MUSIC IS MORE FUN
TOGETHER
PLAY WHAT YOU LIKE LIKE WHAT YOU PLAY Instrument Rentals
Sales
Repairs
Appraisals
SPARTANBURG PHILHARMONIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA
TWICHELL AUDITORIUM
Soon Hee Newbold
The Wild Western Frontier
2 min
Brian Balmages Sunset Suspended
4 min
Chris Bernotas Strings of Fire
2 min
Fall Concert Oct. 25, 2026 4:00 PM
Brian Balmages Critical Impact
3 min
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arr. Richard Meyer Romeo & Juliet Overture Conductors
Joshua Miller Stephan Fillare
Richard L. Saucedo Into the Clouds!
Aaron Copland Outdoor Overture
Mary D. Watkins
Soul of Remembrance
Morton Gould American Salute
6 min
2 min
9 min
6 min 5 min
Programs subject to change. All timings are approximate.
HEARHERE: Fall 2026
3
ABOUT THE MUSIC
The Wild Western Frontier Soon Hee Newbold (b. 1974)
Sunset
Suspended Brian Balmages (b. 1975)
Strings of Fire Chris M. Bernotas (b.1969)
Critical Impact
Brian Balmages
(b. 1975)
4
Saddle up! The Wild Western Frontier takes us on a musical journey through the American West. With energetic rhythms, bold melodies, and dramatic musical gestures, this piece gives our young musicians the opportunity to capture the excitement and adventure of life on the frontier. Listen for the contrasting sections and the moments when the music seems to race across the open landscape.
Sunset Suspended captures the peaceful, almost magical feeling of watching the sun disappear below the horizon. Rather than relying on speed and intensity, this piece asks the orchestra to focus on tone, balance, intonation, and smooth bow strokes. Our musicians have worked especially hard to make the music sing and to create a sense of stillness and beauty.
We finish with Strings of Fire, a piece filled with energy, rhythmic drive, and excitement. Driven by relentless eighth notes, the music combines a fiery main theme with contrasting smooth, lyrical passages. Each section has an opportunity to shine, making this an exciting way to close the Prelude program.
Critical Impact brings a completely different kind of energy to the program. Driven by strong rhythms and contrasting musical ideas, the piece challenges the orchestra to play with precision, intensity, and confidence. The title carries a dual meaning: it reflects both the aggressive, powerful character of the music and the meaningful impact that arts programs can have on students and communities.
Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
ABOUT THE MUSIC
Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet is inspired by William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy of the same name. The music moves between peaceful, lyrical passages and powerful, dramatic sections, reflecting the conflict and emotion at the heart of the story. Richard Meyer’s arrangement allows young musicians to experience the sweeping melodies, contrasting moods, and dramatic energy that make Tchaikovsky’s music so compelling.
Romeo and Juliet Overture
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
Our Intermezzo program concludes with Into the Clouds!, an energetic work that captures the excitement of taking flight. Rhythmic patterns, powerful percussion, dramatic musical moments, and soaring melodies create a sense of movement and adventure.
Into the Clouds!
Richard L. Saucedo (b. 1957)
HEARHERE: Fall 2026
5
ABOUT THE MUSIC
An Outdoor Overture Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Aaron Copland composed An Outdoor Overture in 1938 for the orchestra of the High School of Music and Art in New York City. Despite its title, the work was not actually written to be performed outdoors. After hearing Copland play an early piano sketch, Alexander Richter, head of the school’s music department, remarked that the music had an “open-air quality.” Together, Richter and Copland arrived at the title An Outdoor Overture. Written with student musicians in mind, the overture is nevertheless unmistakably Copland, with bold rhythms, open harmonies, and memorable melodies. The work begins with a burst of energy before a solo trumpet introduces one of its most recognizable themes. Lyrical passages provide moments of contrast, but the music never loses its sense of forward motion. An Outdoor Overturecaptures the clear, distinctly American sound that would soon become closely associated with Copland in works such as Billy the Kid, Rodeo, and Appalachian Spring.
Soul of
Remembrance Mary D. Watkins
(b. 1939)
A multi-talented musician, Mary Watkins is a versatile composer writing in classical and jazz styles, for pop and chamber ensembles, and for opera and film. Beginning her journey as a pianist at age 4, her musical training took her to the renowned HBCU Howard University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music composition. Her musical works often feature Black historical figures and events such as Emmett Till: The Opera. The second movement of Five Movements in Color, “Soul of Remembrance” takes inspiration from the African diaspora. Describing her compositional inspiration for this movement, Watkins said, “I saw my own people in their long march to fully express themselves as fully human in a society when we were always boxed in.” The long and emotional march is realized in the music, as the string bass plucks its steady pizzicato melody while the upper strings perform a solemn tune in unison. Listeners are constantly reminded of the tense dissonances that never seem to fully resolve – a poignant metaphor for the lives this piece embodies. Program notes by Dr. Megan Lyons, Furman University
6
Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
ABOUT THE MUSIC
Morton Gould composed American Salute in 1942 after a radio producer asked him to create a “salute to America” for an upcoming broadcast. Gould chose the familiar Civil War-era tune “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” and, remarkably, composed and orchestrated the work in less than eight hours. The result functions almost as a fantasia, with Gould taking a single familiar melody and presenting it in seemingly every way possible.
