NVYO ARTISTIC STAFF
DR. KEVIN F. E. SÜTTERLIN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & SYMPHONY CONDUCTOR
Dr. Kevin F.E. Sütterlin is an internationally sought-after conductor and pedagogue. He belongs to Beyond Artists, a coalition of artists that donates a percentage of their concert fees to organizations they care about. Sütterlin is Director of Orchestral Activities and Opera and Associate Professor of Conducting at Concordia College. Under his direction, The Concordia Orchestra has received two EMMY awards, and has won the prestigious American Prize. Sütterlin is Music Director of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra one of Wisconsin’s finest professional orchestras Together with Dr Mathias O Elmer, he is Music Co-Director of Sinfonietta Memphis, an ensemble that provides free concerts and educational experiences for the Greater Memphis communities Celebrating the orchestra’s tenth season, Sinfonietta Memphis’s conductors Elmer and Sütterlin proudly represent the orchestra’s credo: friendship through music They also co-direct The Sinfonietta Academy for Historically Informed Performance Practice, one of the country’s leading period erformance practice institutes. Dr. Sütterlin has a great love and passion for teaching;
in addition to Artistic Director of Northern Valley Youth Orchestras, he also holds The Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Endowed Orchestra Chair of the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, directing the organization’s orchestral and conducting programs He has been recognized as one of the country’s leading conducting pedagogues He is a much sought-after clinician for regional, statewide, national, and international music festivals and workshops
Championing the music of living as well as historically under-represented composers, Sütterlin commits to broad and diverse programming on every single concert with all of his ensembles. Using his own funds, Sütterlin commissions between three to six new works every single year. He has been recognized as one of the world’s leading scholars of the music of late American composer Dominick Argento, sharing a close friendship with Argento until his death in 2019. Sütterlin’s recording collaborations include numerous CD and DVD productions Considering himself a “citizen of the world,” Sütterlin has been building musical bridges across four different continents and has led his ensembles on many successful national and international tours He has performed and taught across the globe including Austria, China, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States He has taught at Shanghai Conservatory, Sichuan Conservatory, Ocean University Qingdao, University of Cape Town, Musikhochschule Luzern, University of Memphis, Purdue University, Virginia Tech University, and two annual guest artist residencies at the University of Hawaii Sütterlin received his doctorate and master’s degrees in orchestral conducting from The University of Memphis where he studied with Dr. Pu-Qi Jiang and Michael Stern, and a bachelor’s degree in conducting from the Hochschule Luzern Musik, Switzerland. Furthermore, he has earned a certificate in Inclusive Teaching and Diversity Leadership.
MS.
KARA HARTTEN, PHILHARMONIC CONDUCTOR
Kara Hartten began her musical studies at the age of five in her hometown of Redding, Connecticut. She earned both a Bachelor of Music Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in French from DePauw University, followed by a Master of Music in cello performance and instrumental conducting from the University of North Dakota Ms Hartten is presently an orchestra teacher in the Grand Forks Public Schools and performs with the Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra as well as the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra She also enjoys teaching cello during orchestra week at the International Music Camp She is a past conductor of the Grand Forks Community Orchestra and NVYO’s Allegro Orchestra, and has additionally coached NVYO Crescendo as well as cello sectionals. As a cellist, Kara performed with the UND Student String Quartet and UND’s Red River Trio, a student ensemble that toured in May of 2014 in Tokyo, Japan and Shanghai, China. Kara has studied with Drs. Simona Barbu, Darilyn Manring, Yeon-Ji Yun, and Eric Edberg, and performed in master classes with renowned cellists such as Amit Peled, Matt Haimovitz, Nicholas Photinos, Emilio Colon and Laszlo Varga. In 2009, she performed with the DePauw Chamber Orchestra during a tour of Austria and Germany. She also performed the Lalo cello concerto with the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra in 2007 as the winner of its concerto competition. In 2011, she played Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat major with internationally known cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
MR. DEVON TUCKER, SYMPHONY ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR 2024-25
Devon Tucker grew up in Wadena, MN and graduated from Sebeka High School, where he was active in band and drumline. He attended NDSU where as a music education major he participated in University Band, Wind Symphony, Woodwind Quintet, University Symphony Orchestra, Gold Star Marching Band (drum major for 2 seasons), and other ensembles, and played bassoon with the Greater Grand Forks Symphony In 2023 he earned a Master of Arts in Music from University of Mary Mr Tucker is a band instructor in the Grand Forks Public Schools; he previously taught in Thompson, ND and at Sacred Heart school in East Grand Forks, MN A bassoonist with the 188th Army Band with a current rank of Sergeant, Mr Tucker plays in a number of 188th Army band ensembles on bassoon, sousaphone, and horn; and is the unit band librarian In addition to his teaching and military careers, Mr Tucker is also active as a performing musician and teacher in the Grand Forks community.
