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STUDENT ORCHESTRAS OF GREATER OLYMPIA

The mission of Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO) is to provide challenging, fully integrated music experiences for young musicians, which includes orchestra and ensemble performances, music education and a broad spectrum of music related activities.

1629 22nd Ave SE Olympia, WA 98501 | 360-352-1438

sogo@studentorchestras.org | StudentOrchestras.org

Facebook/StudentOrchestras | Instagram/SOGO_Olympia

2025-2026 SPONSORS

Distinguished Sponsors

Capital Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

Olympia Federal Savings

Olympic Dermatology

Peak Credit Union

R.L. Ray Violin Shop

Sweet Francis Sewing Co.

DISTINGUISHED SPONSORS

STUDENT ORCHESTRAS OF GREATER OLYMPIA

SOGO presents StudentOrchestras.org

May 17, 2026, 4:00 PM

Brass Choir

SCOTT TAUBE

Fanfare for Dallas Blue

Academy Orchestra

Dan Craig, conductor

GEORGES BIZET

arr. Richard Meyer

DANIEL WALTER

SOON HEE NEWBOLD

Habanera

Appalachian Lullaby

Angel City

Brass Choir

Greg Allison, conductor

Liz Ward, assistant conductor

TRADITIONAL

arr. David Marlatt

JOHANNES HANSSEN

My Lord, What a Morning

arr. David Gardner Valdres

Philharmonic Orchestra

Nickolas Carlson, conductor

JOHANNES BRAHMS

arr. Louis Bergonzi

GEORGE GERSHWIN

arr. Bob Cerulli

NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV

arr. Cade McBride (SOGO Alum 24)

Academic Festival Overture

Rhapsody in Blue

Flight of the Bumblebee

Karina Bone, Gracie Park, Serenia Thibodeaux, Erin Happenny (TA), flute

ROBERT W. SMITH Into the Storm

15 MINUTE INTERMISSION

Conservatory Orchestra

Greg Allison, conductor

NOAH D. TAYLOR

Fanfare 250

BOB THIELE & GEORGE DAVID WEISS What a Wonderful World

Elliot Weeks, vocal (SOGO Alum 10)

LUCAS RICHMOND

Paths to Dignity (West Coast Premiere)

3. Shelter for My Child

Dillon Welch, violin (SOGO Alum 10)

HECTOR BERLIOZ Hungarian March

CONDUCTOR'S PODIUM

Sponsored by:

Anonymous

Mary Gentry

Bruce & Sandy Salisbury

Mark & Sandra Spee

Rick & Cathy Williams and family

Greg Allison, Artistic Director & Conductor

STRINGS

Sponsored by:

Lindsey & Matt Kennelly

Laurie & Willis Brown

Violin

Isabel Arslanian, Capital H.S. (12)

Jayden Berdin, Capital H.S. (11)

Judah Cushman, Homeschool (11)^

Isabella DiBenedetto-Campos, Olympia H.S. (11)^*

Angelica DiBenedetto-Campos, Olympia H.S. (9)^

Abigail Ding, Capital H.S. (10)

Madelyn English, River Ridge H.S. (10)

Ellie Hambly, Timberline H.S. (11)

Elena Heider, Charles Wright Academy (11)

Matilda Homewood, N. Thurston H.S. (10)

August Homewood, Aspire M.S. (8)

Arlo Homewood, N. Thurston H.S. (11)

Liam Kendall, Olympia H.S. (11)

Joy Kim, Olympia, H.S. (10) ~

Leah Kisebach, Olympia H.S. (11)

Grace Kissinger, Olympia H.S. (9)^

Max Liedtke, River Ridge H.S. (11)

Annin Lima, Capital H.S. (9)

Jayden Lin, Olympia H.S. (10)

Audrey Liu, Olympia H.S. (10)

Charlotte Millar, River Ridge H.S. (10)

Lyra Neff, Olympia H.S. (10)

Grace Penoyar, NOVA (7)

Sophia Quinn, Olympia H.S. (9)

Samuel Reymer, NW Christian (12)

Shane Rhoads-Weaver, River Ridge H.S. (10)

Dylan Shaughnessy, Olympia H.S. (10)

Quinn Tomita, Avanti H.S. (11)

Silas Wilson, N. Thurston H.S. (11)

Viola

Ash Hegewald, Olympia H.S. (10)^~

Iila Kennelly, Olympia H.S. (10)

Matthew Shen, Olympia H.S. (12)

Ray Sterlin-Stephens, Capital H.S. (12)

