Issuu

Holiday Pops

Symphony Experience

CONCERT COURTESY

We strive to provide the best possible listening experience. Please silence all phones and electronic devices before the performance begins. Cough drops, candy wrappers, or other noises can be distracting to musicians and fellow patrons. Out of tradition, applause is usually reserved for the end of a work rather than between movements — but if you are truly moved by the performance, don’t be afraid to show it!

FOOD & DRINK POLICY

Food and drinks are not permitted inside the auditorium or theatre. Water is allowed, but please avoid plastic bottles that may cause noise during the performance.

LOST & FOUND

Lost items may be claimed through the Rudder Theatre Complex office.

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair seating and accessibility accommodations are available. Please speak with an usher or contact us prior to the performance if assistance is needed.

SEATING

Concerts in the Rudder Theatre Complex are general admission by section. Season subscribers receive priority seating placement in the center front sections. Ushers will assist in guiding patrons to appropriate seating areas.

TICKETS

Tickets are non-refundable and nonexchangeable. If you are unable to attend, extra tickets may be left with the MSC Box Office to be given to Texas A&M students.

PARKING

Patrons may park in the University Center Garage (UCG), located directly across from the Rudder Theatre Complex, free of charge. Take a ticket from the machine upon entry; after the concert, the garage gates will be open for exit. If the gates are closed, press the help button at the exit kiosk, let them know you attended the Symphony, and the gates will be opened for you.

PRE-CONCERT RECEPTIONS

Join us an hour before each Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra performance at the Rudder Theatre Complex for a complimentary pre-concert reception. Enjoy light refreshments, a cash bar, and the chance to mingle with fellow patrons before the music begins.

CONTACT US

For questions or assistance, please contact the Symphony Office at 979-696-6100 or services@bvso.org

Thank You to Our Title Sponsors

Mike Connor

BVSS Board President

Howdy and welcome to Season 44 of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra!

Maestro Marcelo Bussiki has put together a wide variety of concerts this season, sure to please all musical tastes. From spooky Halloween numbers, to video game music, to the best of Broadway, this season has it all. Of course, there are also the traditional classical concerts with amazing guest artists, including our own Javier Chaparro and Elizabeth Lee, Bethany Clearfield, and the 2025 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist, Aristo Sham. In addition to the always-popular Holiday Pops Concert, this year, for the first time, the BVSO is joining forces with Ballet Brazos to present The Nutcracker.

A very special thanks to our season sponsors - College Station Hyundai, MercedesBenz of College Station, BMW of College Station, College Station Ford, Aggieland Chevrolet, and College Station Nissan. For the second year, this partnership continues to be a critical part of this season’s success. Thanks also to the Friends of the Symphony Orchestra, the Ham Family, the Rea Charitable Trust, The Plass Arts Foundation, Becky and B. Don Russell, The Wakefield Foundation, and The Clearfield Family for their generous support of individual concerts. The Youth Concerto Competition continues to be endowed by Tracy and Tamara Carter. In addition, the BVSO Endowment enables us to host new and innovative programs like Video Games Live.

We are also very grateful to have our new Executive Director, Renee Knox, on board. Many of you may already know her. Renee has been in Bryan-College Station for almost 20 years and is well connected to the arts community here. I hope you will take the opportunity to meet her at an upcoming concert and welcome her to the BVSO family. Many thanks to Sandra Castañon for keeping a steady hand on the wheel as the Executive Director for the past two years. We wish her nothing but the best in the next chapter of her life.

But most of all, thanks to you, our patrons, for your support of the BVSO. Whether this is your first time to attend a BVSO concert or you are a long-time season ticket holder, we appreciate your investment in this Brazos Valley treasure.