MS. KATIE STERMER, PHILHARMONIC ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR 2024-25
Katie Stermer grew up in East Grand Forks, MN. An active musician and athlete, she was also one of the first brass players to audition for the newly-formed Northern Valley Youth Orchestras in 2011. She attended the University of South Dakota where she was a music education major performing in the symphonic band, symphony orchestra, jazz band, and marching band She earned her Masters Degree in Music Education from Florida State University in 2023 Ms Stermer is an active musician, music educator, and advocate for education She taught grades 6-8 band at GFPS South Middle School from 2020-2024 and Montevideo Middle School from 2018-2020 She served on the North Dakota Music Educators Board as the Eastern Band Representative during the 2023-24 school year Currently, Ms Stermer is working at the University of North Dakota in the area of Outreach for Teacher Recruitment and Retention in the College of Education. She is thankful to be a part of the wonderful music experiences NVYO has to offer for the 2024-25 season!
MARCH 2 • 4:30 PM • EMPIRE ARTS CENTER • GRAND FORKS, ND
PLEASE SILENCE ELECTRONIC DEVICES • NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEO RECORDING.
Note: out of respect to audience members, pleasedonottalkduringtheperformance.
If you must leave, please exit or enter only during applause, between pieces
KARA HARTTEN, CONDUCTOR • KATIE STERMER, ASSISTANT PHILHARMONIC
Opening Night
SymphonyNo.9inEminor, "From the New World", Op.95,IV:Finale
España Cañi
BrianBalmages(b.1975)
AntoninDvořák(1841–1904)
arr Vernon Leidig
PascualMarquinaNarro(1873-1948)
arr. Albert Wang
DR. KEVIN SÜTTERLIN, CONDUCTOR • DEVON TUCKER, ASSISTANT SYMPHONY
Video Game Fantasy
”Nimrod”from Variations on an Original Theme, ‘Enigma’ Op.36
The Moirai North Dakota Premiere
SymphonyNo.2inBMinor, IV:Finale
RussellPeterson(b.1969)
EdwardElgar(b.1857-1934)
BriannaWare(b.1994)
AlexanderBorodin(1833-1887)
Following today's performance, NVYO voting members (parents of minor participants, season participants over 18, staff, & board) are invited to attend a brief annual meeting & presentation in the auditorium. There will also be a reception in the gallery after the concert.
Learning to play and perform on various symphonic instruments ( like A clarinets, C trumpets, and piccolo) is often a new adventure for our NVYO musicians, and it takes a group effort to make happen! Thank you to Schmitt Music/Arioso Music Academy and Popplers Music for discounted rates and excellent support and service, to our coaches who assist with instrument selection,, maintenance and advice, and to the Neel Family Fund and Myra Foundation for grant funding THANK YOU!!
MANY EXTRA THANKS TO: Empire Arts Center&staff • Grand Forks Central HS & staff Sacred Heart School & staff • Grand ForksPublic Schools •BehlsPhotography • Monica Danielson Jessica, Sarah, Colton, Caleb,& Carlos with The Bridge Music Collective•Beo String Quartet these wonderful students & their school & private instructors and the many other supporters, sponsors,donors, and grantors listed in this program.
PROGRAM NOTES:
OPENING NIGHT • Brian Balmages
This exciting overture was written in memory of a West Virginia music student. The composer says, “Jim was quite the character and was full of life In addition to playing clarinet and viola, he had a strong affinity for the stage and loved musicals He was certainly a bright light with a glowing personality In thinking about all of this, it became clear to me what direction this piece would go. I decided that this would be the overture to a yet-to-be-written musical, one that Jim would be starring in. It is exciting, full of life, and highly rhythmic and energetic. In addition, there are specific nods to Jim's instruments, clarinet and viola I view this as the ultimate celebration: when the curtain comes up, the spotlight turns on, and the magic begins as the show finally reaches its "opening night The piece is dedicated to the John Marshall High School Band and Orchestra, Jim Gracey, and his family. May this be one of countless opening nights as the piece continues to receive performances all around the country and the world. “ Brian Balmages (b. 1975) is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools
SYMPHONY IN E MINOR “FROM THE NEW WORLD,” IV: Finale • Antonin Dvořák arr. Vernon Leidig
At the time when composer Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) was born, Bohemia and Moravia were part of the Austrian Empire Dvorak, an excellent violin student, never actually studied music composition; his music was heavily influenced by his heritage, but he rarely used any actual folk melodies in his music. When he traveled to America, his goal was to discover "American Music" and engage in it Shortly after his arrival in America in 1892, Dvořák wrote a series of newspaper articles reflecting on the state of American music While in the United States, he also wrote his Symphony in E Minor, “From the New World ” Today’s finale movement is from that work, now referred to as his 9th Symphony, or “New World Symphony” and was arranged by Vernon Leidig. Exciting and driven, and full of beautiful melodies, this symphony has inspired many other American composers including the great John Williams
ESPAÑA
CAÑI • Pascual Marquina Narro, arr. Albert Wang
The stirring Spanish style is immediately recognizable in España Cañi, the most famous of paso dobles This exciting arrangement retains the castanets, tambourine, brass fanfares, and driving rhythms of the original. The paso doble is a stylized Spanish couple dance modeled after the matador's entrance or his final dramatic passes at the bull. Spanish composer Pascual Marquina Narro (1873 - 1948) wrote many orchestral and operatic works, but is remembered particularly for his paso dobles
THE
