A November Concert Sponsor 2026-2027 SPONSORS Concert Series Sponsors: Capital Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electric Olympic Dermatology Olympia Federal Savings Event Sponsors: Act1 Theater Guild Mortgage JT Painting Co. Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey R.L. Ray Violin Shop Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry Sweet Francis Sewing Co. Tumwater Eye Center Washington Center Events: Brass Choir A Crooner’s Christmas Sat. Dec. 12, 2026 Messiah Sing-Along, Mon. Dec. 21, 2026 Instrument Petting Zoo, Sat. Apr. 24, 2027
UNLEASING THE MUSIC - Youthful Talent, Skill, & Work!
s we begin the 2026-27 performance season, I find myself both overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” there is to do AND excited about the possibilities I see in each group I am working alongside. I am consistently reminded of the incredible things that these large, diverse groups of people are capable of accomplishing when they come together and lift each other up. In the first couple of months, I have been reminded of the talent, skill, and work ethic that our young people bring to the table. I am grateful to get to work with them each week, and look forward to our continued growth as an ensemble. Our first SOGO concert features some difficult, but rewarding music for the conservatory orchestra. Bernstein’s overture to Candide is one of the most enduring pieces in the American concert repertoire. It is a great showpiece for any orchestra and features several themes from the operetta it introduces. It is a perfect piece to open a season. Elgar’s Wand of Youth suites were originally composed when he was a boy and orchestrated 40 years later. The music is colorful and lush, and the last movement in particular
Meet Campbel Patterson
Soloist, Sunday, November 1, 4pm
14 when I first saw Olympia Itrawas High School’s Chamber Orchesperform at a middle school
concert. It was the first time I had seen someone play the double bass in person, and I was fascinated by its deep, rich sound. I decided to switch from violin to bass, and over time, I’ve discovered that this is an instrument I’d love to play professionally.
and discover new ways to express myself. Through playing in Olympia High School’s Chamber Orchestra, participating in All-State Orchestra, and exploring different musical styles, I’ve gained experiences that have made me even more excited to pursue music performance in college. At SOGO’s November concert, I’ll perform Andante, the second movement of Serge Koussevitzky’s Double Bass Concerto, with the Conservatory Orchestra. I discovered the piece through a performance by Marc Andrea on
Music has given me many opportunities to grow, challenge myself, Mailing: 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia 98501 Office: 1110 Jefferson St SE, Olympia
paints the perfect image of “Fairies and Giants.” I will let Mr. Allison and Campbell speak about the Koussevitzky concerto, although I am excited to hear Campbell’s performance! “Campbell is a dedicated, creative, and hardworking musician whose commitment to her craft and artistic growth is truly inspiring. The double bass rarely takes center stage as a solo instrument, making this performance a special treat for our audience. Campbell will perform the second movement of Koussevitzky’s Double Bass Concerto, a beautiful work filled with heartfelt melodies, rich textures, and a wonderful variety of orchestral colors. We look forward to sharing this opportunity to hear Campbell’s artistry shine!” G.A. The final piece on the program is Ginastera’s Malambo, originally taken from a ballet. It is based on an Argentinian folk dance meant to be a competition between gauchos (skilled horsemen). We are excited to welcome all artistic staff onto the stage to perform this piece with us! Nick Carlson, Conductor & Greg Allison, Artistic Director
social media. I was drawn to the way Koussevitzky moves between the bass’s low and high registers, creating such a contrast. The music reminds me of Sleeping Beauty because of its expressive, almost fairytale-like quality. Listen carefully for those shifts between the low and high notes! I hope you’ll hear the emotion I put into every phrase. After high school, I plan to study music performance at a four-year university or conservatory and find a community where art and music are appreciated. Email: SOGO@studentorchestras.org
SOGO More Than Music...
space to laugh together when things don’t go quite right.
Ask a SOGO student what they remember about a season, and you might expect them to talk about the music. They certainly do - but listen a little longer, and you’ll hear stories about friends, laughter, mistakes, challenges, and the people who helped them grow.
Ash is looking forward to watching friends perform and seeing how they have grown over the years. At the same time, Ash hopes to get to know more SOGO musicians this season and reminds themself not to take every mistake so seriously. “I need to focus on the wonderful music we’re making,” Ash says.
Izzy is having a lot of fun with this season’s overture to Candide, even though it has been her most technically challenging piece. “So many intervals I’m not used to playing,” she says. “But it’s a lot of fun!” Some of her favorite moments, though, happen away from the full orchestra. She especially enjoys her MOJO quartet, where the musicians have created a
Izzy describes her SOGO experience in one word: enlightenment. Ash hopes every student finishes the season feeling understood, proud of their performance, and inspired.
Reflections from Student Board Members...
What’s Coming Up... Would you like to sponsor an orchestra, sponsor the podium, or show your love for a particular section of the orchestra? Now is your chance! Pledge using the Google form (QR code below), then give during the GIVE Local campaign, November 9–20, when your gift is stretched! Sponsorships range from $500–$5,000, but gifts of any amount are welcome. Have fun supporting SOGO’s 160+ musicians during the 2026– 2027 season!
That may be one of the best things about being a young musician: learning that the music matters, but so do the people making it with you.
That sounds like SOGO to us!
Get Ready...Get Set... Give Local November 9-20, 2026 Join the two-week giving campaign hosted by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound - and make your SOGO donation go even further! Your gift will be stretched through the Give Local campaign.
BUY Local
Do some holiday shopping with SOGO until November 1 . Purchase poinsettias, wreaths, coffee, and Brass Choir Holiday Show tickets at the concert or online at Student Orchestras.org.
Congratulations 26-27 Student Board & Representatives
L to R - Student Board: Ash Hagewald, Isabella DiBenedetto-Campos, Zoey Bernal, Jessie Aubry, (Serenia Thibodeaux N/P) Student Representatives: Judah Cushman, Kyra Hoffman, Sophia Quinn, Beckett Porter, Jackson Groberg, Dylan Velupula, Ella Robbins, Casper Woods, Elliott Brewster, Kataleya Hartt-Plazas, Mina Chowdary, Lucas Ding
A STUDENT’S PERSECTIVE:
students can look back and say, “Look at what we just accomplished.”
hen Jessie Aubry was elected to the SOGO Board as a student representative, he saw it as an opportunity to give back to a community that has given him so much.
But the music is only part of what makes SOGO special. Jessie describes the community as the foundation underneath the performances: the friendships, stand-partner conversations, section interactions, and encouraging words from teaching artists that “ultimately make such a large difference.”
Jessie Aubry Joins the SOGO Board
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Jessie has experienced firsthand the growth that happens at SOGO - not only musically, but personally. When he first joined, he admits he was somewhat skeptical about what SOGO might offer. Now, he wishes someone had told him just how much he would grow. For Jessie, that growth comes through both the challenges of the music and the people who surround it. He especially looks forward to the buildup to each concert - the stress, hard work, and, ultimately, the moment when
As a student representative, Jessie wants to do more than share his own opinions. He hopes to listen to his fellow students and help the Board understand what students want to “change, create, or keep the same.” His reason for serving is simple: “I wanted to do the best I could to contribute to the community that has done so much for all SOGO musicians.” We are grateful to have Jessie bringing his thoughtful perspective and his passion for SOGO to the Board this year.