SOGO
SOGO Graduating Seniors - Page 3
SO Y’KNOW NEWSLETTER
MAY 2012 Vol. 12 No. 5
Much the Same... ...and yet, some differences too.
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returned from a five week bike tour of New Zealand a few days before SOGO’s March Concert. New Zealand was an easy country to travel in. Much is the same as here. They speak the same language (with a really cool accent) and many of the same foods, especially fast food restaurants, are available in New Zealand (more expensive though), almost as plentifully as they are here. Some of the scenery even reminded me of home.
WHAT’S IN THE MUSIC?
Highlights of May 20th Conservatory Orchestra program. ~ Jeff Lund, Notes on Notes he final performance of the Conservatory Orchestra this year is a voyage into all things Russian - highlighted by the Conservatory Orchestra’s program of Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky. The heavy hitting tutti sections within this music, as well as it’s folkloric ideas and melodies, are monuments of Russian art and culture. Within these three pieces, many aspects of Russian life during this period are related through the orchestration and the musical composition.
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In Korsakov’s arrangement of Modest Mussorgsky, Korsakov’s sole purpose was to salvage the original work of his contemporary through clearer, more defined orchestration. The original, composed when Mussorgsky was only 19, lacked the unification of the Russian folk music style and the mythological ideas originally inspiring the work, then titled “St. John’s night on the Bare Mountain”. This traditional story could only be used in a tone poem it was written with the Russian musical tradition in mind. We find this strong sense of tradition in the Suite from his opera: The Tale of the Tsar Sultan. Mysticism was very heavily influencing Korsakov and his contempories. Often using fairytale subject matter, the premier Russian composers were capable of making large, colorful orchestrations representing the smallest of subjects, such as the bumblebee. This piece includes what is arguably Korsakov’s most famous of movements, and one of the most difficult orchestral pieces to perform effectively. While Korsakov focused primarily on mysticism and mythology, Tchaikovsky composed within reality, sometimes more real and personal than most classical music enthusiasts know. March Slav was composed as a tribute to the Russian soldiers who were wounded in the Servo/Turkish war of the late 19th century. Though this piece includes traditional melodies as well, such as “God save the Tsar”, their patriotic origin is written to mimic a funeral march; albeit – ala Tchaikovsky. Join us in the season finale Sunday, May 20, 4 p.m.
That got me thinking...what about music? More specifically, youth orchestral music. What opportunities do young Kiwi musicians have to play symphonic music? I did a little research. Turns out, Wellington (coincidentally the Capitol of New Zealand) has a Youth Orchestra called, not surprisingly, Wellington Youth Orchestra (WYO). It is a tuition -based program like SOGO. The “aims” of their “organisation” (definitely a British influence in spelling) are: --”To educate youth in the Provincial District of Wellington in musical appreciation as applied to orchestral music.” --”To provide the opportunity for youth to play in a symphony Morgan & band at Rockestra - a great gig featuring orchestra and to encourage young the Wellington Youth Orchestra and bands from the School of Rock. amateurs in symphonic music.” --”To provide performances by members of the orchestra or other artists.” Sound familiar? Yes, it is very similar to SOGO’s mission statement, “To provide a challenging, fully integrated music experience for young musicians which includes orchestra and ensemble performances, music education, and a broad Continued on page 2...
WHY I SHOOT YOUNG MUSICIANS
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o, not that! I’m the photographer! I’m Doug Ford, the guy you may see carrying a camera at rehearsals or standing by a tripod at concerts. Although I’m a member of the SOGO board, I’ve never had a child in SOGO, and know nothing about classical music. My iPod library is eclectic, but mostly contains what is called “adult alternative”. Why, then, do I hang out on Sundays and take photos of your talented kids? Funny you should ask.
H T U YO
Some SOGO board members were talking recently about the primary purposes of the organization. After some fascinating discussion, we centered on three aspects -- music, youth and community. Each of us involved in SOGO might relate
STUDENT ORCHESTRAS OF GREATER OLYMPIA ~ 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501 | www.studentorchestras@gmail.com
Continued on page 2...
...Much the same cont... spectrum of music related activities.” There are other similarities as well, including that they have the same number of season concerts.
...Why I shoot cont... to these three areas with different priorities and interests, but these attributes, and their overlaps, make SOGO an exciting and meaningful organization. After some thought, I realized that my focus within SOGO is “community”.
I did discover a couple of differences. One is that the Wellington Youth Orchestra rehearses at the New Zealand School of Music on the campus of Victoria University in Wellington. This is made possible by the New Zealand School of Music. I saw the Victoria University campus while I was in Wellington. I sure wouldn’t mind rehearsing there!
The concept of community has many dimensions in SOGO. We serve the external community of greater Olympia. We are a supportive community of SOGO families. Each orchestra is an internal community of growing musicians. The SOGO board is a governing community of dedicated leaders. My photos, I hope, contribute to the growth and fun of our orchestral communities.