MOIRAI • L. Brianna Ware
The Moirai was commissioned by April Ann and Kevin Sütterlin as a gift to the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, “in honor of our dear friend and mother figure Danna Sue Browder Brown, who passed away on August 3, 2024 from a difficult cancer journey.“ The Moirai is a programmatic work based on the ancient Greek myth of the “Moirai,”more commonly known as “the Fates” These weaving goddesses were named Clotho (“The Spinner”), Lachesis (“The Alloter”), and Atropos (“The Inflexible”) and were tasked with assigning destinies to mortals at birth. “Clotho spun the thread of life, Lachesis measured its allotted length, and Atropos cut it off with her shears. The composer says “the piece as a whole acts as an homage to the first movement of Ludwig van Beethoven’s renowned Symphony No 5 I modified Beethoven’s famous “knocking on fate’s door” theme, and incorporated this new motive throughout the work ” Fast continuous notes in the winds and strings, freeform solos, and the harp combine with eerie sliding effects in the strings and loud slapstick/pizzicato to represent the cycle of life the Fates determine, from measuring it out to its end. Composer Lawren Brianna Ware (b. 1994), a Gadsden, Alabama native, is a recent graduate of The University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned her DMA in Music Composition with a minor in musicology Compositionally, Dr. Ware's goal is to "write music that makes one feel." A pianist and violinist in addition to her composing, she has begun to secure her place in the world of contemporary classical composition.
“NIMROD” from VARIATIONS ON AN ORIGINAL THEME, ’ENIGMA’ • Edward Elgar
Sir Edward William Elgar (1857–1934) was an English composer, among whose best-known compositions are orchestral works In musical circles dominated by academics, he was a self-taught composer; he often felt like an outsider both musically and socially Elgar was also an amateur chemist, and loved riding bicycles In 1897, Elgar first became acquainted with A J Jaeger, the Novello Music Publishing Company employee, who became his friend and confidant. Jaeger is the friend Elgar immortalized in the famous 9th variation "Nimrod" from the Enigma Variations. (Nimrod was a Biblical hunter, a pun on the German word for hunter, Jäger) The variation was inspired by a conversation with Jaeger about Beethoven, during which Jaeger tried to encourage Elgar, who was despondent over his own struggles to gain recognition Elgar wrote, “it will be noticed that the opening bars are made to suggest the slow movement of [Beethoven’s Eighth Sonata (‘Pathétique’).” Nimrod has become a stand-alone hit of the Enigma Variations, arranged for many different ensembles, used in movie soundtracks, and performed at royal funerals
nvyo.org|info@novyo.org
PROGRAM NOTES, CONTINUED
VIDEO GAME FANTASY • Russell Peterson
An accomplished classical/jazz saxophonist, bassoonist, and composer, Russell Peterson (b. 1969) holds degrees from Youngstown State University (Ohio), Le Conservatoire de Bordeaux (France), and Bowling Green State University (Ohio), and is presently Associate Professor, Saxophone and Bassoon at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota In demand as a composer, orchestrator, arranger, and performer, Mr. Peterson is principal bassoon in the Fargo Moorhead Symphony, and performs on saxophone with the Transcontinental Saxophone Quartet, and Fargo-based Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome (which performed a Symphonic Rock concert with NVYO in 2018) , among others Video Game Fantasy was commissioned by the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony and Fargo-Moorhead Area Youth Symphony to perform side by side, and was premiered in 2024 Peterson was inspired by Koji Kondo’s legendary 1986 score, “The Legend of Zelda” and the piece features recognizable video game themes.
SYMPHONY #2 , FINALE • Alexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1833. Tender and gentle natured, young Borodin was educated at home by his mother and quickly excelled in many subjects, particularly science. He also enjoyed learning new languages and musical instruments As a teenager, Borodin spent most of his time studying chemistry, then entered the Medico-Surgical Academy After graduation, Borodin worked as a physician, chemistry professor, and science-book-translator Although Borodin is remembered as one of "The Five", a group of Romantic Era Russian composers dedicated to producing a "uniquely Russian" kind of classical music, he considered himself primarily a scientist. As a chemist, Borodin is known best for his work concerning organic synthesis, including being among the first chemists to demonstrate nucleophilic substitution, and being the co-discoverer of the aldol reaction. His Symphony No. 2 in B minor was composed between 1869 and 1876. He started it right after his first symphony, but then only picked it up whenever he had spare time in between medical research; founding a School of Medicine for women, where he taught several courses; heading up the lab at the Medico-Surgery Academy; and writing commissioned operas and ballets It consists of four movements and is considered the most important large-scale work completed by the composer himself. It has many melodic resemblances to two theatre works that diverted Borodin's attention on and off during the six years of composition. In the autumn of 1876, the Russian Musical Society showed an interest in performing the symphony; however, Borodin was disconcerted to find that he had lost the full score Although the middle movements were eventually found, he had to reorchestrate the outer two movements while sick in bed The fourth movement, Finale, has a jubilant and celebratory feel, full of alternating time signatures and syncopated rhythms rapidly changing keys, and many memorable melodies.