Warmest regards,

Mike Connor

BVSS Board President

Symphony Society Board

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mike Connor President

Benton Cocanougher President Elect

Andrew Wheeler

First Vice President

Sue Lee

Second Vice President

Martha Vilas Secretary

Don Hellriegel Treasurer

Marcelo Bussiki†

Music Director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Penny Zent Orchestra Chair

Renee Knox† Executive Director

Ryan Becker

Karen Bonarrigo

Blanche Brick

Mark Browning

Pierce Cantrell

Joe Cook† Communications Director

Letty Fuentes Orchestra Representative

Chuck Hermann

Cameron House

Tai Lee

Cathy Loving

Adam Mikeal Orchestra Representative

Scott Shafer

Marca Ewers-Shurtleff

Rod Thornton Gaines West

Jennifer Wood FASO President † Ex-Officio

Marcelo Bussiki

Music Director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Marcelo Bussiki is the music director/conductor of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. He is also the Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Blinn College. He has had a passion for music since his early years. Born in Cuiaba, capital of Mato Grosso State in Brazil, Bussiki left home at age 14 to study at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music in Rio de Janeiro. He continued his conducting studies under Maestro Roberto Duarte at Rio de Janeiro Federal University. Upon graduation, he was named music director of the orchestra of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, a position he held for six years. Bussiki was awarded knighthood in the Ordem de Merito de Mato Grosso in recognition of his pioneering work in cultural expansion and musical education. He received the title of Oficial, the highest honor that the executive power can confer upon an artist in Brazil.

Bussiki came to the United States in 1992 under a scholarship from the Brazilian government and studied at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. From 1994-1996, he directed that university’s New Music Ensemble, developing an extensive repertoire of modern and contemporary music. He received a doctorate of musical arts in conducting from the University of Houston in 1998.

During his tenure with the Brazos Valley Symphony, Bussiki has been in demand as a guest conductor in Texas and out of state. In September, 2002, he returned to his native Brazil under sponsorship from the Brazilian National Bank in Rio de Janeiro to conduct 15 performances of Gaetano Donizetti’s opera Viva la Mama, as well as other symphony concerts in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. In October 2001, he conducted a premiere performance of the Organ Concerto by vanguard U. S. composer Lou Harrison, featuring organist John Walker and the Carnegie-Mellon Percussion Ensemble, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Bussiki conducts several concerts a year at the International Festival Institute at Round Top, Texas. He was conductor for the International Guitar Festival in 2005, 2006, and again in 2016. In 2014, Bussiki was awarded the “Artist of the Year” honor by The Arts Council.

BRAZOS VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

2025-2026 SEASON

BACH TO TCHAIKOVSKY - SEP 21

A thrilling start to the season featuring virtuosic violin and cello performances across iconic musical eras.

DEAD SERIOUS: A HALLOWEEN CONCERT - NOV 2

A spine-tingling symphonic tale with mysterious narration and haunting orchestral works.

HOLIDAY POPS - DEC 14

A festive concert ﬁlled with brass fanfare, choral harmonies, and holiday joy.

VIDEO GAMES LIVE - JAN 25

An immersive journey through legendary video game soundtracks brought to life by a full orchestra.

FRESH VOICES AND IDEAS - FEB 22

An adventurous program spotlighting contemporary works and the premiere of a bold new BVSO commission.

VAN CLIBURN GOLD - MAR 8

A dazzling evening of classical brilliance with award-winning pianist Aristo Sham and a spirited orchestral lineup.

DEFYING GRAVITY: BLOCKBUSTER BROADWAY - APR 26

A high-energy tribute to Broadway’s greatest hits with unforge able songs and stellar Broadway vocals.

Tickets at MSC Box Oﬃce 979-845-1234

DEC 05

DEC 06

A Brazos Valley tradition since 2012

Concert Sponsors:

Becky & B. Don Russell and The Wakefield Foundation

Holiday Pops

Sunday, December 14, 2025 · 5:00pm Christ Church

Brazos Valley Symphony Brass and Percussion

Marcelo Bussiki, music director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Christ Church Sanctuary Choir and Canticle Bell Ringers