Olivia Swihart-Lee, River Ridge H.S. (11)

Simon Tang, Black Hills H.S. (10)

Cello

Zoey Bernal, N. Thurston H.S. (11)^*

Emmilia Brooks, Timberline H.S. (12)

Riley Cuddeford, N. Thurston H.S. (12)

Simon DiCrescenzo, Timberline H.S. (12)

Andrew Gorrell, Capital H.S. (11)^

Hailey Long, Timberline H.S. (10)

Holden Warren, Olympia H.S. (10)

Bass

Heidi Cornwall, Yelm H.S. (11)^

Hunter Downing, Black Hills H.S. (12)

Christian Garcia, Tumwater H.S. (11)

Nadine Jensen, River Ridge H.S. (10)

Campbell Patterson, Olympia H.S. (11)

Dexter Weed, Black Hills H.S. (10)

WOODWINDS

Flute

Karina Bone, Montesano H.S. (10)

Karlotte Meuse, Capital H.S. (12)

Gracie Park, Olympia H.S. (11)

Serenia Thibodeaux, Capital H.S. (10)

Oboe

Kathryn Seaton, Tumwater H.S. (10)

Clarinet

Ayman Ehrlander, Olympia H.S. (11)

Myah Goldsmith, Elma H.S. (12)

Noah Hagelberg, Olympia H.S. (12)

Lucy Pelton, Capital H.S. (11)

Sophia Skillings, Olympia H.S. (10)

CONSERVATORY ORCHESTRA

Bassoon

Jesse Aubry, Capital H.S. (11)

Jaela Drew, Capital H.S. (12)

Benjamin Gorrell, Capital H.S. (11)

BRASS & PERCUSSION

French Horn

Jacob Aubry, Capital H.S. (10) + Jacob Husmann, Capital H.S. (9) + Alex McBride, Yelm H.S. (12) +~ Bailey Sims, Capital H.S. (11) +

Trumpet

Kyra Hoffman, Olympia H.S. (10) + Tyler Marsh, River Ridge H.S. (11) + Auden Taellious, Capital H.S. (10) +

Trombone

Jo Bright, River Ridge H.S. (12) + Daniel Leitch, River Ridge H.S. (11) + Kyan Porter, W.F. West H.S. (12) +~ Lexi Withers, Black Hills H.S. (11) + Isaac Zwiefel, Capital H.S. (10) +

Tuba

Braxton Martinez, River Ridge H.S. (11) + Emmett Thomas, Black Hills H.S. (10) +

Percussion

Koi Aguiar, River Ridge (11) + Phoebe Bowe, Montesano H.S. (10) + James Carmony, Capital H.S. (10) + Sydney Morain, Yelm H.S. (10) Atticus Moreno, Capital H.S. (10) +

+Brass Choir Members *Student Board Member ~Student Representative ^MOJO

GUEST ARTIST

Jared Parsons, harp

Sponsored by:

Mrs. Allison

Nickolas Carlson, Conductor

STRINGS

Violin

August Benck, Olympia H.S. (9)

London Charles, Capital H.S. (10)

Timothy Cheung, River Ridge H.S. (10)

River Clark, River Ridge H.S. (9)

Maribel Cruz, Aspire M.S. (8)

Hailey Enders, Olympia Christian (7)

Ariana Goodson, Pioneer M.S. (8)

Kate Guo, NOVA (7)

Milo Halofsky, Olympia H.S. (9)

Cami Hulet, Capital H.S. (9)

Addison Knecht, Timberline H.S. (9)

Penelope Loeb, Jefferson M.S. (8)

Abigail Manista, Homeschool (8)

David Park, Olympia H.S. (9)

Lucas Ran, Washington M.S. (8)

Savannah Stalker, Nisqually M.S. (8)

Dylan Velupula, Capital H.S. (9) ~

Bao Bao Xia, NW Christian (5)

Brian Yen, Washington M.S. (8)

Viola

Ted Chan, Washington M.S. (8)

Madison Gruber, River Ridge H.S. (9)

Amelia Lehman, Olympia H.S. (9)

Thurston Perry, Olympia H.S. (10)

Lila Thorpe, ORLA (8)

Elena Timm, Capital H.S. (10)

Cello

Lilly Carmony, Jefferson M.S. (8)

Cassidy Ehlebracht, Capital H.S. (10)

Brennan Frank, Capital H.S. (11)

Aria Kim, Marshall M.S. (8)

Wyatt Lamolli, Black Hills H.S. (9)^

Ashlen Lima, Olympia Christian (7)

Chenghao Liu, McKenny E.S. (5)^

Cello cont...