NVYO PHILHARMONIC
KARA HARTTEN, CONDUCTOR
KATIE STERMER, ASSISTANT
Violin
Isaac Bui, Grand Forks - GF Central
Leah Glazewski, Grand Forks - homeschool
@Elaine Liu, Grand Forks - South MS
Grace Lee, Grand Forks - South MS
Lilliana Paintner, East Grand Forks, MN - homeschool
+Amaa Wijetunga, Grand Forks - Red River
Nellie Dachtler, Grand Forks - Schroeder MS
Isaac Schave, Crookston, MN - Fisher
*Clarissa Sturlaugson, Grand Forks - Red River
Nanae Yashiro, Grand Forks - Kelly
Corey Zhang, Grand Forks - South MS
Viola
Madison Fontaine, Grand Forks - Valley MS
*Maggie Gonzalez, Grand Forks - Red River
Cello
Kainen Bailey, Thompson - homeschool
Shai Gamliel , Grand Forks - South MS
*Sebastian Lesmeister, Grand Forks - Red River
Claire Loraas, Manvel, ND - Sacred Heart
*Sean Oncel, Grand Forks - Red River
Porter Schuschke, Grand Forks - South MS
Casey Zhang, Grand Forks - South MS
Bass: *Sophia Casavant, Grand Forks - Schroeder MS
Flute
Cai’lyn Evans, Grand Forks - South MS
Allison Haugen, Minto, ND - Minto
Alayna Loraas, Manvel - Sacred Heart
Mika Osowski, Pembina - Pembina School
Oboe: Esme Nagel, Grand Forks - South MS
Bassoon: Pranjal Rai, Grand Forks - South MS
Clarinet
Peyton Anthony, Grand Forks - GF Central
Aryanna Hegg, Grand Forks - South MS
Emma Peters, Grand Forks - South MS
Bass Clarinet: Volodymyr Kapustianskyi, Grand Forks - South MS
Horn
William Anderson, Grand Forks - Sacred Heart
Zak Schuschke, Grand Forks - South MS
Trumpet
Gage Heffernan, Grand Forks - Red River HS
Zach Shannon, Grand Forks - South MS
Andrea Sturdevant, Grand Forks - Sacred Heart
Trombone: Mona Bremer, Grand Forks - Red River
Percussion
Joseph Brehm, Grand Forks - Sacred Heart
Mila Drago, Grand Forks - Schroeder MS
Volodymyr Kapustianskyi, Grand Forks - South MS
Benjamin Sickler, Grand Forks - Sacred Heart
Noah Vanatta, Grand Forks - Sacred Heart
+ Concertmaster @ Assistant Concertmaster
* students in rotating string leadership positions. Musicians are listed alphabetically. All are important to the ensemble
NVYO SYMPHONY
DR. KEVIN SÜTTERLIN, CONDUCTOR DEVON TUCKER, ASSISTANT
Violin 1
Ryah Hogberg, Grand Forks - GF Central
Katelyn Hur, Grand Forks - Red River
Synje Peterson, Grand Forks - Red River
Gretta Pratt, Cummings, ND - Quest Academy
+ Gabe Sagini, Grand Forks - Red River
McKayla Sagini, Grand Forks - Red River
Briley Zhang, Grand Forks - Red River
Violin 2
Cami Antonenko, UND - CMP
Clara Borsvold, Grand Forks - homeschool
Eva Danielson, Thompson - homeschool
Annie Eberhardt, Grand Forks - homeschool
Cali Lindseth, Grand Forks - GF Central
Kinley Maszk, Grand Forks- Red River
Siya Pearce, Grand Forks- Red River
Ella Pratt, Cummings - Quest Academy
Viola
Maggie Gonzalez, Grand Forks - Red River
Aaron Lambert, Grand Forks - Red River
Eliot Miller, Grand Forks - Red River
Tasneem Mohamoud, Grand Forks - Red River
Cello
Emerson Eastman, Grand Forks - Red River
Morgan Hartze, UND - CMP
Isaac Hong, Grand Forks- Red River
Olivia Knudsen, Grand Forks - Red River
Elianna Moen, Grand Forks - Red River
Garett Peterson, Grand Forks - GF Central
Caleb Zerr, Grand Forks - Red River
Eli Zerr, Grand Forks - Red River
Bass
Julia Biby, Grand Forks - GF Central
Vedant Srivastava, Grand Forks - Red River
Harp: Wren Kindseth, Grand Forks - GF Central
Flute/Piccolo*
*Mitchell Berger, UND - CMP
Lee Cable, Grand Forks - Red River
Summer Carnevale, East Grand Forks - East Grand Forks HS
*Marie Hylton, Reynolds, ND - homeschool
Oboe: Logan Hartze, Grand Forks - Red River
Clarinet
Aidan Fiala, Grand Forks - GF Central
Eva Hurlburt, Goodridge, MN - Northland CC
Raya Rothenbacher, Grand Forks - Red River
Horn
Travis Middleton, Grand Forks - Red River
Genevieve Wodrich, UND - CMP
Trumpet