American Salute Morton Gould
(1913-1996)
The work opens with a militaristic fanfare from the full orchestra and brass before quickly changing character, allowing the lower woodwinds their chance to shine with the familiar theme. From there, Gould takes his time moving the melody between families of the orchestra, continually changing its color, rhythm, and character. Fragments of the tune build upon one another as the work progresses, eventually bringing the full orchestra together for a brilliant and energetic conclusion.
HEARHERE: Fall 2026
7
MUSICIANS
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Bass
Dylan Park, Principal Ivey LaMee,
Alondra Garcia-Trejo, Principal Aubree Harrison,
Paisley Wyatt, Principal Muhammad Hussain,
Jesus Mendoza, Principal Aislinn Long,
Assistant Principal
Anna Crow Brooke Bryant Wallace Massengill Jairo Cruz Zepeda Cristopher Flores-Garcia Ellie Lavrenchuk Gabriella Arteaga
Assistant Principal
Briahna Keth Caleb Navarro Peyton Keth Sadie Moore Kelsey Artega Carter Lowe Kevin Castellanos
Sectional Coaches Susan Baier Anna Joiner Ian Bracchitta Allison Key Andrew Carlson Allison Key Christopher John McAllister Hutton Adena McDaniel Bill & Valerie Barnet George Dean & Susu Johnson
Assistant Principal
Versya Young Jackson Hyder
Cello Ansley Clifton, Principal Hampton Parks, Assistant Principal
Rowan Sikma Henry Scott Madeleine Moore Taleigha Talley
THA NK Hannah Simpson, Director of Education & Community Engagement
Assistant Principal
Valentina Mora Garcia
YO U
Bob Borden, Librarian & SPYO Manager
Lucas Miller Tyler Scarabino Matthew Wyatt Aaron Yackley
Ashlyn Scheuch, Patron Services Coordinator & SPYO Site Coordinator
Audition Judges Alvaro Angulo Tammie Burrows Ashley Burrows Destinee Gregory
Jeanette Kuhn John Kvasnicka Arlyn Mills March Moody
Balmer
F O U N D AT I O N
Nelly Zimmerli Anonymous
Thank you to Dr. Peter and June Sereque for their generous donation of a Cello Scholarship in memory of Rebecca Luo (Becky) Jones. A special Thank You to the Spartanburg Philharmonic Board of Directors HEARHERE: Fall 2026
9
MUSICIANS
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
Britton Matthews, Principal Claire Carman,
William Lopez, Principal Jane Harp,
Iker Arenas-Vitela, Principal Carl McLean,
Elaina Houghton, Principal Briana Marquez,
Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal
Anita Nykonchuk Kylee Arms Joshua Vazquez Flores Kendall Aguiar Harrison Pack Emma Newsome Madison Hardy Samantha Hill Harrison Sanchez Del Toro
Sara Brooks Jeannie Buttimer Daniella Bulgin Maiya Johnson Bobby Flandry Raelynn Messer Molly Tallent Alexis Warfel Olivia Chambers
Cailinn Griswold Amy Sic Bentley Pierce Liam Smith Max Schiefer Ian Mandlove Galilea Anthony
Bryson Kiehl Isabella Derrick Madeline Saad Patrick Jung Mary Scott Strickland Grey Carruth Sam Dyer Addison Wilson Leena McRoberts John Lynch Peyton Allen
Flute
Clarinet
Bassoon
Bass
Jasmine Griu Calvin Bennett Aveayah Porte Meredith Shiflet
Ja’licia Mitchell Naria Wiggleton Calvin Spivey Kaiden Odom Peyton Cornwell
Gibson Morgan Joseph Fowler
Betty Buttimer, Principal Kyndall Thomas,
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion
Henry Cooper Connor Lyerly Kathryn Martin
Grayson Lea Riley Hansen Lanning Grubbs Brandon Gray Jax Spears
Mathew Elkins Ryan Holland Jr
Jayden Dawkins Bryson Puckett Brayden Stevens Michael Velting Adena McDaniel*
Assistant Principal
Fiona Sabolovic Connor Moore Alice Hunt
*Sectional Coach
10
Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
MUSICIANS
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Kate Lancaster, Principal Ella Hayes,
Scarlet Spencer, Principal Olivia Gaskins,
Jordi Vazquez-Perez, Principal Alexander Arenas-Vitela, Principal Lincoln Heck, Alexander Pukharev,
Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal
Cello Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal
Zoe O’brien Jonathan Steadman Jackson Lui Nicholas Catto Sam Strickland Abby Clementson Jackson Sewell Sam Sushinskiy Ethan Truong Maegan Lennon Vittoria Stamile Jade Aparicio-Edwards
Wren Sikma Aaden Talley Legend Davis Nahomi Blanco Luke Gardner Gabriel Palmer Olivia Coyle Lily Hoffee Addison Simcheck Liam Sewell Jayla Toole Mathias Arellanos Gutierrez Jennifer Lopez Sophia Keller Grace Velting Vivie George Jolene Yang Arya Patel Alexander Santiago-Urbano Catherine Arenas Gabrielle Jung Nandhan Muruganathan
Gracie Buttimer Adyson Cloninger Bridge Keller Ella Kern Kamden Robertson Solomon Smith Zayden Emsopheap Rosemary Martin Layla Ferguson Ervin Gonzalez
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bass
Sunny Harrison Mason McNeilly Elana Babb Analiz Garza
Kylie Fowler Ella Bowen Kyri Johnson
Bryan Avalos-Barrera Kathryn Spivey Karina Arteaga
Colsen Long, Principal Marilyn Duong,
Bassoon
Horn
Trumpet
Percussion
