Looking Back & Forward—HHSO at 40

Abeni Cultural Arts was founded on April 1, 2006, by Artistic Director, Muriel Miller. Abeni Cultural Arts is comprised of three dance groups: Little Miracles of Abeni, Ijaba Youth Dance Ensemble, and Kokumo Collective Dance Company. At Abeni, students learn mostly through choreography which allows them to learn more within a year than a traditional instructional school. Abeni dancers also perform several times every month for different events around Savannah, GA and beyond. Dance styles include modern, jazz, ballet, African, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, gospel, and tumbling. Abeni is dedicated to encouraging artists to reach their fullest potential in their chosen field. Dance is the primary focus and inspiration, however, Abeni’s mission is to encourage artists of various genres to nurture and challenge their passion for their art by fostering the creation of engaging, meaningful and culturally significant programs. Drama, visual arts, music, and voice are also integrated into its makeup. Collaborations with fellow artists and other special projects are implemented in an effort to bring similar organizations together in order to accomplish one goal: to embrace the fact that we are different, yet the same.

ABENI CULTURAL ARTS PERFORMING DANCE STUDIO

Dance Party! April 24 & 25, 2022

“At Abeni, students learn mostly through choreography which allows them to learn more within a year than a traditional instructional school.”

Percussion-Drum Circle | Pete Schramm

Can Can | Juliana Kim Slavonic Dance | Juliana Kim

LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD…

A GLIMPSE INTO THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT 40

Hilton Head Island was a different place 40 years ago. The population was 12,500, less than a third of what it is now. The bridge we use today was brand-spanking new, sparing locals and tourists the adventure of using the unreliable swing bridge that had been in place since 1956. The town was not yet officially a town—it was unincorporated. There was no Arts Center and no WalMart. Some might argue it was a better place and in some ways it may have been. But the people who lived here in the 70’s and 80’s, many of them transplants from up north, longed for more. They were pining for the performing arts and the arts would soon arrive—with an orchestra leading the way.

“The Orchestra marked a turning point in Hilton Head’s cultural development.” —Margaret Greer, author, Making Music: The First 25 Years of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

How does one properly capture the 40-year lifespan of a performing arts organization? The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra is more than the names of the talented, dedicated people tasked with shepherding it over four decades; more than an enumeration of the individuals, organizations, and businesses which support it financially; more than the accomplishments of the volunteers who have donated tens of thousands of hours doing what was needed whenever they were called. And more, even, than its 60+ corps of professional musicians and its dynamic Music Director.

At its essence, the HHSO is a testament to what ordinary people can accomplish when they unite around a common passion.

It’s worth taking a moment to think about this—to consider what it feels like and what it means. We asked and here’s what you told us—

• It’s the sheer joy you feel when hearing the opening notes of your favorite symphony for the umpteenth time; you know it—that indescribable feeling in your chest. • It’s the exhilarating sound of hands clapping and the anticipation of jumping to your feet to shout “Bravo! Encore!” • It’s the community we enjoy being present together, sharing the experience of live music with people we know and with people we do not know, but who are strangers no longer. • It’s the pride we feel supporting young artists, helping to nudge their careers forward and so help to keep the music alive. • It’s the wonder we see on children’s faces when they attend an orchestral concert for the first time. How much do you know about the HHSO’s history? As you take a stroll through the 80’s and 90’s into the new millennium all the way to the present, we hope that you gain an appreciation for how the orchestra has grown through the years; how its connections with audiences have broadened and deepened; how integrated it has become with other arts organizations and with the Beaufort County schools. The HHSO’s mission is “To inspire, enrich and unite the Lowcountry through music.” In many organizations a mission statement quickly devolves into just words. It is agonized over and then relegated to a desk drawer. Those of us who are lucky enough to have been along for the journey have had the privilege of watching the HHSO live its mission every day. For this it has earned not just the affection of classical music aficionados, but also the warm embrace of the entire Lowcountry.

So let’s raise a glass to toast OUR Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra! Here’s to the next 40!

Disclaimer: These pages attempt to document a rich, multi-layered story which has unfolded over four decades through the contributions of the seminal people and events which make the HHSO what it is today. Apologies if we have left anyone or anything out.

Attribution: Quotes, unless otherwise attributed, are from Margaret Greer’s book Making Music: The First 25 Years of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. It was an invaluable resource in compiling this abridged version of our history.