COMMUNITY
After each photo shoot, I screen, edit and post photos to the SOGO page on Facebook in labeled albums. Students and parents often go to the albums, identify photos they like and comment on specific images or the entire album. Facebook The other significant difference is in the area of support. users choose a photo of themselves they want to display in their posts and I’m ofWYO has the support of some large corporations as well as community-based organizations. But, the really signifi- ten surprised when I see a SOGO student has adopted a photo I shot! If you have cant supporter is the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. not viewed the photos there, search for “student orchestras” in the Facebook This is the National orchestra of New Zealand! I think that search box. Be sure to “like” the page so you get notices when there are updates. is pretty impressive! As the photographer, I’m privileged to attend rehearsals and get to know the personality of each group. The culture of each orchestra is based not only on I’m sure there are other similarities and differences, but the conductor and coaches, but mostly on the makeup of its members. Although what it boils down to is that kids are playing symphonic each group has a different feel, one common element that spans them all is trust. music the world over--well, at least in the land of the Each rehearsal has overarching expectations of hard work, dedication and music Kiwis! education, but there is palpable trust within each community. It promises that Oh, and one other thing. WYO has been in existence since one can make a mistake without fear of embarrassment or ridicule. I have never heard anyone say an unkind word about another musician when they are out of 1959! Perhaps when SOGO has been around that long it tune, miss a note, or squawk when they should squeak. The student communities will have its own School of Music! not only support each other, they have fun doing it. Just look at the many smiles I so easily capture on students’ faces! Colleen Welch (aka Super Biker Woman) SOGO Board President (If you would like to read about my cycling adventures in New Zealand, Further, I see the orchestras become communities of friends as the season proyou can do so at www.superbikerwoman.blogspot.com) gresses. The ten minutes before each rehearsal are alive with students warming up and catching up with their peers on their personal lives and experiences. I watch the smiles and enjoy the banter. I’m sure that many social relationships and lasting friendships have begun in SOGO rehearsals.
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My 'EASY' Button
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his year in my first term as SOGO President, one of my personal goals has been to make things easier. The one area I have really wanted to make painless is fundraising. I asked myself, what would be the easiest, most painless way for me to donate to SOGO? I felt it was important to start with myself because if it didn’t work for me, it probably wouldn’t work for you. I have found a way that works! Once a month, I simply go to the SOGO website (studentorchestras.org) and click the donate button in the upper right corner. I choose how much (usually $20), click the button, and voila, it’s done. It’s like having an “EASY” button!
I can’t make the big donation once or twice a year, but I can do $20 a month! Maybe $20 is too much for you. Maybe you could do $10, or even $5. Maybe you are thinking, well sure, I could do $5 but, will that really make a difference for SOGO? Yes, yes it will! Because your $5 plus my $20 plus all the other people who realize this is such an easy way to donate will add up to an impressive amount. Together we can help SOGO do great things for our young musicians! Go ahead, give it a try! I’m guessing you’ll find it’s pretty easy too!
So “community” is my passion and that’s what I attempt to capture and share in my photos. I am privileged to be in the SOGO community. I also like to shoot your kids! ~ Doug Ford (douglas.ford@comcast.net)
Digital Technology in 21st-century Music NewMusicBox.com, Rob Deemer writes, “A noted musicologist requested that
I submit up to three scores that would adequately represent the musical innovations of the past 10-15 years, and over the past two weeks I’ve been going Huw Edwards, Olympia Symphony over lists of composers and their repertoire to see if I could find some common threads that stood out as being both important and new in some way. … Out of all the innovations that have affected concert music since the midnineties, one would be hard-pressed to find a more pervasive one than digital technology. … Ranging from simple aural enhancements and ‘with tape’ pieces to basic looping software and the most far-flung digital transmutations, composers and performers alike have been slowly becoming acclimated to the ubiquity of microphones and laptops in the studio and on the stage.” Deemer also notes a trend in composers “asking for special techniques or skills that a particular performer has mastered (including improvisation, extended techniques, or stylistic performance traits). This has encouraged many performers to search for performance techniques that would allow them to stand out from the crowd—an example would be the growing number of violinists, violists, and cellists who have learned to sing while playing their instrument.” NewMusicBox, a multimedia publication from
New Music USA, is dedicated to the music of Claudia Simpson-Jones American composers and improvisers and their Olympia Chamber Orchestra champions.
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AUDITION TIPS
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Nolan Welch, Student Board
A NOVEMBER 6, 4 PM WCPA
round this time of year, SOGO students get a little nervous. It’s audition time! But, there’s nothing to be afraid of. I have auditioned a whopping eight times over my seven years in SOGO and every year I get a little less nervous. Hopefully with this article I can give you helpful hints on how to do your best in your audition. 1. Throughout the year, sight read for a total of 30 minutes a week. That may sound like a lot but it’s really about 5-10 minutes a day. This will improve your sight-reading which is a universal skill in music.
