Overture Newsletter

October 2018

Overture ISSUE 02

2018/2019 season

Newsletter of the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur

David Cook and Alexandria Rodriguez, featured page 6

Masterworks II An American Portrait: Music of Bernstein, Copland and Ives Saturday, October 20, 2018 | Kirkland Fine Arts Center

w elco m e We are so grateful for all the continuing, faithful Guild members who are back with us for the new Season, and we welcome the 31 new members who have joined us.

Your membership represents your support and approval of the work of the Guild, the quality of music you’re enjoying, and demonstrates that the Symphony is certainly a treasure for Decatur and Millikin. Continue encouraging your family and friends to attend the Masterworks concerts, so they can see for themselves all that the Symphony offers.

September opened with a flurry of activity for the Symphony and Guild. I hope many of you attended the Labor Day Pops Concert, which was made possible because of the generous gift from Ramona Borders, in honor of Dr. Sergey Bogza’s third year with the Symphony.

Many of the Guild’s sponsored programs also started with a bang in September. The Decatur Youth Symphony has begun auditions for students in grades 8-12, and 32

students are taking private lessons.

The Instrument Loan Library is also ready for the new year, with many instruments that have been lovingly refurbished and are waiting to get in the hands of students again.

Check with your student’s Music Director for more details about these Guild-sponsored music education programs.

This is just a sample of the programing that awaits you in the year ahead. We are a working Board, bringing music and musical experiences to all ages. Visit our website, decaturorchestra.com for up-to-date concert and ticket information, and to learn how to become a member of the Guild.

Thanks to each your support.

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Linda Arends President, Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur

Fro m th e co n d u cto r Ian Greenlaw baritone soloist symphonic character. “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story manages to be both “serious” and “popular”, and the same can be said of Bernstein himself, a man who skillfully managed to live on Broadway and in symphony halls simultaneously.

Celebrating American Music - music of Bernstein, Copland, and Ives!

As Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday approaches, a two-year global celebration is under way. With over 2,000 performances of his music already scheduled, The MillikinDecatur Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to join the festivities with a program featuring Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story, and “Overture” to Candide.

Like so much of Bernstein’s output, these pieces are accessible and attractive, and continue to be among his most popular concert pieces. Shortly after West Side Story opened on Broadway, Bernstein asked his trusted colleagues (Irv and Sid) to orchestrate a suite based on the ballet music from the West Side Story. Not restricted by limited instrumentation of a pit orchestra, Irv and Sid, under !

Bernstein supervision, created a masterpiece! The brass and wind section expanded, percussion section multiplied in size and scope, and the string section could now be subdivided into numerous parts.

Now the Broadway music that every theater-goer loved, could be heard in a concert hall orchestrated with

Also on the program is Charles Ives’ Variations on America (originally for organ and later transcribed for full symphony by William Schuman), and Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs. Initially arranged and published as a set of 5 songs for piano and voice (later transcribed for chamber orchestra), Copland later noted, “Everyone seemed to enjoy singing and hearing Old American Songs so much, that I decided to arrange a second set”.

The baritone soloist is the American baritone Ian Greenlaw, and new faculty member at Millikin School of Music. His career highlights include a Metropolitan Opera debut as the Theater Manager in Poulenc’s Les mamelles de Tirésias, furthered by other roles at the Metropolitan, including Moralès in Carmen, Fléville in Andrea Chénier, and Harlekin in Ariadne auf Naxos.

Join me for a night of celebration of those who helped shape America’s music!

See you at the Symphony,

Dr. Sergey Bogza Music Director and Conductor

slei g h b ells r i n g co m e a n d listen h o li day ga la Friday, November 30 Country Club of Decatur Please join co-chairs Kathy Brown and Carol Tyler for the Symphony Orchestra Guild’s annual holiday fundraiser.

Following an elegant multicourse dinner and dynamic live auction, Terry Brennan and Friends will entertain with delightful dance music.

New this year, “Caps and Corks” is a silent bidding opportunity for special wines and brews.

Reservations can be made by contacting the Decatur Area Arts Council at 217.423.3189.

For more information, visit decaturorchestra.com Funds raised from this event support the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra and the Decatur Youth Symphony, provide music scholarships, and support music education. Event sponsored by Neuhoff Media, WAND, and Herald & Review.

2018/2019 season

m asterwo r ks I I An American Portrait: Music of Bernstein, Copland and Ives

By Dr. Katherine Leo Assistant Professor of Music Musicology Coordinator

A perennial question among listeners and scholars alike has been what makes American music distinctly ‘American.’ We often turn to composers such as Ives, Copland, and Bernstein as authentic representatives of a rich musical tradition, not simply because they were born in the U.S., but because of their careers, influences, and the soundscapes they portrayed. Often referred to as “Fathers of American Music,” these composers found harmony in the cultural, political, and social experiences of twentieth-century American life.