James Faith, director

Chris Davis, assistant director

Condy Carter, pianist

Jesse Novak, pianist

College Station High School Chorale and Purple Reign

Katy Zorn, director of choirs

Lisa Walston, pianist

Brenham Children’s Chorus

Jill Stewart, director

Simon Ruth, pianist

James Faith, organ

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Away In a Manger

I Saw Three Ships

Felix Mendelssohn

Arr. Mack Wilberg

William Kirkpatrick

Arr. Howard Helvey

English Christmas Carol

Arr. John Frederick Hudson

White Christmas Irving Berlin

Arr. Howard Helvey

O Holy Night

Adolphe Adam

Arr. Cynthia Dobrinski

Adoration Florence Price

Arr. David J. Miller

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme

J. S. Bach from Cantata No. 140

Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 582

Gloria In Excelsis

Arr. David J. Miller

J. S. Bach

Arr. David J. Miller

Dan R. Edwards

Pie Jesu

Ding Dong! Merrily On High

Traditional Latin

Arr. Victor C. Johnson

George Ratcliffe Woodward

Arr. Victor C. Johnson

Gaudete! Traditional 16th Century

Arr. Michael Engelhardt

Silent Night Franz Gruber

Arr. Jay Rouse

Masters in This Hall

Shalom aleichem

The Dreidel Boogie

Christmas Carol 19th Century

Arr. Mark Hayes / Lesley Zorn

Traditional Hebrew

Arr. Boris Pigovat

Traditional Hebrew

Arr. Ryan Meeboer

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays NSYNC

Arr. Roger Emerson

Joy to the World

The First Noel

“Hallelujah Chorus”

Sing Along

Attr. to G. F. Handel

Arr. Cathy and David Moklebust

Traditional Arr. Lloyd Larson

George F. Handel from Messiah Arr. Fred Mills

Guest Bios

James Faith, organ Director, Christ Church

James Faith serves as Executive Director of Congregational Life for Christ Church where he directs numerous choirs and ensembles, including the Sanctuary Choir, Youth Choirs and Canticle Bells. He began his tenure at the church in 2004 after having served as the Director of Music at First United Methodist in Granbury, Texas from 1997-2004.

Faith developed a passion for church music at an early age. He began his study of piano at age 8 and organ at 15. He continued his study of music at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, where he received a Bachelor of Church Music, concentrating in Organ Performance. Moving to Texas in 1996, James continued his education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he studied with Dr. Albert Travis. He completed his Masters of Music in Organ Performance in 1999.

James loves making music with choirs and instrumentalists of all ages. He also has a strong dedication to traveling with his choirs to share music in a wide variety of venues, from small rural churches, retirement homes and veteran’s hospitals to the National Cathedral in Washington DC. Faith is a sought-after organist,

performing with many local organizations and is honored to be a featured artist with the Brazos Symphony Orchestra, Texas A&M University Orchestra and the Brazos Valley Chorale.

James is married to his beautiful wife, Jill, and they have two amazing sons, Dalton and Andrew, ages 16 and 13 and one perfect dog, Lady Grace! He enjoys traveling the world with his family.

Katy Zorn Director of Choirs, CSHS

Katy Zorn is a passionate and dedicated choir director who has made an incredible impact at College Station High School since joining the faculty in the fall of 2022. A graduate of West Texas A&M University, Katy began her teaching career with eight years of experience at the junior high level before transitioning to high school. At College Station High School, she has quickly become known for her enthusiasm and commitment to growing the choral program.

Under her leadership, the program has flourished, expanding from 61 members to 125 students, with six performing ensembles. Katy is deeply invested in the growth of her students, not just musically, but also as individuals, and is passionate about bringing her choirs out into the

Guest Bios

community to share their talents and give back.

Her choirs have had the honor of performing regularly with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, were privileged to open for the worldrenowned group, Chanticleer, and most recently performed with Deke Sharon at Lincoln Center in New York City. Katy’s dedication to excellence has earned her recognition, as she was voted a CSISD Star Educator and selected as a finalist in the high school category for the 2025 Brazos Valley Educator’s Society Awards. Katy’s vision for the future of the program is to continue expanding its reach and impact, nurturing young talent, and inspiring a love of music in the College Station community and beyond.