Macy Manista, Olympia H.S. (11)

Ana Osmanli, Olympia H.S. (9)

Brodi Whitehead, Olympia H.S. (9)

Lila Wilson, Olympia H.S. (9) ~

Bass

Carlos Herington, NW Christian School (9)

Genevieve Maurseth-Gregory, Aspire M.S. (8)

WOODWINDS

Sponsored by:

Ann & Zane Smith

Flute

Rebecca Hettena, NOVA (7)^

Faith Kissinger, Washington M.S. (8)^

Tristan Murphy, Yelm H.S. (10)

Clarinet

Hailey Lee, Timberline H.S. (9)

Miles Liedtke, River Ridge H.S. (9)

Meleah Uch, Timberline H.S. (9)

Bassoon

Leona Bowe, Montesano H.S. (10)

BRASS/PERCUSSION

French Horn

Benji Meuse, Capital H.S. (9) + Emma Newman, Montesano H.S. (9) +

Trumpet

Kade Hoffman, Jefferson M.S. (8) + Madeline Russell, Jefferson M.S. (8)

PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Trombone

Anna Busch-Conway, Mason M.S. (8) +

Alexander Connell, Ridgeline M.S. (7)

Joseph Kim, Olympia H.S. (9)

Tuba

Beckett Porter, Chehalis M.S. (8) +

Percussion

Tavish Simons, Capital H.S. (9)

PARENT VOLUNTEER

Dr. Andrew Manista, Bass

+Brass Choir Member

~Student Representative ^MOJO

CONDUCTOR'S PODIUM

Sponsored by:

Lindsey & Doug Ford

Dan Craig, Conductor

STRINGS

Violin

Elliott Brewster, NOVA (6)^

Benjamin Clark, NOVA (8)

Ciara Curran, Washington M.S. (7)

Shaylan Dean, Homeschool (7) ~

Natalie Enders, Olympia Christian (5)

Ellie Harriage, Jefferson M.S. (7)

Lucas Hefner, NOVA (6)

Marie-Sua Kim, Roosevelt E.S. (5)

Finley Kochaniewicz, Ignite (7)

Aurora Maldonado, Washington M.S. (6)

Elsa Manelski, McKenny E.S. (5)

Elizabeth Reymer, Temple Baptist (6)

Austin Shank, Bush M.S. (8)

Rowan Thompson, Reeves M.S. (6)

Jiupu Wang, Washington M.S. (7)

Frederic Wilhelm, Reeves M.S. (8)

Viola

Sophia Bacon, Washington M.S. (7)

Freya Carras, Olympia Waldorf (7)

Bonavita Woods, Marshall M.S. (6)

Cello

Isla Bazemore, Olympia Waldorf (7)

Kobie Berry, Marshall M.S. (8) ~

Silas Dillard-Gallagher, Jefferson M.S. (7)

Alma Graf St. Lawrence, Olympia Waldorf (7)

Clementine Stahnke, Marshall M.S. (7)

Lieven Vasavada-Petersen, Olympia Waldorf (7)^

Sebastian Zhong, NOVA (7)

Bass

Hugh Patton, Jefferson M.S. (7)

Ah'Mayzing Williams, Salish M.S. (7)

ACADEMY ORCHESTRA

WOODWINDS

Flute

Harrison Hayes, Jefferson M.S. (7) ~

Bailey Polley, Yelm M.S. (7)

Kirra Quinn, Jefferson M.S. (6)

Eliza Richards, Yelm M.S. (8)

Oboe

Titus Cook, Aspire M.S. (6)^

Dimitri Cruzan, Hoquiam M.S. (7)

Lilyanna Dannenberg, Aspire M.S. (7)

Clarinet

Valentina Billingsley, Salish M.S. (7)

Nohely Castro, Thomas M.S. (7)

Mason Ounsted, Hoquiam M.S. (7)

Esther Schreiner, Jefferson M.S. (6)

Abel Thomas, Chehalis M.S. (8)

Bassoon

August Benck, Olympia H.S. (9)

BRASS/PERCUSSION

French horn

Ethan Abirasniette, Yelm M.S. (8)

Genevieve Mulders, Insight School of WA (9)

Trumpet

Cassidee Matsen, Hoquiam M.S. (7)

Dashiell Perry, Washington M.S. (8)

Reed Tomita, ORLA (8)