Ives, Copland, and Bernstein sought innovative ways to blend art music otherwise dominated by Europeans with styles heard and performed among local American communities. Their music is often imagistic, depicting places across the United States. For Ives, this meant incorporating patriotic songs and hymns sung in New England with more radically modernist compositional procedures, as heard in pieces such as “Putnam’s Camp, Redding Connecticut” from Three Places in New England. Copland and Bernstein incorporated American folk tunes and popular songs, often drawing from the vivacious rhythms of jazz. Copland’s beloved Appalachian Spring, for example, features the shaker tune, “Simple Gifts,” and the composer’s own wide harmonic voicings intended to evoke the expansive American landscape. Bernstein used similar techniques in West Side Story, combining radical modernism with jazz and Latin dance rhythms to recast Romeo and Juliet in the multicultural cityscape of mid-century New York City.

“Perhaps one thing these composers have in common, however, is that they turn to the American landscape and its people to find the unique sound of our nation.”

Comparisons between these, and other, compositions by Ives, Copland, and Bernstein highlight the variety of musical styles that can be recognized as ‘American.’ These composers are furthermore joined by a larger and more diverse group of musicians that continue to shape and interpret ‘American’ music into the present day. Perhaps one thing these composers have in common, however, is that they turn to the American landscape and its people to find the unique sound of our nation.

“To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.”

Leonard Bernstein

a b o ut th e cover David Cook and Alexandria Rodriguez

David Cook, DMA Assistant Professor of Clarinet, Millikin University and Principal Clarinet, Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, and his wife, Alexandria Rodriguez, adjunct instructor of music and Preparatory Department Coordinator at Millikin, took time to visit with the SOGD to share a little about themselves.

What attracted you to Millikin?

David: I was most interested in Millikin because my own teaching philosophy aligns very much with the University’s emphasis on Performance Learning. Simply put, I believe that students get better at the clarinet by playing the clarinet; one can easily expand this to the more all-encompassing “we get better by doing.”

Who inspires you?

David: I often find myself paraphrasing or putting my own spin on advice and suggestions that my former teachers have imparted on me. Beyond that, my students are a great source of motivation for me to continue to grow and improve as a musician.

Alex: Since arriving at Millikin, I have felt so inspired by the people who surround me – students, colleagues, everyone! I have been challenged to better myself as a teacher, performer, and community member.

J o i n us

What do you like best about your work?

Both: We like the multifaceted nature of our work at Millikin. Besides working with clarinet students at the University and through the Preparatory Department, David also teaches music theory courses and has the opportunity to perform with the MDSO. Similarly, Alex teaches courses both within and outside the School of Music at Millikin, performs as a freelance flutist, and serves as the Preparatory Department Coordinator in the School of Music.

What are you excited to do while at Millikin and in Decatur?

David: I am thrilled to have the chance to perform with my colleagues and students on a regular basis in the MDSO. Making music with others is one of my greatest passions, particularly when my collaborators on stage are also dear friends. I also plan to continue my projects commissioning new musical compositions from a number of composers and hope perform these pieces and others in the Decatur community.

Alex: I am so thankful to live in a place with such an active and vibrant music community. It is so refreshing to have the opportunity to play regularly in addition to teaching.

m i lli ki n cha m b er o rch estra Millikin Chamber Orchestra is an all student ensemble initiated in the fall of 2016, with “Phantom of the Opera” as its debut performance. Originating with Dr. Sergey Bogza, the student orchestra is the first of its kind for Millikin. “I felt that it was important for the future of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (MDSO) that students be part of a student-only ensemble, in order to provide them with growth in leadership and enhanced fellowship,” Dr. Bogza said. “In the past, students had limited opportunities to expand such leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. Now they combine these skills by interconnecting audiences with artistry.”

Ranging in size between 2040 students per performance, Millikin’s Chamber Orchestra is a rarity for smaller liberal arts colleges. However, it lends itself well to Millikin’s performance learning philosophy, while building confidence in the students, who also play in the MDSO. “As confidence in the students grows, it makes MDSO better,” said Dr. Bogza.

Please consider joining the membership of the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur.

Membership in the Guild supports the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, the Decatur Youth Orchestra, and music in Decatur schools.

Name____________________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________________ Email___________________________________________ Ph0ne__________________________ Make checks payable to & mail to: The Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, c/o 651 W. Karen Ct., Decatur IL 62526

Choose your membership level: Ivory Baton Circle $30 - $59 Silver Baton Circle $60 - $119 Gold Baton Circle $120 - $249 Conductor's Circle $250 - $499 President's Circle $500 - $999 Orchestra Circle $1,000 and up

ed u cati o n DYSO: In their own words How I Spent My Summer Vacation “I was offered a contract and performed on a 5-week tour with Legends Drum & Bugle Corps. I traveled to 11 states performing in 16 competitions with the 146 member Corps. Legends is an Open Class member of Drum Corps International (DCI) and earned Open Class World Championships as Bronze Medalist in 2017 and 2016. DCI World Championships Semifinalist in 2017, 2016 and 2015.”