Jill Stewart Director, Brenham Children’s Chorus

Jill Stewart has served as Artistic Director of the Brenham Children’s Chorus since 2017, though her involvement with the organization spans many years as both a chorus parent and an instructor for Karussell Kids and Singenspiel. She is also a longtime faculty member at Blinn College, where she has spent almost 29 years teaching Clarinet Performance

and Sight Singing and providing vocal coaching for the Blinn Theatre Department’s musical productions— occasionally performing onstage alongside her students.

Jill holds Bachelor of Music degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Education, as well as a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance, all from Texas Tech University. She has been the Principal Clarinetist of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra since 1999 and has appeared with numerous regional symphonies, chamber ensembles, pit orchestras, and musical theatre groups throughout Texas.

Jill’s greatest joy is her family: her husband, Brian, a retired band director, and their daughters—Allison, a Concept Artist and graduate of Texas A&M University’s School of Visualization, and Paige, a sophomore Theatre major at Blinn College.

Concert Roster

Brazos Valley Symphony Brass and Percussion

Marcelo Bussiki

Music Director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

HORN

John Craig Hubbard, Acting Principal

Katie Angielczyk

Stephen Wadenpfuhl

Michael Woodard

TRUMPET

Phil Scoles, Principal

Edgar Jaime

Colin Siege

Daniel Venglar

TROMBONE

Spencer Chapman, Acting Principal

Lance Laster

BASS TROMBONE

Michael Johnson

EUPHONIUM

Henry Otts

TUBA

Ethyn Evans, Principal

TIMPANI

Todd Quinlan, Principal

PERCUSSION

Sarah Burke, Principal

Gary Martin Percussion Chair

Patrick Slevin

Christ Church Sanctuary Choir and Canticle Bell Ringers

James

Faith Director

CHOIR MEMBERS

Jay Anderholm

Nena Armstrong

Christie Ashley

Janice Attaway

Cathy Barrow

Sandra Baxter

Al Bormann

Carey Boysen

Ben Bradshaw

Connie Bradshaw

Jerry Bradshaw

Lisa Brown

Allyson Butler

Sharon Camp

Carolyn Cannon

Condy Carter

Laura Cass

Sherry Caverlee

Becky Conley

Evy Cutshall

Dana Daniels

Chris Davis

Katie Davis

Russell Davis

Debbie DeFiore

Nina Deskin

Dori Doyle

Roger Durden

James Faith

Maggi Focke

Madalyn Frederick

Liz Gabriel

Coy Gammons

Laura Gelderd

Madison Glenn

Nancy Glover

Charles Gray

Laura Hafford

Tom Hafford

Lauren Hantla

Page Heller

Skip Heller

Claudia Holloway

Martha Huffman

Karen Jenkins

Minjee Kim

Robbie Lastrapes

Cathy Liles

Nan Matush

Janie McDougal

Bonnie McGee

Catherine McGuckin

Hal Medley

Gail Mills

Joel Mitchell

Karl Mooney

James Richardson

Linda Rinehart

Doni Roper

Teri Ross

Julie Sample

Polli Satterwhite

John Shaw

Sean Shields

Alan Shoalmire

Jennifer Shoalmire

Priscilla Smith

Ronnie Smith

Cindy Stitt

Sam Stitt

Kristi Stokes

Richard Talbert

Cary Tennis

Kay Villasana

Mark Villasana

Steve Vogt

Sandra Waller

Donna Welch

Karen West

Erin Wilhite

Kathy Wilson

Brian Wright

Kay Zook

Loren Zook

Concert Roster

CANTICLE BELL RINGERS

Lisa Brown

Allyson Butler

Jennifer Day

Mark Gabriel

Katherine Jahnke

Amanda Jons

Sue Kaiser

Cynthia Murphy

