehmann - horn
This is my isolation song
Daniela Volkovinsky - flute Kelly Rhode - violin
Black for two bassoons
Mark Lauer - bassoon
Larkin Sanders, clarinet Nate Bliton - viola Andi Bragiel - bassoon
Our Favorite Pieces
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 7:30 PM • CHAD A. FUQUA MEMORIAL PARK 312 ESPLANADE DR, HOLLISTER
Musicians have bucket lists just like everyone else. This concert is a way to check off some of those musical bucket list items. What kind of music do musicians like? Come find out!
Marion Bauer (1882-1955)
Duo for Oboe and Clarinet, Op. 25 I. Prelude II. Improvisation III. Pastoral IV. Dance Jenna Sehmann - oboe
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Brahms string sextet Op. 18 No. 1 I. Allegro ma non troppo. Roshelle Pekarek - violin Nate Bliton - viola Liz Copeland - cello
A Musical Joke, K. 522 I. II. IV.
Lauren Harding - horn Gus Fernandez - violin Kathy Murray- viola Evan Spieker - bass
Svante Henryson (b. 1963) Louise Farrenc (1804-1875)
Alexandra Doyle - clarinet
Off Pist
Neal Postma - saxophone
Mary Hubbard - violin Peter Dutilly - viola Amy Fear - cello
Andrew Sehmann - horn Travis Myers - violin Daron Kirsch - cello
Daron Kirsch - cello
Nonet in E-flat major, Op. 38 (for strings and winds) II. Andante con moto I. Adagio—Allegro III. or IV John Ross - flute Larkin Sanders - clarinet Lauren Harding - horn Peter Dutilly - viola Adam Bernstein - bass
Victoria Lee - oboe Andi Bragiel - bassoon Erik Hassell - violin Daniel Yung - cello
FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 7:30 PM • CHAD A. FUQUA MEMORIAL PARK 312 ESPLANADE DR, HOLLISTER
MUSIC BY SAINT-GEORGE, STRAVINSKY, & BEETHOVEN
Our final concert of the season features two composers you probably already know and love, and one that you’re about to add to your list! Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George composed in the classical style (like Mozart) but was born to a plantation owner and his African slave, making him the first known classical composer of African ancestry. With Pulcinella, Stravinsky looked back to the classical period (his “neoclassical” period) by piecing together works by composers such as Pergolesi and Gallo. Finally, we’ll close the concert with one of Beethoven’s masterworks, his “Pastorale” Symphony, which depicts scenes from the countryside. Could there be a better way to close our 10th Anniversary Season?
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1739-1799) Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Symphony No. 2 I. Allegro Presto II. Andante III. Presto Pulcinella Suite I. Sinfonia II. Serenata III. Scherzino – Allegretto – Andantino IV. Tarantella V. Toccata VI. Gavotta (con due variazioni) VII. Vivo VIII. Minuetto – Finale
INTERMISSION Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale” I. Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside - Allegro ma non troppo II. Scene by the brook - Andante molto mosso III. Merry gathering of country folk - Allegro IV. Thunder, storm - Allegro V. Shepherd’s song. Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm - Allegretto
Sponsor
TFO MUSICIANS OR CONCERT PRODUCTION
As you know, our concerts are free and open to the public. We want to keep it that way, but concerts are expensive! Chair and Production Sponsorship will help us compensate our musicians who travel from all over the country and the world for their hard work. Do you have a favorite instrument or an aspect of musical production that is near and dear to your heart? Is your business looking for the perfect 501(c)(3) organization to make a donation? Check out our many options for sponsorship, and thank you for helping us bring beautiful music to our beautiful Ozark Mountains! Thank you to our generous sponsors for making it possible for the TFO to bring classical music to the area!
