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Island Sinfonia conductor says farewell by CALI BAGBY Staff reporter
Whether in a school on Kodiak Island or conducting Island Sinfonia, Ned Griffin has a simple philosophy – love what you are doing. “I would not enjoy rehearsal if I didn’t feel the orchestra was enjoying it and enjoying the music we play,” he said. Because of that joy, it was difficult to make the decision to retire after this season for personal reasons. He and his wife are avid travelers who love hiking and cycling. “We want to travel while we still can,” said Griffin, who is nearing 70. “But it will be hard to leave Sinfonia.” You can see Griffin and the 24-person ensemble, from islands in the San Juan archipelago, that makes up
Island Sinfonia on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. at Orcas Center. Admission is by donation. For more info, call 468-4422. Griffin and his wife retired to Shaw Island in 2007. They had been educators in a two-teacher school on Kodiak Island. He joined Island Sinfonia as a trombonist almost immediately after moving to Shaw. For four seasons, Griffin happily played with his fellow musicians. When conductor Jack Lynch was ready to move on, Griffin was asked to take on the task. He agreed to take on the job. One of the favorite parts of his new position was choosing the music and exploring “lesser known works by mainstream composers and mainstream works by lesser known composers.” Griffin describes himself as enjoying classical music
so much it’s really the only music that comes through his ears – not because he dislikes other genres but because classical is simply his favorite. Although when he picks music for Sinfonia he does not put his preferences first. “Number one I think, ‘What would the orchestra like?’ Number two I look at the number of people in our organization and the types of instruments they have,” he said. “I have to be aware of what can we do. I also know they enjoy a challenge.” As conductor, Griffin also adds a bit of “theater” into each concert. He always plans for the most “amusing,” “rousing” or “barn burner” piece to come at the end of the show. “People take away from concert the last piece they heard,” he said. After Griffin retires at the end of the season, Orcas Islander and longtime Sinfonia member Jim Shaffer-Bauck will be the new director. Griffin describes him as “multi-talented.” Shaffer-Bauck also conducts the Orcas Island Community Band. Griffin added that he has total faith in ShafferBauck’s abilities, but will be available for help. “I want to be there if he needs me,” said Griffin.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 • The Islands’ Sounder
CALENDAR APRIL ONGOING PIZZA NIGHT: Doe Bay pizza night benefits the Orcas Animal Shelter throughout April.
WEDS., APRIL 16 CISCOE MORRIS: At Orcas Island Garden Club, 10 a.m., in the theater at Orcas Center. Everyone welcome. For more information see www.orcasislandgardenclub.org. OIFR OPEN HOUSE: Eastsound Fire Station, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tour the station and talk with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue staff. FILM SHOWING: “Of Gods and Men,” 7:30 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall. This French film is about a monastery of Tibhirine, where nine monks lived in harmony with the largely Muslim population of Algeria. Seven of them were kidnapped and assassinated during the Algerian Civil War.
FRI., APRIL 18 CHERRY POINT DISCUSSION:
“Visions of Xwe’chi’eXen (Cherry Point): Our Collective Sacred Obligation,” 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall. Lummi tribal members Jay Julius and Jewell James discuss the proposed Cherry Point coal terminal.
SAT., APRIL 19 EASTER EGG HUNT: Orcas
Island Lion’s Club Easter Egg Hunt is at Camp Orkila, 10 a.m. All are welcome to this free, fun filled event for kids ages 0 to 12. Park in the upper parking area and follow the signs to the event.
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FRIENDS OF MORAN VOLUNTEER DAY: Kick off volunteer meet-
ing for the upcoming season at the Tower, Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m., Orcas Library Conference room. New and established volunteers encouraged to come. FAUN FABLES: Faun Fables sings pioneer songs of love and laughter and terror, 8 to 10 p.m., Random Howse, $10 at the door. FAMILY HISTORY GENEALOGY:
Free class at Orcas Library, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A laptop is helpful. Call Doris McDonald at 376-2540 for questions.
SUN., APRIL 20
DEER HARBOR EASTER EGG HUNT: From 1 to 3 p.m.
Easter Egg Hunt for children 12 and under, held on the lawns of the Deer Harbor Inn located on Deer Harbor Rd. Special gold eggs for each age group. FILM SHOWING: “Strangers in Good Company,” 7 to 9 p.m., Indralaya Library, free. The film is about eight women who get stranded in the country when their bus breaks down. This film is part of a small, free festival that runs every Sunday night in April, 7 p.m.
UNTIL APRIL 22 GRANNY’S ATTIC DONATIONS:
Drop off items Tuesdays until April 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Orcas Senior Center. To donate furniture, call Jane at 376-2677.
WEDS., APRIL 23
ORCAS MEDICAL FOUNDATION MEETING: Orcas Center 6:30-
8:30 p.m. Desserts, conversation, meeting, and guest speaker Camille Fleming of Orcas Medical Center.
FRI., APRIL 25 OSO MUDSLIDE RELIEF: Chinese dinner fundraiser at the American Legion, 5-9 p.m. Adult $15, child $7. Will deliver in Eastsound from 4-6 p.m.; prepaid tickets only, call 376-5354.
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MON. – ONGOING
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TUES. – ONGOING AA FOR WOMEN: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Benson Hall, Emmanuel Church. AA FOR MEN: 7-8 p.m. Benson Hall, Emmanuel Church. KIWANIS: Tuesdays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Community Church Family Center.
WEDS. – ONGOING ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Benson Hall, Emmanuel Church. LIONS CLUB: Weekly lunch, 11:45 a.m., Legion. ANSWERS IN THE HEART: An S.L.A.A. 12 step recovery group, Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m., Benson Hall, Episcopal Church, Eastsound. Open meeting. Info: slaa@centurytel.net.
THURS. – ONGOING AL-ANON: 5:30 p.m., Benson Hall, Emmanuel Church. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: 5:30 p.m., Orcas Longhouse, 236 Prune Aly, Eastsound. LIBRARY STORY TIMES: 11 a.m., Library children’s room, for ages three-six. For more info, visit www. orcaslibrary.org.
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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 - 9 a.m. & 7 p.m., Benson Hall, Emmanuel Church. Last Saturday of the month, AA potluck, Parish Hall, 5:30 p.m. LIBRARY STORY TIMES: 11 a.m., Library children’s room. For more info, visit www.orcaslibrary.org.