Bill Murphy

LeeAnn Nichols

Polli Satterwhite

Terri Shoemake

Karen Snowden

College Station High School Chorale and Purple Reign

Katy Zorn

Director

CHOIR MEMBERS

Abby Arnold

Brett Bowling

Henry Bradford

Sarah Ceballos

Ivy Courtwright

Matthew Curtis

Callie Ege

Sashah Elabd

Micah Field

Salvador Gomez

Zavala

Callie Howe

Noel Hromas

Bre Ihrig

Eve James

Gentry Kissmann

Brenham Children’s Chorus

Jill Stewart

Director

CHOIR MEMBERS

Connor Amelang

Mia Amelang

Helena Arellano

Norah Forman

Emma Forman

Thalia Granger

Emma Hefferly

Scarlett Herr

Audrey Hnatt

Codey Hnatt

Sophia Huffman

Jubilee Johnson

Adelina Kirsh

Marley Kocurek

Brin Ludwigson

Hadley Martin

Jerson Knoops

Martell

Emma Landry

Laila Langari

Josh Mathews

Anthony Moore

Jonas Motekaitis

Beth Nabors

Mia Ovalle

Jakob Perry-Aguirre

Jaren Pick

Houston Poole

Elizabeth Reeves

Gavin Tharp

Jet Tippett

Remi Tumlinson

Harley Urbanosky

Kailyn Witte

Kensi Zorn

Grayson Zorn

Colton Moore

Bonnie Pelley

Cora Ruemke

Gracie Shelton

Mya Shores

Kaelynn Soto

Sandy Supak

Gracie Thacker

Alexa Taylor

Julie Terry

Avery Turner

Thomas Upchurch

Ella Wilson

Brazos Valley Symphony Annual Fund

The Brazos Valley Symphony Society gratefully acknowledges the individuals whose generous financial commitments and unique forms of support make possible the continued growth of the Symphony’s artists, programs, and services.

Gifts to the BVSO Annual Fund provide the vital operating support that sustains our concerts, guest artists, and community outreach each season. These contributions bridge the gap between ticket sales and the true cost of presenting live symphonic music, ensuring that world-class performances, innovative education programs, and meaningful cultural experiences remain available to our community.

The following list recognizes those who have contributed to the Annual Fund as of December 3, 2025, in support of the Orchestra’s 44th season.

MAESTRO

($10,000+)

William & Nancy Benfer Charitable Trust

The Clearfield Family

SOLOIST ($5,000 - $9,999)

Extraco Banks

Cindy & Bruce Hamilton

Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra

The Ham Family Trust

Don Hellriegel

Becky & B. Don Russell

Sue Lee

CONCERTMASTER ($2,000 - $4,999)

Amarillo National Bank

Jan & Bill Johnson

PRINCIPAL ($1,000 - $1,999)

Dorothy Anderson

Sarah Ashburn

Fuller & Gloria Bazer

Ryan & Kari Becker

Paul & Karen Bonarrigo

Pierce Cantrell in Memory of Carol Cantrell

Benton Cocanougher

David & Joanne Claridge

Mike & Sheila Connor

Jane Flaherty

Charles & Lorraine Hermann

Jerry & Cathy Loving

Jo Monroe

John & Carol Nichols

Michael & Karen Pilant

Shirley Smith in Memory of Robert E. Smith

Robert & Katherine Thomas

Ellen & Penrod Thornton

Harvey Tucker in Memory of Sandra Tucker

Dean & Dorothy Wichern

Grant & Wendy Wolfe

David Woodcock in Memory of Valerie Woodcock

Rod and Penny Zent

PATRON ($500 - $999)

Robert & Blanche Brick

Marcelo Bussiki

Claude & Joanna Gibson

Janet Higgins

Dr. Michael J. King & Ms. Robin Altholz

Billy & Mary Jo Lay

Joyce Perkins

Susan Perri

Dave & Lou Ellen Ruesink

Mark & Carol Sadoski

Scott & Debe Shafer in Honor of Peggy Shafer

Carl Shafer

Bobby & Nita Smith

ANNUAL FUND CIRCLE ($50 - $499)