Trombone

Landon Luoma, Yelm M.S. (8)

~Student Representative ^MOJO

SOGO presents StudentOrchestras.org

May 17, 2026, 2:30 PM

Opening remarks by Milt Harper, SOGO Board President

Debut Orchestra

Linda Pyle, Conductor

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART

arr. John O'Reilly

SHEILA M. NELSON

Alleluia

Basque Dance

SOGO MOJO Debut Quartet

SOON HEE NEWBOLD

Appalachian Hymn

BELA BARTOK Slovakian Folk Song

SOGO MOJO Debut Quartet

JOHN WILLIAMS

arr. Joe Sokolik

CONDUCTOR'S PODIUM

DEBUT ORCHESTRA

Viola

Maddox Gruber, Drum Inter. (7) ~

Norah Loeb, Jefferson M.S. (6)

Ramona Marshburn, Jefferson M.S. (6)

Kieran Patterson, Michael T. Simmons (5)

Supriti Prasanna, Jefferson M.S. (6)

Cello

Jose Apaez Jr., Olympia Christian (5)

Brooks Cushman, Homeschool (6)^

Rye Ives, NOVA (6) ~

Bass

Aylin Craig, Jefferson M.S. (6)

Elizabeth Ziesemer, Marshall M.S. (6)

~Student Representative ^MOJO

SOGO MOJO DEBUT QUARTET

Elliott Gregory, violin

Mason Liu, violin

Sage Moon, violin

Brooks Cushman, cello

Mary Jo Rydholm, Teaching Artist and MOJO coordinator

Dillon Welch, violin

A versatile and experienced orchestral violinist, Dillon Welch has built a dynamic career performing with leading ensembles across the country. A 2010 alum of the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO), Dillon began violin at age five and graduated from Timberline High School in Lacey. He studied with Kent Coleman before continuing with Simon James of the Seattle Symphony. He later earned a bachelor's from the University of Texas at Austin studying with Brian Lewis, and a Master's at the Cleveland Institute of Music with William Preucil.

Most recently, Dillon served as a section violinist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (2022–23) following five seasons as a Violin Fellow with the New World Symphony (2017–22). Earlier positions include the Akron and Canton Symphonies (2014–17) and serving as Concertmaster of the Round Rock Symphony (2013–14).

SOLOIST

community. Bringing free performances into libraries, JCPS schools, and neighborhood centers allows music to reach audiences of all ages. Sharing live orchestral music with young people and families throughout the greater Louisville area is especially rewarding.

Performing with the Louisville Orchestra offers Dillon constant variety and inspiration. The opportunity to explore new repertoire alongside masterworks keeps every program fresh and meaningful. From film scores to Beethoven symphonies to the music of Radiohead, each week brings something different and energizing.

A highlight of orchestral life for Dillon is the organization’s deep connection to the

Dillon loves performing works with thrilling finales, where the audience’s excitement becomes part of the performance. While it’s impossible to name a single favorite composer, the music of John Adams and Steve Reich stands out. A favorite work is Adams’ Harmonielehre for its energy and emotional sweep. A particularly memorable experience was premiering Sebastian Chang’s score for the 1922 silent film Nosferatu.

Outside of music, Dillon enjoys reading, biking, bar trivia, watching Oscarnominated films, and mastering the New York Times Crossword.

Are you a Washington State employee? Sign up with Washington State's payroll contribution program for a convenient way to give to SOGO. Use the QR code to go directly to our CFD page. SOGO’s Charity Code is 0456457.

FUTURE MUSIC MAKER'S

Through Future Music Makers, your gift removes financial barriers so students can say “yes” to participating in the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia. Tuition scholarships open the door for students whose families might otherwise have to choose between music and other necessities. Once inside, students find not only high-level ensemble training, but also a place where they belong, are challenged, and are encouraged to grow.

While tuition scholarships remain a priority for Future Music Makers, your support now reaches even further. The campaign also strengthens SOGO 2 Schools, bringing SOGO Teaching Artists directly into public school classrooms at the request of instrumental music teachers. These professional musicians work side by side with students who are just beginning, struggling, or ready to advance, giving them the tools, confidence, and individual attention they need to succeed. Teachers consistently tell us they see students turn corners — musically, academically, and personally. All of this is provided free to schools and families because of your generosity.

Thank you for helping shape the trajectory of so many young lives. You are truly creating Future Music Makers.

Become a Future Music Makers Partner today!