$5,000 STAFF SPONSORS Anonymous $2,500 COMMUNITY LEADER Herschend Family Foundation $501-$1,000 TERRIFIC FRIENDS OF THE ORCHESTRA Pete Marcellus Facebook Giving Tuesday fundraiser Jack and Sherry Herschend $500 PROGRAMMING SPONSORS Marcia Schemper-Carlock and Robin Carlock Adele and Marvin Groote Jared and Tara Herschend Mary Graham Herschend Family Foundation Ed and Mary Lou Garrison $250 SUSTAINING PARTNER Cheryl Campbell and Jim Stegall Gwen and David Smith Thia and Warren Schuller $200 CHAIR SPONSORS Karyn Bueker Wisener Fred and Faye Pfister Jim and Jennifer Justus Darrah Hassell
$15-$150 FRIEND SPONSORS Cindy and Billy Nevins Jayme Burchett Shirley Bueker Pollye Tharp Lincoln Steve and RaeAnne Presley Phil and Linda Endicott Dana Freeman Nick Susi Joel and Tenille Neff Jeff Carlson Margaret Marcos Keith Poling Chet and Theresa Block Cathy Freeman Lucy Johnson Anonymous Jeanne Legge Nina Grayson RAFFLE DONATIONS Burgers’ Smokehouse Central Bank Hollywood Wax Museum
VENUES First Presbyterian Church Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park MEALS Jim and Jenifer Justus Pam and Dwight Davis Patti and Sandy Sanders Faye Pfister Peter Marcellus Burgers’ Smokehouse
Memorial Donations In memory of Phillis Rollins Larry and Esther Rollins JR and Delores Rollins Susan Levy Sarah Bowman William and June Holman Frank and Celia Rollins Anita Hunter Donna Ellis Shirley and Michael Curley David Meier Jan and Kenneth Bowman Kay Cloud Sally Harrison Miyoshi Gardner Sam Rollins Tyler and Kelly Robertson Sandy and Patti Sanders
“Phyllis loved to hear the TFO play. She was a long time supporter of the arts.”
In memory of Fred Pfister Faye Pfister Gordon and Barbara Proctor Paulette and John Swaffar Jayme Burchett Janessa Hall Marcia Schemper-Carlock Sandy and Patti Sanders
“Fred always looked so forward to TFO. He especially enjoyed hosting Theresa Britt and Marissa Olin for several years.”
Memorial Donations
In memory of Meredith Mizell Faye Pfister Sandy and Patti Sanders
In memory of Celeste Campbell Sandy and Patti Sanders
In memory of Morris F. Burger Sandy and Patti Sanders
In memory of Greg Davis
Pam and Dwight Davis
In memory of Joe Risser
Nina Graysonin
In memory of Gloria Bueker Jessup
Sandy and Patti Sanders
In Memory Of
Each of them, in their own way, contributed significantly to TFO and its mission. We shall be forever grateful to all of them.
Americanna Magness
Americanna Magness was one of the TFO’s best friends. She was one of the first community members that we reached out to when the TFO was just an idea, and she served as a board member for 9 years. We’ll always be grateful to Americanna for helping us make TFO a reality.
Nancy Dygert
Nancy Dygert played harp for the orchestra during its first two seasons and was a faithful host family for all of the previous 8 seasons of the TFO. We were lucky to have a friend and musician like Nancy Dygert.
Host Families
Without our host families, TFO would not be possible! Thank you to these generous folks who have played the most important role in our efforts to bring beautiful music to our beautiful lake and the Ozark Mountains. Sal and Susan Arriatta Cheryl Campbell Pam and Dwight Davis James Dodds Nina Grayson Marietta and Darin Hagan Mary Holmes Alzora Hooker Daniel Jarrett Jae and Debbie Jones Redford
Jim and Jennifer Justus JC and Janice Lawton Peter Marcellus Ted, Kathy, and Luke Martin Ester and Sean McGuire Tenille and Joel Neff Patti and Sandy Sanders Jodie and Harry Styron Deneen and Scott Wuest
Special Thanks to: First Presbyterian Church for allowing us to use their space for rehearsals, Southern Missouri Arts Connection for sponsoring Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park as the concert venue home for our tenth anniversary season, to all of our host families for making our guest musicians comfortable, as well as all of our sponsors and everyone who works year round to make TFO possible!
Mission & Vision The TFO provides free classical music concerts and educational programs that serve the central Ozarks. We believe that anyone can enjoy classical music performances when programs are presented in casual, educational, and accessible atmospheres.
Contribute
At the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra, we always appreciate donations and other contributions.
LOOKING FOR WAYS TO HELP OUT? CONSIDER THESE OPTIONS: Host a Musician Have the Orchestra Over for Dinner Provide Snacks Sponsor a Musician Sponsor a Production
For more information visit our website at: www.taneycomofestivalorchestra.org Taneycomo Festival Orchestra Branson, MO www.taneycomofestivalorchestra.org taneycomofestivalorchestra@gmail.com