Carolyn Adair

Steve & Dorinda Arden

Rhonda Bauer

Mary Blackburn

Mark & Nancy Browning

Sandra da Conturbia

Brett & Olga Cooke

Donna Cote

Kim Feldman

Dr. Stephen Fulling

Anat & Nehemia Geva

Howard & Margaret Glueck

Phil & Zo Granberry

Tom & Linda Henry

Clifford & Alice Hoelscher

Cameron House

William Kennamore

Rodger Koppa

Dr. Roger & Mari Kuhnle

Drs. Laurine & William Marlow

Wener Rose

Nancy Small

Martha Vilas

Rand & Doris Watson

Eric & Julie Wilke

Ann Wiatt

Mary Williams

Dick & Linda Witherite

The Estate of Arthur Wolfe

Ann & Byron Stebbins

Connie Surrency

Dean Thompson

Harvey Tucker in Memory of Valerie Woodcock

Tom Vogel & Barbara Gastel

Mary J. Volz

Terry & Marilyn Wade

Shirley Watts

Thomas & Anne Wehrly

Video Games Live Jan. 25, 2026 | 5 PM

You don’t need to be a gamer to love this night of music and visuals. Featuring a full orchestra, massive screen projections, lighting effects, and beloved themes from blockbuster video games. This immersive concert is part symphony, part rock show – and all unforgettable.

Scan here to purchase tickets

Brazos Valley Symphony Endowment

A strong endowment provides lasting support for the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, ensuring world-class performances, music education, and cultural enrichment for generations to come. Endowments grow over time, creating a legacy of artistic excellence while extending the impact of generosity beyond a lifetime.

Contributions to the BVSO Permanent Endowment provide stability for the Orchestra. Chair Endowments help the Symphony engage and support exceptional musicians, sustaining the artistry that defines every performance. A chair may be endowed for a five-year term (starting at $25,000) or in perpetuity (starting at $50,000), and can be named in honor of a family member, friend, or admired individual or organization—making this a meaningful way to invest in the Symphony’s future.

For more information about supporting the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Endowment, whether through a planned or lifetime gift, please contact Renee Knox, Executive Director, at renee@bvso.org or 979-696-6100.

Pledged or received as of December 3, 2025

FOUNDERS ($100,000+)

Ruth Clearfield Memorial Fund

Larry and Mary Koeninger

Bert and Mary Loudon

Sue and J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

DIAMOND

Gary and Lynn Martin

Creighton Miller Concertmaster Chair

Creighton and Jeannie Miller

Bookman and Florence Peters

($50,000 - $99,999)

Tracy and Tamara Carter

Taylor and Cindy Craigen

The Hermann Family Flute Chair

Penelope Kosztolnyik and Joe Ham

Violin II Chair

PLATINUM

Gary Martin Percussion Chair

Carolyn McDaniel

Ward and Diane Wells Cello Chair

($25,000 - $49,999)

In Memory of Evelyn and Fred Anderholm

GOLD ($10,000 - $24,999)

Maestro Marcelo Bussiki

Carol and Pierce Cantrell

Chrissie and Jay Granberry

Lorraine and Chuck Hermann

The Coulter and Lily Rush Hoppess Foundation, Inc.

SILVER ($5,000 - $9,999)

Don and Pat Allen Rice

David and Joanne Claridge

Bonnie and Otway Denny

Gary and Judy Hart

Penelope Kosztolnyik and Joe Ham

Stephanie Sale and Jim Singleton

Charles and Cindy Still

Rose P. VanArsdel

Ward and Diane Wells

Wendy and Grant Wolfe

Clarinet Chair in honor of Dr. Arthur Wolfe Anonymous

Susan and Gaines West

Linda and Dick Witherite

Jan and Bill Johnson

Cathy and Jerry Loving

Joann Monroe

John and Carol Nichols

Joyce Nies and Peter Witt

Valerie and David Woodcock

Rodney and Penny Zent

Anonymous (2)

Carolyn McDaniel

Linda and Paul Parrish

Karen and Michael Pilant

Ellen and Penrod Thornton

Elizabeth and Bill Ward

Dorothy and Dean Wichern

Bronze

($1,000 - $4,999)