Anonymous 3

John Adams

Judd Aetzel

Beth Albertson

Krina & Greg Allison

Maureen & Darrell Axtell

Ernesta Ballard

Lois Beck

Rebecca Bernard

Christine Bezanson

Alice Brown

Laurie & Willis Brown

Karla & Mark Bryant

Kitty & Roy Carlsen

Kelli & Jay Carmony

Tod Carmony

Dorrie & Harold Carr

Dianne & Mike Chaney

Shana Charles

Saundra & Brian Clegg

Cecilia Clynch

Marie & Bill Course

Karen Coulson

Joan & John Coyne

Jim & Diana Craig

Brian Cummings

Patty Davidson

Eric Delvin

Michelle & Richard

Downing

Susan Tusa & Dan Durham

Anne Edge

Susan Elvert

Flora Estrada

Paula Fairchild

Sheila Fay

Jennifer Ferguson

Betty & Joe Fugazi

Judy & Gerald

Flaskerud

Mary & John

Fleckenstein

Estate of Mary Flotree

Carolyn Folden

Lindsey & Doug Ford

Sarah Ford

Phyllis Freitas

Gretchen & David Gacetta

Mary & Fred Gentry

Albert Goerig

Kim Gould

Marcia Horner & Jack Green

Norma Green

Denise Laflamme & Brad Grimsted

Krista & Doug Gross

Reid & Grace Grover

Kathleen & Don Gustafson

Jessica Halofsky

Judi Hambrick

Connie & Milt Harper

Scott Harriage

Lisa Hartrich

Hilarie Hauptman

Bethe & James Hayes

Connie & Richard Herington

Matt Herling

Elsie Higgins

Amy Schutte & Tim Hodson

Maria Hoffman

Jennifer & Devin Hopps

Marcia Horner

Dianne & Rich Hurst

Diane Jacobs

Jennifer & Todd Jensen

Pamela Farr & Dan

Johnson

Pat & Paul Kabler

Patricia Kay

Carolyn Keck

Lindsey & Matt Kennelly

Laura Kerekes

Owen Kikuta

Judy & Sam Kim

Judith & Martin Kimeldorf

Janey Koester

Linda & Daniel Konopatzke

Alivia & Sean Kremer

Jacqueline La France

Barbara & Patrick Lackey

Michal & Dominic Ledesma

Jeannine Leitch

Kari & Jarrod Lima

ShiauYun Wang & Jim Lin

Christine & James Long

Sylvia & Ray Lynn

Laurie & Fred MacInnes

Majida & Andrew Manista

Georgene & William Marshman

Cherie-Anne & Michael

May

Laura & Daniel McBride

Brad Miller

Mary Milnes

Kathleen Mix

Megan & Ethan Moreno

Dee & Richard Morton

Alan Mountjoy-Venning

Natl Assoc. Letter

Carriers Branch #351

Carolee Nichols & Dick

Nelson

Heather & Matt Nelson

Susan Nevers

Julie Nordgren

Ginny & Justin Nordhorn

Diane Mitchell & Peter Odencrans

Olympia Piano

Ana Ordonez

Kate Park

Sandra Parker

Bill Peden

Nancy & Scott Peebles

Julie Peeples

Narayanan Prasanna

Xia & Hans Qiu

Lucy Reuter

Beth Roberts

Lori Rowe

Sheila Ryan

Nacy & Bernard Ryan

Sandra & Bruce Salisbury

Robert Sand

Dr. Edward & Janet Sandor

Mona Sanger

Austin Schlichting

Fred Schrumpf

Quinghau Liu & Jian

Shen

Dwayne Slate

Ann & Zane Smith

Sandra & Mark Spee

Therese Sprunger

Jonathan Squally

Ed Steenman & Associates

Carolyn Stoll

Elizabeth & Bryn

Swanson

Helen Tafejian

Deborah & Jason Taellious

Rose This

Joan Thomas

Cathy & Mark Thome

Karey Thornton

Morena & Michael Timm

Jennifer Titus

Pam Trautman

Lynne Trinklein

Greg Tudor

Tumwater Eye Center

Willaimn Tweit

Dutch Voll

Carol & Daniel Waters

Douglass Waters

Elizabeth Weisenfeld

Daidre West

Joy Westcott Junkert

Jubilee Whitman

Kim & Roger Wigfield

Janet Wilde

Cathy & Rick Williams

Mimi Williams

Mary Worthen

20% of SOGO members applied for and received tuition assistance this year. Over 600 SOGO 2 Schools students have been impacted by the help of our teaching artists this season. Help us help these talented young musicians & their families with your gift - use the QR code today!