DECEMBER 17 HO HO 2 & 7 PM 19 MESSIAH SING 7:30 PM
2. Come to your audition on time with ample time to warm up (20-30 minutes). 3. Choose a 1-minute piece that shows off your technical ability and your tone. 4. Eat a banana before your audition. Potassium relaxes your body! 5. Download and study the theory test online at studentorchestras.org
MARCH 25, 4 PM WCPA
APRIL 28, 1 PM ZOO
6. Don’t be nervous! The SOGO auditions are to help our staff understand your ability and place you in the group that best fits you. In case you forgot, you must come to your audition with a prepared 1-minute solo, ready to sight-read a passage, and take a theory test to evaluate your knowledge of music theory. The ultimate tip is to try to not be nervous because SOGO auditions are meant to evaluate your skill and place you in the best group for you.
SOGO GRADUATING SENIORS!
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Olympic Dermatology & Laser Clinic
RadiantCare R.L. Ray Violin Shop, LLC Olympia Federal Savings Marguerite Bishop Fund Irving Lassen Foundation Charneski Charitable Fund Washington Center All donations are tax-deductible.
Evergreen Music Festival Tacoma Youth Symphony Association 901 Broadway Plaza, Suite 500 Tacoma, WA 98402-4415 253.627.2792 info@tysamusic.org Summer Youth Symphony Camp Icicle Creek Music Center P.O. Box 2071 Leavenworth, WA 98826 1.877.265.6026 icicle@icicle.org Marrowstone Music Festival Seattle Youth Symphony Association 11065 Fifth Ave NE, Suite A Seattle WA USA 98125 206.362.2300 marrowstone@syso.org Summer Music Camps University of Oregon Music Department 1225 University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1225 541.346.2138 or 541.346.5670 cjhansen@darkwing.uoregon.edu
DRESS REHEARSAL TIMES... BRASS CHOIR DEBUT ACADEMY CONSERVATORY
11:20 - 11:55 a.m. NOON - 12:45 p.m. 12:50 - 1:35 p.m. 1:40 - 3:10 p.m.
Plans for the future: “I plan to major in mechanical engineering, ultimately working towards a doctorate.”
2011-12 SPONSORS
WA State Arts Commission
Summer Music Program 5-8th grade St. Martin’s University Music Department 5300 Pacific Avenue Lacey, WA 98503 360.352.1438 (SOGO Office)
Dakota McRostie, Violin • Member 6 years • Plase to attend WSU
MAY 20, 4 PM WCPA
Tumwater Eye Center & Vue Vision
SUMMER MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES
Flora Espinoza, Oboe • Member 5 years • Plans to attend San Francisco Conservatory
Alaina Peters, Clarinet • Member 3 years • Plans to attend Arizona State University
Advice: “Music is so much more than just practicing. But don’t slack on that, because you’ll kick yourself when your’re older.”
Advice: “Pat yourself on the back for joining early! I wish I had done SOGO longer Debut and Academy look so fun. Other than that, practice, make friends with the people in your section, and audition for AllState.”
In Five years Flora said she sees herself “Still making reeds!”
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Michael Snodgrass, Tuba • Member 6 years • Plans to attend Gonzaga or UW Memorable moment: “One time I tried so hard to hit a high note that my nose started bleeding.” Breanne Zelenak, Trumpet • Member 6 years • Plans to attend Willamette University After high school graduation Breanne plans to work as a cabin counselor at the YMCA Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor.
EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT: Colleen Welch VICE PRESIDENT: Jilyna Dick SECRETARY: Peter Despot TREASURER: John Fleckenstein STUDENT BOARD Ella Bushnell, violin Dakota McRostie, violin Keadrin Dick, cello Nolan Welch, cello BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joyce Allen Joan Armstrong Brad Carlson Wendy Clark Doug Ford Julie Evans Anne Hammond Susan Hill Ginny Nordhorn Dana Phelps Amy Schutte Kirk Veis MUSIC DIRECTOR John Welsh
Graduating SOGO Seniors
(L-R)
Michael Snodgrass, Tuba, Olympia H.S., 2006-07 Tiffany Smith, Viola, River Ridge, H.S. 2006-07 Alaina Peters, Clarinet, Black Hills H.S., 2009-10 Breanne Zelenak, Trumpet, Black Hills H.S., 2006-07 Flora Espinoza, Oboe, Capital H.S., 2007-08 Ha-Eun Lee, Violin, Olympia H.S., 2008-09 Aviva Browning, Violin, Capital H.S., 2006-07 Not pictured-Dakota McRostie, Violin, Tumwater H.S., 2006-07
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Greg Allison ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Krina Allison, Executive Dir. Pat Kabler, Orchestra Mgr. & Finance Dir. Mary Ardington, Librarian Doug Ford, Event Coordinator
SOGO TEEs & Hoodies available!
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 1629 22ND AVE SE | OLYMPIA WA 98501 www.studentorchestras.org
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