Gretta Gebhard, Grand Forks - GF Central
Henry Haug, Grand Forks - Red River
Lanae Ringenberger, Grand Forks - homeschool
William Sickler, Grand Forks- Red River
Trombone:
Elias Eberhardt, Grand Forks - homeschool
Macey Novacek, Warren - Warren-Alvarado-Oslo HS
Percussion
Cami Antonenko, UND - CMP
Alex Cariveau, East Grand Forks, MN - Sacred Heart
Dani Ganyo, Grand Forks - GF Central
Cali Lindseth, Grand Forks - GF Central
+ Concertmaster
CMP: College Mentor-Performer. Recommended university music students gain symphony performance & mentoring experience
musicians are listed alphabetically; all are important to the ensemble.
NVYO coaches and guest musicians this season: Dr
Simona Barbu • Tamara Bertram • Dr Lisa Bost-Sandberg
Shari Boschee • Erin Cummings* • Claire Barhite • Tamara Bertram • Ligia Feo* • Matthew Fowler* • Frankie Good *
• Sarah Harlow Natalie Helfrich • Thomas Iken • Katie Stermer • Gus Tandberg • Devon Tucker* Ryan Webber • Jaden Yeager Tyler York * • Brady Zimmerman*
* denotes performing today
NVYO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR CLASS OF 2025
WAY TO GO!
NVYO is proud of all these graduating high school seniors. Whether they plan to stay nearby or are heading off to new experiences, we hope they keep their love of music throughout their lives... and stay in touch! In their words, here's a little bit about their time with NVYO and what comes next. (We’ll also post some updates in May!)
back:Marie,Olivia,Gretta,Henry,Eli,Garett• middle:Briley,Alex,Macey,Gabe•Front:Ryah,Aidan,Tasneem.
Alex Cariveau, percussion, will graduate from Sacred Heart High School after 2 years of NVYO. His favorite NVYO piece was Christopher Ducasse’s Rit Lavi A (Rhythm of Life), and favorite memories include spending time with others and taking photos at Music in Bloom last year. He thanks his grandmother and father, and offers the following advice for younger musicians: “don’t be nervous; if you play a mistake, play it with confidence!” Alex plans to attend Northland Technical College for Architecture, and hopes to keep playing and composing as a hobby
Aidan Fiala, clarinet, will graduate from Grand Forks Central after 2.5 years of NVYO. His favorite piece was Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A Minor, and he really enjoyed the trip to Concordia last year. Aidan’s advice is “don’t stop playing and don’t be afraid to try something new.” He thanks Mrs. Harlow, because “she got me into NVYO and it has been one of my favorite musical experiences ever, and I never would have without her encouragement. I’ll never forget the feeling of going to my first NVYO rehearsal and how stunned I was by the beauty of the music we played,” Next year, Aidan plans to major in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Dakota, and plans to be involved with UND Music ensembles
Gretta Gebhard, trumpet, will graduate from Grand Forks Central, after one season with NVYO Gretta enjoyed making new friendships and strengthening older ones, too A favorite piece was Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations Good memories of NVYO include playing in a large ensemble outside school, and sometimes getting a treat with friends after rehearsal. Gretta plans to attend UND to study psychology, on a path toward neuropsychology, and intends to keep playing trumpet, too. Her advice to younger musicians is to continue playing, and enjoy the little things rather than getting stuck on the frustrating ones. She thanks her band directors Leah Brooks and Sarah Harlow, “for helping me to grow as a musician but also as a person,” through classes and outside opportunities they made available, while “fostering a positive environment for that all to happen.”