Cooper Kane, trumpet, grade 12, Maroa-Forsyth High School, scholarship winner 2017 “I participated in the Illinois Summer Youth Music program, Senior Symphony Orchestra, and had a great experience as principal cello of a large ensemble, preparing 3 difficult pieces and leading the cello section both in rehearsals and in concert. I also participated in the 3 week-long summer music camp Credo/ Oberlin, where I played Beethoven’s String Quartet op. 59 no. 1. I had daily rehearsals and coachings, many performances, as well as frequent work in community projects. Also, I learned how to play and blend in a small ensemble, and learned how to share the gift with members of the community.”

Miruna Eynon, cello, grade 10, homeschool, 1st won scholarship in 2015

“I participated in the Illinois Summer Youth Music program, Junior Symphony Orchestra, where I was selected 5th chair in the viola section. It was a great experience for me playing in a large, competitive ensemble. I also played trombone over the summer with the Greater Decatur Youth Band, gaining experience with playing band music outdoors.”

Gedrych Eynon, violin, grade 7, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, scholarship winner 2018 “I have been a Symphony Guild scholarship winner for several years in a row. This summer I did a lot of band related events. I was an intern for the Decatur Municipal Band. I was also the drum major and intern for the Summer Band under the direction of Dr. Smith. I also received regularly scheduled private lessons. I used my summer to better my skills and really figuring out my future career as a Music Educator.”

Maleka Hames, clarinet/bassoon, grade 12, Warrensburg-Latham High School, scholarship winner 2016 “I actually had an incredibly busy summer! I had the chance to participate in many great musical opportunities.

This was my third year in percussion with Greater Decatur Youth Band, my first year in marching band camp and drumline camp with MacArthur High School, and my first year at First Gig where I decided to focus on my second love, the bass guitar. In addition to my musical fun I also taught K/1 at Musicamp, which is my church’s version of Vacation Bible School, went on my class trip to Washington, DC and was a teen volunteer st Scovill Zoo.” Nick Hamilton, percussion, grade 9, MacArthur High School

Millikin Chamber Orchestra Live with Film Sat Nov 3, 2:00pm & 7:30pm | Avon Theatre Tickets: $10 balcony, $15 main floor Transport yourself to the early days of film with the Millikin Chamber Orchestra providing live accompaniment to the classic 1921 silent film, The Kid. As the first full-length feature film to be both directed and starred by Charlie Chaplin, The Kid introduces Chaplin’s essential role as The Tramp, who finds an orphan that will later become his partner in crime. Will the police capture these minor criminals?

Will the orphan find his birth parents? Join us to find out!

DYSO Winter Concert A Winter Concert of traditional classical music and will feature the DYSO percussion ensemble and the DYSO string ensemble, coached by Aaron Villareal and Amy Catron respectively.

Join us at Central Christian on Monday, Nov. 19th at 7pm. Free and open to the public.

Music has a power of forming the character, and should therefore be introduced into the education of the young.

Aristotle

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P.O. Box 1541 Decatur, Illinois 62525

dec

Advent Service, Millikin Chamber Orchestra Sunday, December 9, 10:30 am | Central Christian Church Masterworks III, Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Young Artists Saturday, February 2, 7:30 pm | Kirkland Fine Arts Center

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Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid, Millikin Chamber Orchestra Live with Film Saturday, November 3, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm | Avon Theater

Masterworks IV, Resurrection Symphony: Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 Saturday, March 2, 7:30 pm | Kirkland Fine Arts Center Sleeping Beauty with Alabama Ballet, Millikin Chamber Orchestra Saturday, March 30 Sunday, March 31 | Kirkland Fine Arts Center

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Masterworks II, An American Portrait: Music of Bernstein, Copland and Ives Saturday, October 20, 7:30 pm | Kirkland Fine Arts Center

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upcoming performances and events

Masterworks V, Dvorak’s New World Symphony and Amy Catron Saturday, April 13, 7:30 pm | Kirkland Fine Arts Center

Single tickets Kirkland Fine Arts Center Box Office | 217.424.6318 Guild events, & Membership information Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur | 217.877.2963

pr e-co n cert ta lks ser i es

Visit decaturorchestra.com for more information.

One hour prior to each Masterworks performance, concert goers are invited to attend informal pre-concert conversations to guide you through the music you are about to hear, providing an enlightening look at the repertoire and composers. Held in Kirkland’s lower lobby. Hosted

by Dr. Sergey Bogza.

Free Shuttle Service to Kirkland Events SOGD has made arrangements with Baldwin Shuttle to provide free round-trip shuttle service to seniors who would like to attend ticketed events at Kirkland. Call Baldwin Shuttle at 1-800-747-3593 to reserve your seat on the minibus. Baldwin will pick you up at your front door, and bring you to the front patio at Kirkland so you can catch your favorite shows.

Photo credits: Greg Fombelle: Cover, pages 2 & 7

a fterg low Mingle with Guild members and Dr. Sergey Bogza after each MDSO performance at Bizou, located at 259 N. Main St., Decatur, for appetizers, desserts, and wine.