GREG ALLISON

Artistic Director, Conservatory Orchestra & Brass Choir Conductor

Greg Allison received his B.A. and M.A. in Music Education from Western Washington University where he studied trumpet with the late William D. Cole. Mr. Allison had taught instrumental music in the Olympia School District for 40 years. His bands were selected to perform at the State and Northwest Music Educators’ Conferences and the Western International Band Clinic.

Mr. Allison has performed in the Northwest Wind Symphony, the 22nd Ave Dixieland Band, the Tacoma Concert Band, and the Evergreen Brass Quintet. He has been a guest adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor for state and regional festivals and conventions including the Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.

He has served on the Washington Music Educator’s board of directors, managed WMEA High School and Junior All-State, and was a recipient of the WMEA Teacher of the Year for middle level education. In 2014, he was inducted into the WMEA Hall of Fame.

CONDUCTORS

NICKOLAS CARLSON Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor

Nickolas Carlson is a conductor, organist, and collaborative pianist based in Olympia, WA, originally from Lindsborg, KS. He serves as music director and conductor for the Olympia Chamber Orchestra, Olympia Opera Theatre, and Pacific Northwest Theater, and is Director of Music Ministry at The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd.

Mr. Carlson earned his Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from Wichita State University and his Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from Bethany College. He has studied with conductors including Dianne Wittry, Anna Edwards, and Roupen Shakarian.

His guest conducting work includes engagements with the Vratsa Symphony in Bulgaria, South Puget Sound Community College Symphony Orchestra, and Chicago Summer Opera. Mr. Carlson is known for his collaborative spirit and has led performances ranging from Handel’s Rinaldo to Rameau’s Les Indes Galantes.

SOGO is a proud member of League of American Orchestras and Washington State Federation of Music Clubs.

CONDUCTORS

DAN CRAIG

Academy Orchestra Conductor

Dan Craig is the Director of Bands at Chehalis M.S. He received his BA in both Music Education and Tuba

Performance from Central Washington University and earned his MS in Curriculum and Instruction.

Mr. Craig is an award-winning tuba player, performing regularly throughout the region. He is a member of the Evergreen Brass Quintet, the Northwest Wind Symphony, and the SPSCC Symphony Orchestra at South Puget Sound Community College. Mr. Craig studied Tuba with Marty Erickson at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he won the Peck School of the Arts Concerto Competition as a freshman. Mr. Craig was the principal tuba for both the Wind Ensemble under Larry Gookin and the Symphony Orchestra under Dr. Nikolas Caoile while at CWU and has performed at many Low Brass Clinics and Symposiums throughout the country. He was the Drum Major for the CWU Marching Band and student director of the CWU Tuba and Euphonium choir.

LINDA PYLE

Debut Orchestra Conductor

Linda Pyle conducts the Debut orchestra and teaches general music, choir, drama, and orchestra for North Thurston Public schools. She holds degrees in music education and classroom management from Pacific Lutheran University and American College of Education. Her orchestras have made appearances at state music teacher conventions and several guest appearances at Disneyland.

Mrs. Pyle’s musical interests are varied: she plays violin with the Olympia Symphony Orchestra, fiddles with a local bluegrass group and plays bass guitar, cello, keyboards, and electric violin with her worship team.

When not making music, Mrs. Pyle enjoys teaching yoga, Pilates, and Sunday school, but most of all, cheering on her two children’s athletic and academic endeavors along with her husband.

ELIZABETH WARD

Brass Choir Assistant Conductor

Elizabeth Ward received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington and a Master of Musical Arts degree from Yale School of Music. Ms. Ward is a former member of the New Haven Symphony, Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, Pennsylvania Orchestra, Philadelphia Opera Orchestra and Young Audiences Inc., of Philadelphia.

Returning to the Northwest, Ms. Ward founded the Evergreen Brass Quintet, well known for its outstanding educational presentations. As a studio teacher her students have consistently received awards on the local and national levels. Ms. Ward was formerly Assistant Conductor of the Tacoma Youth Symphony and Conductor of the Tacoma Youth Symphony’s Brass Choir and Chamber Winds.