Henry Haug, trumpet, will graduate from Red River High School after two years in NVYO Symphony A favorite piece was Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations Henry loved break time, but he found it humorous that he had to skip the snack because he plays a wind instrument Henry’s plans next year are to attend Tufts University to major in biopsychology and an as-determined second major, and also to keep playing trumpet and pursue a music minor His advice to younger musicians is: “making music should be fun, so don’t let it become a chore ” He thanks a number of instructors for their roles in his musical development: “Jeff Anvinson for inspiring my love of music, Brady Olson for fostering that love, David Christianson for supporting my talent and providing opportunities, Cory Driscoll for taking my musical ability to new heights playing, Mark Diischer for a perfect last year of high school music, and all of the NVYO staff for a welcoming experience into orchestral playing ”
Ryah Hogberg, violin, will graduate from Grand Forks Central after two years of NVYO Symphony. A favorite piece was the Ballade in A Minor, which she says was her first truly challenging piece. She says being part of NVYO “gave me the opportunity to push myself and see what I was capable of.” Her advice to younger musicians is to find a fellow musician who pushes you while you push them, to be the best musician they can be, to set you on the path to success. Ryah thanks all her music teachers and conductors who “believed in me and saw my potential before I ever did - not just in orchestra but other music as well.” Ryah plans to attend UND for Occupational Therapy and minor in Spanish, and hopes to be part of choir and orchestra ensembles at UND.
Marie Hylton, flute, will graduate from her rural Reynolds homeschool with two years of NVYO Symphony and Crescendo.experience - plus two previous years of Dal Segno. Marie lists a number of favorite pieces, including Blue Tango, Infernal Galop, Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A Minor, and Sousa’s Washington Post March NVYO favorite memories include conversations with peers, and the chance to play with such a talented orchestra She plans to attend UND for music performance and an entrepreneurship minor Marie’s advice to younger musicians: “Don’t give up No matter how stressed or how difficult it may seem or get, don’t quit If you quite when it gets hard, you will never get to experience or see what God has planned for you Keep going and don’t give up ” Marie thanks her Mom for “supporting me and pushing me to be better (even though I fight her on it all the time)”, her dad, her flute teacher Angie Harrison, her church family, and those along the way that helped her grow as a musician and a person
NVYO HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR CLASS OF 2025
Olivia Knudsen, cello, will graduate from Red River High School after two years of NVYO. A favorite piece has been Brianna Ware’s The Moirai, and she says she’s made many fun friends at NVYO. Next year Olivia plans to attend collegelocation and major both undetermined at the moment She thanks Garett Peterson for being “funny and smart and playing so well ” Olivia’s best advice for younger musicians is “Practice!”
Tasneem Mohamoud, viola, will graduate from Red River High School after two years in NVYO Favorite memories/pieces include Washington Post March, and playing at Concordia Tasneem’s advice to younger musicians is “put yourself out there! You have the chance to meet so many different types of people playing in a group like this - going out of your way to make connections and form friendships makes things so much more fun ” She thanks her mother for being her biggest supporter, from morning orchestra practices to concerts Next year Tasneem plans to study business information systems, and hopes to keep playing wherever she ends up attending.
Macey Novacek, trombone, will graduate from Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School after 1 5 years of NVYO Symphony She plans to attend North Dakota State University to major in Family and Consumer Science Education, and would love to keep playing in a band on campus Her advice to younger musicians is “It’s okay if you mess up You’ll get it right eventually,” She thanks her band teacher, Mrs Fridstrom “She has believed in me since 6th grade, and I am truly grateful for her advice and expertise ” Macey’s favorite piece has been Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A Minor, and she says “everyone in the symphony truly wants to create beautiful music, which makes me happy ”
Garett Peterson, cello, will graduate from Grand Forks Central after seven years of NVYO, including Allegro, Philharmonic, Symphony, Crescendo, and Dal Segno. Favorite NVYO memory is Allegro ice cream nights, and a favorite piece was Russian Sailors’ Dance (in 2019) Garett’s advice for younger musicians is to never skip your stretches and warmups! He plans to major in cello performance, at an as-yet-undetermined university. He thanks his amazing private teacher Ms. Kara Hartten “for everything she’s done for me over the last 7 years. I’d be nowhere near the person or player I am today if it wasn’t for her guidance and support.”