“The [Northeasterners and Midwesterners] who moved to ‘paradise’ realized they had it all except the most important thing: Art in all its forms. They were very, very hungry.” —Margaret Greer

1982—The Story Begins

Pat Rose (sister-in-law of flutist Penny Rose who was a founding member of the Orchestra and stayed for 23 years) got the ball for classical music rolling on Hilton Head in 1982. She posted handwritten notices around the island titled “Chamber Music Anyone?” inviting ‘anyone who could play anything’ to a meeting designed to gauge interest in forming what would, in short order, become the Hilton Head Chamber Orchestra. About 20 people attended.

“There were many non-orchestral instruments involved. We even had a guy who played the spoons. We got together Tuesday nights with our music arranged for a junior high level.” Penny Rose’s description of the first audition Wasting no time, this group of new friends gave their first concert in April at Christ Lutheran Church, the performers outnumbering the audience. A month later there was a second concert with a more ambitious program—Bach (both J.S. and C.P.E.), Handel, and Brahms with an organ solo thrown in for good measure. Dick Camp had moved to the island a few years earlier with golf on his mind. He had experience directing bands, orchestras, and choruses ‘up north,’ and was named conductor, serving in the role for eight years. When he took the podium there were 22 musicians; the number growing to over 50 by the end of the decade. Two early additions were Dorothy and Miles Mauney. The Mauney’s, both conservatory-trained and exceptional musicians, provided inspiration and teaching skills over the next two decades. It’s difficult to imagine the orchestra getting off the ground as quickly as it did without them.

Articles of incorporation for a non-profit arts organization called the Hilton Head Community Orchestra were filed in 1983, and a Board of Directors was formed. A few years later, the Board was formalized and made permanent under the leadership of Willis Shay, who served as Chairman from 1988 to 1993. Shay is credited with “shaping the structure, style and presence” of the Orchestra, and later, for bringing the Piano Competition to international prominence. Funding was a challenge from the beginning. The orchestra held its first organized fundraiser, Keyboard Classics, in 1984. In 1988 it was the first arts organization to apply for Accommodations Tax funds (“ATAX”) from the Town; the grant was a whopping $15,000.

Original orchestra members with Dick Camp

Mary Woodmansee Green Silver Anniversary Program Gloria Daly

Maestra Green & HHSO

Aplication Form 1st International Piano Competition

John Gosling

Sarah Schenkman and Terry Moore

THE 90s— GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

“Since the new [permanent] Board of Directors took office, the orchestra has emerged from its cocoon and has become an established and respected island institution. Its cultural, educational and economic impact is undeniable.” —Gordon Gillett, Board of Directors

A decade marked by new places, new faces and several consequential firsts…

First Presbyterian Church with seating for 1,000 became the Orchestra’s new home in 1990.

New Conductor—John Gosling, a Juilliard graduate, who had held principal conducting posts with several American orchestras took the podium when Dick Camp retired (1990 – 1997). Gloria Daly joined the staff in 1991; Gloria was the face of the orchestra for 25 years and an icon in the local arts scene.

New musicians—the orchestra grew from a modest number of local musicians to upwards of 25 locals and 40 from outside the area; Terry Moore and Sarah Schenkman joined the ranks in 1992, anchoring the string section for more than 20 years. New Board leadership—Charles Taylor succeeded Wilis Shay in 1993; he served as Board chair for a dozen years. 1994—The Orchestra League was founded by Ellen Taylor.

1995—The first Symphony Under the Stars was held under a tent in Harbour Town.

Two debuts in 1996—the first International Piano Competition took place, and the Hilton Head Youth Orchestra was established by Dorothy Mauney.

New Music Director—chosen in a national search from 220 applicants, Mary Woodmansee Green took the podium in 1998; Maestra Green led the HHSO for 12 seasons.

A $275,000 donation from Aldine Schroeder provided the HHSO financial stability and set it up for remarkable growth in the next decade.

THE 2000s— MARY WOODMANSEE GREEN YEARS

“Maestra Green has done what is always talked about and hoped for, but seldom done. Over the years, she has created a regional orchestra of the highest quality which performs with gusto, attention to detail and always in impeccable taste.” —David Amran, American Composer From the program book of the HHSO’s 28th season

Under the leadership of Maestra Green, the Orchestra used the first decade of the new millennium productively, building on strengths and exploring new territory.

Maestra Green immediately got down to work, demonstrating her skills in four important areas: conducting, programming, education, and community relations. Memorable highlights of the Green era include New Year’s Day in Old Vienna, staging popular operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan and Menotti, and the formation of a 40-voice chorus to broaden the Orchestra’s sound.