STRINGS

Daniel Boschee, violin

Caddie Derby, violin (SOGO Alum)

Emily Godinez, violin

Damian Nelson, violin (SOGO Alum)

Mary Jo Rydholm, violin

Anne Edge, viola

Joseph Bichsel, cello

Nick Masters, bass

WOODWINDS

Erin Happenny, flute

Elliot Anderson, oboe (SOGO Alum)

Melanie Triebel, oboe

Dr. Celeste Case-Ruchala, clarinet

Dan Meuse, bassoon

TEACHING ARTISTS

BRASS & PERCUSSION

Liz Ward, French horn

Dr. Ed Sandor, trumpet

Levin Conway, low brass

Laura McBride, percussion

Spencer Smith, percussion

FACULTY

Anne Edge, Music Historian

Mary Jo Rydholm, MOJO Ensemble Coordinator

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

SOGO student leadership (l to r): Debut: Maddox Gruber, Rye Ives, Kataleya Hartt-Plazas, Academy: Harrison Hayes, Kobie Berry, Shaylan Dean, Philharmonic: Lila Wilson, Russell Shrestha, Dylan Velupula, Conservatory: Zoey Bernal*, Isabella DiBenedetto-Campos*, Joy Kim, Kyan Porter, Alex McBride. *Student Board Members

GIVING TODAY

Watch your donation make a difference. Generous contributions by people like you who deeply care increase our effectiveness in bringing the arts to the youth of this community. Consider Monthly Giving starting at $10 or Workplace Matching Gifts where employees are rewarded for charitable giving and companies often match dollar for dollar. Along with Tribute Gifts honoring a loved one, stocks, Mutual Funds, and IRA required minimum distribution, you can impact SOGO by furthering its mission today.

LEGACY GIVING

You do not need to be wealthy to leave a legacy. Make your core values known by making a planned gift. By supporting our long-term success, you will be remembered as an influencer of the arts for children. By naming SOGO as a beneficiary in your retirement account or life insurance policy you can support SOGO without changing your will or living trust. Join us in making SOGO part of your "today" and making a planned gift for tomorrow.

NEW HAMMOND ASHLEY AD

We are grateful to those that have been generous in their giving. In addition, please see the Future Music Makers Scholarship Fund and our contributor pages 28 and 29, and those who have gifted SOGO with a gracious Estate Legacy Gift.

Planned gifts: Robert & Lucy Reuter

Estate gifts: Isabelle Bohman Mary Flotree Louise Huffine

E. Eric Lee Linda McCauley

Liz Ward, manager

MAESTRO, $25,000+

Mary Alexander

Lindsey & Doug Ford

Inspire Olympia

SPONSOR, $5,000 - $9,999

Anonymous

John Adams

Dorrie & Harold Carr

Dawkins Charitable Trust

Connie & Milt Harper

Sabine & Dan Meuse

Nisqually Indian Tribe

Sandra & Bruce Salisbury

Carolyn Stoll

Washington State Arts Commission

SPONSOR, $2,000 - $4,999

Anonymous (2)

ArtsFund - Paul G Allen Family Foundation

Capital Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

Kate Coan

Community Foundation of South Puget Sound

Mary & John Fleckenstein

Jean Gunnarson

Linda & Daniel Konopatzke

Olympia Federal Savings

Olympic Dermatology & Laser Clinic

Peak Credit Union

Elizabeth Ward

Cathy & Rick Williams

GUARANTOR, $1,000 - $1,999

Anonymous

Act1 Theatre

David & Sally Allen Family Foundation

Kristine & David Bartruff

Jack & Luellen Charneski Charitable Fund

Georganne & Scott Copeland

Sarah Ford

Mary & Fred Gentry

Guild Mortgage, Lacey

Kathleen Hefner

Aaron Herington

JT Painting Co.

Laurie & Fred MacInnes

Cherie-Anne & John May

Dana & Josh Phelps

R.L. Ray Violin Shop

Amy & Dr. Scott Rowley

Mary Jo Rydholm

Sandra & Mark Spee

Anne Steele

Ed Steenman & Associates

Sweet Francis Sewing Co.

Jennifer & Peter Taft

Morena & Michael Timm

Jeanne & Greg Tranum

Tumwater Eye Center,

Karen & Douglas Jeske

BENEFACTOR, $500 - $999

Anonymous

Krina & Greg Allison

Laurie & Willis Brown

Kathryn & Greg Guykema

Lindsey & Matt Kennelly

Lieb Family Fund

Putnam·Lieb·Potvin·Dailey

Attorneys at Law

Rachel & Mark Reeg

Lori Rowe

Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry

Washington State Federation of Music Clubs

Elizabeth Weisenfeld

PATRON, $250 - $499

Anonymous

Genevieve Chan

Wendy & Ted Clark

Anne Edge

Sheila Fay

Anna & Paul Garrett

Denise LaFlamme & Brad Grimsted

Steven Harmon

Mavis Johnson

Michal & Dominic Ledesma

ShiauYun Wang & Jim Lin

Mary Milnes

Julie Montgomery & Matt Morbello

Megan & Ethan Moreno

Austin Schlichting

Ann & Zane Smith

Debbra Warren

Colleen Welch

Kim & Roger Wigfield

FRIEND, $100 - $249

Anonymous (4)