Gabe Sagini, violin, will graduate from Red River High School after 8 years of NVYO, including Allegro, Philharmonic, Symphony, Crescendo, and Dal Segno Some of his favorite pieces were Louise Farrenc’s Overture No 1 and Elgar’s Chanson de Nuit Favorite memories include every summer of Dal Segno, and meeting new people at the concert receptions Gabe’s advice to younger musicians is that “musicality comes more naturally when you memorize the music ” Next year Gabe plans to study Neuroscience on a Pre-Medicine or Pre-Dental track, likely at Harvard He has a list of thanks: ‘Tamara Bertram taught me most of what I know, made me a disciplined musician, inspired me to love performing Dr Sonja Bosca-Harasim brought out the best in me as a musician Jeff Seabloom instilled my confidence as a musical leader And of course my mom - encouraged me to practice and never give up ” Gabe also thanks Paul Boese, Dr Sütterlin, and Miriam Juhl
Eli Zerr, cello, will graduate from Red River High School after 6 years with NVYO, 2 in Philharmonic (on trumpet and cello) and 4 in Symphony A favorite piece was the Coleridge-Taylor Ballade in A Minor He says that being able to have experience playing in a symphony orchestra has been fantastic, and is one of the best reasons to be part of NVYO He thanks Ms Kara Hartten, “for keeping me interested in the instrument enough to not quit ” Eli’s advice to younger musicians is “don’t underestimate yourself ” Next year he plans to study computer science or data science at a university as-yet-undecided, and hopes to play in an orchestra wherever he ends up going
Briley Zhang, violin, will graduate from Red River High School after 7 years of NVYO A favorite piece was Dance of the Yao People, and she enjoyed playing at Concordia Briley says she has been glad to be able to experience many different kinds of music and meet new people through NVYO Her advice to younger musicians is “don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!” She thanks her parents for always encouraging her to get involved, and plans to study electrical engineering next year, at a university yet to be determined
Present NVYO Board 2024-25 (above).
Boardelections takeplaceeach spring.Doyou knowsomeone whowould make agreatNVYO boardmember? Readaboutit@ nvyo.org/staff join us!
President: Corey Thompson; Vice President: Ryan Zerr
Treasurer: Radha Panini, Secretary: Katie Dachtler
Directors: Mark Antonenko, David Krogh, Matthew Ternus, Brooke VanLooy.
Executive Director: Naomi Welsh (ex officio)
Thank you for being part of our Northern Valley Youth Orchestras Connections season! Musicians, families, mentors, and community supporters are all important pieces of the NVYO family. To those on stage, helping behind the scenes, or cheering from the audience, thank you! Together we can continue to make a difference in our shared community
- Executive Director Naomi Welsh
DONORS, SUPPORTERS & GRANTS
thankyoutoallforyourgenerosityandsupport!
DONORS
Active Registration donors
Anonymous (multiple)
Anthony & Kari Anderson
Jeremy Anderson
David & Suzanne Antonenko
Mark & Nicole Antonenko
Sarah Barron & John Madden
Luise Beringer
Jennifer Bethea
Betty Bloomquist
Mark & Kathy Bohlman
Al & Donna Bott
Michelle Bowles
Linda Boyd
Zona Brang
Margaret “Rock” Bundlie
Kellie Burgess
Leah Byzewski
Lee & Tami Cariveau
Rebecca Dafoe
Monica Danielson
Deek’s Pizza
Amber Eberhardt
Empire Arts Center*
Ligia Feo
Marla Fogderud
Barry & Ann Folson
Rick & Nancy Foss
Virg Foss
Kyle Glazewski
Jennifer Goeke
Kathleen Goldberg
Suzanne Gonsalez-Smith
Mandy Griffin
Bruce & Judy Helgerud
Elizabeth Hogberg
Eun-Jung Youn & Doojin Hong
Yong Hou & Jin Zhang
Les & Patty Howard
Steve & Connie Hulst
Insomnia Cookies*
Jan Jelliff
Peter & Marsha Johnson
Avery & Vicki Jones
Sandra Kerr
Jannifer Kolodka
David Krogh & Larissa Hood
Tonette Kyle
Young-Ah Knudsen
Suzanne & Jon Larson
Don Leroux
Jessica LeTexier
Estate of Charlotte Lewis
Kari Lindemoen
Ursula, Maier, Hannah Maier
Tyler Manske
Kanishka & Madhavi Marasinghe
Lalangi Marasinghe
Bill Miller
Marjorie Murray
Sheila & Perry Nagel
Shera Nesheim
Leanne Novacek
Bill & Kari Noyes
NHS Investments
Michael Olson
Nuri Oncel
Mira Park
Kristi Pasek
Melissa Pearce
Amanda Leroux Peters
Allison Peterson
Jennifer Peterson
Mark & Michele Peterson
Debra Pflughoeft-Hassett
Trust of Tamar C Read
David Relling
Scott Rohr
Kelly Ross
Beth Ross-Buckley
Jerry Ryan
James & Judy Schill
Mark & Gloria Sanford
Jackie Schave
Robert & Nikki Seabloom
Jerry Severson
John & Cynthia Shabb
Ben Shannon
Lauri Shimpa
Jonathan & Alexandra Sickler
Amy Smith
Darren & Jodi Straus
Jennifer Tarlin
Matthew Ternus
Corey & Missy Thompson
Thursday Music Club
JULY1,2023toJUNE30,2024
Brooke & Jeff VanLooy
Devera Warcup
Naomi Foss Welsh
Ted & Alyson White
Gayathri & Mevan Wijetunga
Kimberly Wilson
Tyler York
Glen & Nancy Yoshida
Jessica & Ryan Zerr
GRANT FUNDING 2023-24:
Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region
City of Grand Forks
Grand Forks Parks & Rec Foundation
Iseminger Fund for the Arts
Myra Foundation
Neel Family Fund
North Dakota Council on the Arts
National Endowment for the Arts
Visit Greater Grand Forks
Advertising Sponsors, Programs or Dal Segno T-shirts (2023, 24)
Amundson Funeral Home
Arioso Music Academy
Bernie’s
Claire Givens Violins
Concordia College Music
*GGF Symphony Orchestra
In-Prints Screenprinting
International Music Camp
Minot State University Music
Poppler’s Music
University of North Dakota Music
Wakefield Hearing
Music in Bloom sponsors & prize donors (2024)*
*322 Hospitality Group
*All Seasons Garden Center
*Allison Peterson photography
*Bernie’s
*Bully Brew
*DogMahal/Ojata Records
*Ely’s Ivy
*Empire Arts Center
*GF is Cooler/EDC
Music in Bloom, cont.