2000—First Youth Concerto Competition held; it has grown to one of the largest regional competitions of its type in the Southeast.

2004—First Big Band Bash with Bob Alberti as Special Pops Conductor.

2006—League membership swelled to 450.

2006-2007 marked the HHSO’s 25th Anniversary season—At Your Request. What fun it was with a Black-Tie Gala and a luxury cruise with Green and HHSO musicians on board! The season’s programming was populated with audience favorites. 2008—Mary Briggs was named Executive Director, then became President and CEO in 2011. Bringing her extensive music education background to the job, Briggs guided the Orchestra for 11 years.

THE 2010s—JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL ARRIVES AND SOUNDWAVES OPENS

“As we unveil SoundWaves, we’re celebrating our unique coastal heritage and promoting the Lowcountry as a significant arts and cultural destination.” —Mary Briggs, President and CEO

The Orchestra embarked on a search for its fourth Music Director

In 2011 John Morris Russell was named Principal Guest Conductor and the Lowcountry took heed. Russell’s inaugural season as Music Director/Conductor was 2012-2013. HHSO patrons embraced the charismatic new Maestro as he brought guest artists of increasing stature to the stage. The orchestra grew artistically as he got to know and worked with the musicians. He put young artists center-stage, collaborating with organizations such as Sphinx Virtuosi, while making room on stage with the orchestra for the winners of the Hilton Head International Piano and Youth Concerto Competitions. In no time, he became just “JMR.”

Educational outreach flourishes

The orchestra set its sights on the development of an integrated set of programs uniting its outreach efforts in the schools. The Mary Briggs Education Fund was established in 2015: its mission is to encourage and support charitable giving directed to music education. Impact was immediate, enabling a 25% increase in services to schools. A new educational program—Music Bridges—made its debut in 2015. JMR was right in the middle of it all, working with and performing for several thousand Beaufort County public and private school children.

Exciting new programs take shape

In 2011, the International Piano Competition began a competition for young artists ages 13 to 17. In 2018 it moved to a three-year rotation with the addition of a piano festival, BravoPiano! In 2019 the first Chamber Music Institute took place, uniting young string musicians from around the country with world-class instructors for ten days at SoundWaves.

Subscriptions soar

In the 2015-2016 season subscription and pre-season ticket sales reached an all-time high. All nine masterworks

concerts were doubled for a total of 18.

The 2017-2018 season, themed American Mosaic, was one for the ages. A pre-season Gala Opening Concert featured Emanual Ax. Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess was staged. Symphony Under the Stars took itself off-island for a fall event.

SoundWaves opens in 2018

The decade ended with the opening of SoundWaves, a 7,300 square foot facility at Coligny with a performance area and staff offices. Mario Incorvaia, a member of the HHSO string section, had joined the staff full-time as Vice President of Operations in 2015, taking responsibility for SoundWaves in 2018. The first season saw the orchestra experiment with the new space, holding a concert and rehearsals there, as well as presenting a variety of musical performances by local artists and a summer music camp for youth. In addition to HHSO utilizing the space, it also rents to other nonprofits. Stay tuned—the Soundwaves story is just beginning to be told.

Recent events have forced the Orchestra and its patrons to become more flexible and adaptable. This new way of business offers us the freedom to re-imagine how the HHSO can better serve the entire Lowcountry community in the coming years.” —Alan Jordan, President and CEO

The 2019-2020 season’s theme was Unforgettable which seems prescient, given what happened to the world. Although not what it had planned, the Orchestra did impressive things in 2021. Monday’s SoundWaves Streaming Live! series presented more than 50 performances, reaching tens of thousands of viewers. The 2021 masterworks subscription series was reimagined and we somehow managed to livestream nine chamber orchestra programs to hungry patrons.

We are beyond grateful that so many of you stayed with us—attending our virtual offerings, technical glitches and all. You stood with us financially. That essential support coupled with available sources of funding through government and private grants enable us to start our 40th season in a strong and stable financial position. There is much to celebrate and to be thankful for as we look forward.

And so it has gone—an inspiring story of the right people in the right places at the right time.

Driven by a passion for orchestral music, a small, optimistic band of musicians got the ball rolling in 1982 in an island community of only 12,500 souls. The Lowcountry would not be what it is today without their precious gift. ‘Chamber music anyone?’