Joan & Greg Armstrong

Rebecca Bernard

Keadrin Cain

Kitty & Roy Carlsen

Patricia & Tod Carmony

Elizabeth Colgan

Paula Fairchild

Deidre & Robert Fuchs

Gretchen & David Gacetta

Gloria Dei Lutheran Preschool

Kim & Churck Gould

Kathleen & Don Gustafson

Krista & Doug Gross

Kathryn Hamilton & Steve Wang

David Hartz

Connie & Richard Herington

Sayre Hodgson & Chris Hawkins

Bethe & James Hayes

Dione Hayes

Maureen Johnson

Judy & Sam Kim

Judith & Martin Kimeldorf

Linda & George Lamb

Jeannine Leitch

Sylvia & Ray Lynn

Lisa Matthews

Lena Mendiola

Susan Nevers

Carolee & Dick Nichols

Layne Nordgren

Ginny & Justin Nordhorn

Janet Norris

Karen & Dick Nye

Diane Mitchell & Peter Odencrans

Olympia Fraterman Order of Eagles

Sandra Parker

PayPal Giving Fund

Maria Huang & Jon Penoyar

Martha & David Rorem

Dr. Edward & Janet Sandor

Cheryl & Grant Sears

Norma & Charles Shelan

Dae Shogren

Dwayne Slate

Joyce Smith

Thomas Stidham Jr.

Helen Tafejian

Frances Tanaka

Susan McRae & Rod Tharp

Elizabeth ThompsonLagerberg

Melanie Triebel

Kate & Gregory Tudor

William Tweit

Chris & Don Volkmann

Roberta & John Waggoner

Daidre West

Jean & Kim Whipple

Janet Wilde

Leah L. Wilson

DONOR, $50 - $99

Anonymous

Beth Barga

Judith Bartels

Roger Baugh

Adell & William Bloom

Dianne & Mike Chaney

Shana Charles

Marie & Bill Course

Joan & John Coyne

Sarah Drath

Rose & Arne Gunderson

Judi Hambrick

Scott Harriage

Nancy Hoff

Carrie & Dylan Jackson

Pamela Farr & Dan Johnson

Patricia Kay

Berlin Nelson Jr.

Willet Painter

Fred B. Schrumpf

Helen Spalding

Sandra Spencer

CONTRIBUTOR, $25 - $49

Anonymous

Jennifer Aisenberg

Jean Black

Betty & Joe Fugazi

Alexander Jones

Dee & Richard Morton

Kathryn & Marc Myrsell

Nancy & Scott Peebles

Elizabeth & Bryn Swanson

MEMBER, UP TO $24

Dahlia Bernal

Kathleen Butler, SRTWorks

Jennifer & Russell Hermann

Storman's, Inc.

LEGACY GIFTS

Lucy & Robert Reuter

TRIBUTES

Joyce Allen

Royal Drath (2)

Marguerite & Terry Haas

Joy Junkert

Isabela, Lucky, Aubrey, Cyrus Lagerberg

Elaine Meuse

Maxine Olsen

IN KIND

Krina & Greg Allison

Olympia Dance Center

Calvery Chapel, Olympia

Levin Conway

Flying Colors Painting Co.

Lindsey & Doug Ford

Connie & Milt Harper

NOVA M.S.

Olympia Union

Gospel Mission

R.L. Ray Violin Shop

SPSCC

Mark Thome

TSS

Washington Center

Contributor list updated 5/11/26

SOGO is a registered 501c(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization & accepts both tax-deductible donations & in-kind contributions. EIN # 91-2079223

A special thank you to the Meuse Family for their generous gift of the conductor’s podium, honoring Y. Elaine Meuse (1929-2025), a devoted advocate for the arts and a lifelong lover of classical music.

Tribute Giving

Tribute gifts to Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia are an unforgettable way to mark a celebration, or give in honor or memory of someone special. Donations can be made online at studentorchestras.org or by sending a check to: 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501

is a registered 501c(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization and accepts both tax-deductible donations and in-kind contributions.