Steve and Lisa Aldrich

Bob and Dorothy Anderson

Jennifer and Chandler Arden in Memory of Valerie Woodcock

Alethea Bair-Sutherland

Briaud Financial Advisors

Jo Berg

Robert and Blanche Brick

Taylor and Cindy Craigen

Terrance and Stacy Dill and Family

Cydney Collier Donnell

John and Naomi Fackler

Warren and Mary Finch

Rainer and Tami Fink

Jan Folse

FRIEND (UP TO $999)

Sara Alpern

Kenneth and Kathi Appelt

Pat and Sarah Ashburn

Karen Bachman

Leonard and Nancy Berry

Carol and Doug Biggs

Brett and Alisa Boatner

Robert C. Borden

Leonard L. Bowden

Scott Ball and Janice Bradshaw

Lorence and Zora Bravenec

Karen Buck and Porscha Buck

Jack and Mary Campbell

Irwin and Claudia Carroll

Dara and Judith Childs

Charlotte Christman

Robert H. Clearfield

Franco and Sandra da Conturbia

Olga and Brett Cooke

Marian and Gus Cothran

The Dangott Family Trust

Mr. David Dellwo and Mrs. Nancy Inglis

Ronald and Barbara Douglas

Norma Dunn in Memory of Cindy Still

Billie Elmendorf

John Fackler in Memory of Jeannie and Creighton Miller

Ann Fancher

Chris and Sandra Farris

Jack and Anita Friedman

Gracie P. Graves

Ivy V. Geiger

Jennifer Fredericks

Stephen A. Fulling

Phil and Zo Granberry

Gary and Judy Hart in Memory of Jeannie Miller

Edward E. and Ruth Anne Hazen

Alice and Clifford Hoelscher

Michael J. King and Robin L. Altholz

Randi and Averyt Knapp

Celebrating Virginia and Russell Mays

Karen Kubena

Sue Lee

Claire and John Lillie

Marti Marberry and Thomas Roraff

John and Leslie Miller

Andrew and Elizabeth Natsios

Carol Parzen

Joyce Perkins in Memory of Richard Perkins

Rhonda Raphael

Sheran Riley

Jami and John Rudinger, Jr.

Dave and Lou Ellen Ruesink

Becky and B. Don Russell

Carol and Mark Sadoski

Thomas Sadoski and Amanda Seyfried in Honor of Carol and Mark Sadoski

Jack Skinner

Don and Rosemary Green

Lisa Halperin and Jonathan Coopersmith

General Joe G. Hanover

W.T. (Bill) Harper

Tom and Linda Henry

Susan and Rodney Hill

Susan Irza

Myong and Pedro Ledesma

Robert and Candace Leslie

Karon and Glenn Mathews

David and Jeanette McMahon in Memory of Tom Roraff

Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Miller

Jane Miller

Jeannie Miller in Memory of Tom Roraff

Leon and Junett Noack in Memory of Tom Roraff

Dr. Ozden Ochoa

Mohsen and Terri Pourahmadi

Matthew and Merrilee Prochaska

The Quackenbush Kids

Thomas and Liana Rike in Memory of Tom Roraff

Larry and Jean Ringer

The Family of Arthur and Rosalie Roraff in Memory of Tom Roraff

Mary Frances Ross

Schade Family

Jay and Barbara Schleppenbach in Memory of Tom Roraff

Timothy Seubert

Mary Sherwood in Memory of Tom Roraff

Matt and Toni Straley in Memory of Tom Roraff

Barbara and Emil Straube

Connie Swing Surrency

Mrs. Dwayne (Carol) Suter

Mrs. Ann W. Thompson

Milton Thompson

Margaret E. Touchstone

Victor and Jo Ann Treat

Harvey and Sandy Tucker

Randy and Mary Ulery

Brad and Pat Vinson

Tom Vogel and Barbara Gastel

Barbara Buffington Walker

Bob Warden and Eva Read-Warden

Doris and Rand Watson

Anne and Thomas Wehrly

Gaines and Susan West in Memory of Lelia Bankston

Gaines and Susan West in Memory of Bonnie Denny

Gaines and Susan West in Memory of Jeannie Miller

Ann Wiatt

Mary Jane Wiggins

Lima and Joe Williams

Dr. Arthur V. Wolfe

Dr. and Mrs. Grant Wolfe

William and Mary Young

Anonymous (4)

Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra

For the past 40+ years, an auxiliary organization called FASO (Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra) has provided the volunteer hours required to promote and stage the exciting Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra concerts you enjoy each season. We invite you to become a member of FASO this year to help increase educational opportunities and appreciation for classical music in the Brazos Valley. Membership applications may be found on the symphony website: bvso.org/faso

2025-2026 FASO OFFICERS

Jennifer Wood

President

Anne Prescott President Elect

Becky Hall Past President

Rebecca Ireland

1st Vice President

Julie Beazer

2nd Vice President – Ambassadors

Meghan Cain

3rd Vice President –Projects

Colleen Holmes Treasurer

Beth Pennebaker Secretary

Alice Hoelscher TASO Representative

Mary Blackburn†

Sandy Farris†

Karen Melvin† † Member at Large

Showcasing the Region’s Finest: The 2025 Youth Concerto Competition Results

First-Place Winner –Misato Koiwa

A junior at A&M Consolidated High School, Misato began music lessons at the age of four and studies flute with Steve Fry and Nami Kimura. She performs in the A&M Consolidated Wind Ensemble and the Houston Youth Symphony. Her recent honors include earning a place in the Texas 5A AllState Band (2024, 2025) and winning the Houston Flute Club Young Artist Competition in 2025. Misato will appear as soloist with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra at the Children’s Concert on January 26, 2026.

2025 Final Rankings

First Place:

Misato Koiwa, flute

Second Place: Sherwin Lo-Kuo, violin

Third Place: Jacob Goheen, trombone

Finalists:

Stefan (Leo) Tower, violin Gaya Kulatilaka, violin

For nearly twenty-five years, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra and its support guild, the Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra (FASO), have worked together to elevate the extraordinary musical talent flourishing in our region. That mission was on full display on Sunday, November 16, 2025, as five exceptional young musicians took the stage at First Methodist Church in Bryan for the 24th Annual Brazos Valley Youth Concerto Competition.

Selected through a blind preliminary process led by BVSO Music Director Marcelo Bussiki and a panel of Symphony musicians, this year’s finalists represented the finest in artistry, hard work, and musical promise. Although clarinetist Evelyn Schmeichel was unable to compete due to illness, the remaining finalists delivered performances that captivated the audience and impressed a distinguished panel of judges: Dr. Diego Caetano, Associate Professor of Piano at Sam Houston State University; Ebonee Thomas, Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Texas at Austin; and Dr. James Van Zandt, Director of Orchestras at Texas A&M University.

After an inspiring afternoon of music, the judges awarded first place to Misato Koiwa, a junior flutist from A&M Consolidated High School, whose expressive tone, technical command, and poised musicality distinguished her performance. Violinist Sherwin Lo-Kuo, a freshman at A&M Consolidated High School, earned second place, while Jacob Goheen, a senior trombonist from College Station High School, captured third. Violinists Stefan (Leo) Tower and Gaya Kulatilaka were recognized as finalists.

Thanks to the generosity of The Tracy and Tamara Carter Youth Concerto Endowed Scholarship Fund, the top three winners received scholarships supporting their continued musical studies. As this year’s champion, Miss Koiwa has also been invited to appear as soloist with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra during the annual Children’s Concert on January 26, 2026—an invaluable opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra and inspire the region’s next generation of young listeners.

FASO once again coordinated and funded the event through the dedication of its volunteer members. Their work, in partnership with the BVSO, ensures that the Youth Concerto Competition remains a vibrant celebration of artistic excellence and an enduring investment in the cultural life of the Brazos Valley. Each year, the competition showcases not only gifted young musicians but also the community’s commitment to nurturing their growth. The 2025 competition was yet another testament to that legacy.

Corporate, Foundation & Community Support

The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our corporate sponsors, foundations, community partners, and in-kind contributors. Their commitment helps sustain our artistic excellence, enrich music education, and ensure that live symphonic music continues to thrive in the Brazos Valley.