*Grand Forks Park District
*Grand Forks Public Library
*Greater GF Community Theatre
*Greater GF Symphony
*Harry’s Steakhouse
*Happy Harry’s
*Northern Air
*North Dakota Museum of Art
*North End Dairy Queen
*O For Heaven’s Cakes
*Michele Peterson
*Play-It
*Rhombus Pizza
*River City Jewelers
*River Cinema
*Rydell
*Scheels
*Silo Boutique
*Summer Performing Arts
*Tea & Crepe
Thrivent
*Urban Stampede
*Visit Greater Grand Forks
*Widman’s
*in-kind/trade, or partially in-kind
to make a tax deductible gift, visit nvyo.org/donate thank you to all!
2023-2024 Contributions to
NVYO Endowment Fund:
Jan Jelliff
Estate of Charlotte Lewis
Tamar C. Read Trust
Mark & Gloria Sanford
Jonathan & Alexandra Sickler
NVYO ENDOWMENT FUND - COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
A gift to the Northern Valley Youth Orchestras Endowment Fund makes a lasting difference by providing sustainable, ongoing funding each year Northern Valley Youth Orchestras' Endowment Fund is housed at the Community Foundation; the Foundation manages the fund and its investments, and NVYO receives an annual 4% payout from the principal, providing vital unrestricted operating funds. Because NVYO is a qualified 501 c3 nonprofit, if you make an endowment gift of $5000 or more you may be able to lower the net cost of your contribution and triple its impact Actual numbers will depend on your tax bracket and other factors; the Community Foundation can help you with details. Gifts of any amount are welcome and appreciated, and make a difference to NVYO and to our community
See below for how to give! to learn about the endowment see facing page or scan here.
Accurate as of 6/30/24. please let us know of any errors.
Make an endowment fund donation at the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region
• 620 Demers Ave. Grand Forks, ND 58201; or call 701.746.0668 . OR donate online to the NVYO fund: https://grandforks.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list
A scannable QR code is also available at right
Scroll down to “Northern Valley Youth Orchestras Endowment Fund” and complete your donation All information about taxes and benefits and your IRS tax deduction statement will channel through the Community Foundation. Thank you!
ABOUT NVYO
Northern Valley Youth Orchestras is in its 14th season inspiring musicians and engaging communities. NVYO offers two orchestras, a fall chamber music program (Crescendo), and a summer day camp (Dal Segno). NVYO provides young musicians aged 11 to 21 symphonic and chamber music experience, community connections, and opportunities to stretch and challenge themselves in a supportive setting. Participants throughout the year number over 120 and come from numerous MN & ND cities and towns within a 75-mile range of Grand Forks NVYO Alumni pursue degrees in a variety of professional fields including music and the sciences, and consistently earn places at excellent colleges and universities both locally and around the country Scholarships are available for all NVYO programs
NVYO's two school year orchestras, Philharmonic and Symphony, rehearse weekly from September to March - this year at the Empire Arts Center and Grand Forks Central High School, with occasional rehearsal at Sacred Heart School - and typically perform two to three formal concerts per season Guest clinicians and professional instrumentalists provide additional mentoring and orchestral training, and a variety of community performances are also offered Past NVYO collaborations have included events with Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome, the Fargo-Moorhead Area Youth Symphony, Concordia Orchestra, and Grand Cities Children’s Choir. NVYO has an office located in the Empire Arts Center. More information about NVYO is available at www.nvyo.org, and on our social media platforms.
@nvyorch @NVYOrchestras
@NorthernValleyYouthOrchestras
WELCOME!
At Northern Valley Youth Orchestras, we focus on inspiring musicians and engaging communities through high-quality, challenging music education programs for young people NVYO is about making music, making friends, and making a difference in the world At NVYO we also take seriously our responsibility to be a welcoming presence, and to ensure that our community has opportunities to connect across race, ethnicity, country of origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status
Music, including classical music, is for everyone.
THANK YOU for the orchestra rehearsal spaces!
Grand Forks Public Schools - GFC
Sacred Heart School