Micah Whitfield Clara Saad Gabriela Garmise
Jonathan May Emma Green Olivia Lawson Henry Wilson
Eden Vander Ploeg Connor Page Jack Cooper Holley Loftis
Jayden Dawkins Bryson Puckett Michael Velting Brayden Stevens Adena McDaniel*
Assistant Principal
Amelia Ferguson Victoria Vazquez Ava Eckerich Jayonna Greene
*Sectional Coach
HEARHERE: Fall 2026
11
ABOUT THE SPYO CONDUCTORS
Joshua Miller
PRELUDE & INTERMEZZO CONDUCTOR
Although he didn’t originally set out to become a teacher, he received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Furman University. While in college, his plan was to become a dentist until he finally listened to the encouragement of those around him to consider teaching. The choice to become an orchestra teacher turned out to be one of the greatest decisions of his life. After graduation, Dr. Miller began his career in Anderson School District One teaching orchestra for grades 5-12. In 2016, he moved back to his hometown and joined the faculty at Spartanburg School District Two. As a music educator, he holds two main philosophies: kids who trust you can learn anything, and fundamentals are key to musical success. He currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Roebuck Elementary School in Spartanburg School District 6. In 2021, he was selected by his peers and administration to serve as Teacher of the Year. And this past year, he received the honor of being the WYFF News 4 Teacher of the Year. During his years as an orchestra teacher, his performance groups have earned numerous awards. Dr. Miller and his wife (Raven) currently reside in Inman, SC, with their son (Asher) and daughter (Ayla). He enjoys watching as much Netflix as possible and spending time with his family.
Stephan Fillare
GUEST SYMPHONY CONDUCTOR Stephan Fillare believes the most memorable orchestral performances are born
from trust. His work as a conductor is shaped by the conviction that when every musician feels invested in a shared artistic goal, an ensemble becomes more than the sum of its parts—listening more deeply, communicating more freely, and discovering new possibilities together. Stephan Fillare serves as Director of Orchestral Activities at Furman University, where he conducts the Furman Symphony Orchestra and Furman Chamber Orchestra and collaborates with the Furman Oratorio Chorus and Sarah Reese Lyric Theatre. During his tenure, he restored the Furman Chamber Orchestra following a four-year hiatus and has championed programming that connects audiences with both beloved repertoire and new voices, including the South Carolina premiere of Jennifer Erickson’s To Serve With Honor. An active guest conductor, educator, and adjudicator, Fillare has appeared with ensembles throughout the United States and internationally. He was the inaugural Harmony Conducting Fellow with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and has held assistant conducting appointments with the International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia and the Berlin Opera Academy. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Fillare holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Stetson University and a Master of Music in Conducting, where he studied with Maurice Peress. He pursued doctoral work in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music under the mentorship of Mark Gibson.
12
Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Expert infant-feeding care where your family feels known, heard, and supported. BREASTFEEDING • BOTTLE-FEEDING • PUMPING In-office • In-home • Virtual Many insurance plans accepted
Scan to schedule or verify coverage 864-209-1064 info@hubcitylactation.com 2992 Reidville Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301 www.hubcitylactation.com
NO
ABOUT THE MUSIC
M
IN
AT E
The Spartanburg Philharmonic Music Educator of the Year Award is dedicated to honoring outstanding music educators in Spartanburg County. This prestigious award celebrates the exceptional dedication, creativity, and passion of local music teachers who inspire and cultivate a love of music in their students. Nomination Deadline: January 31, 2027 SpartanburgPhilharmonic.org/Educators
Announcement: March 2027
Upcoming events... Zimmerli Series
Music Sandwiched In
Espresso Series
Bluegrass Spartanburg
Event
Date
Venue
November Spartanburg High School Chorus
Wed 11/4
Spartanburg County Library
Fayssoux McLean
Wed 11/18
Spartanburg County Library
Music from the Information Age
Fri 11/20
Chapman Cultural Center
Arbor Wind Trio
Wed 12/2
Spartanburg County Library
Hub City Holiday
Sat 12/5
Twichell Auditorium
The Nutcracker
Fri 12/11
Twichell Auditorium
The Nutcracker
Sat 12/12
Twichell Auditorium
The Nutcracker
Sun 12/13
Twichell Auditorium
Philharmonic Brass
Wed 12/16
Spartanburg County Library
Wayne & Kristin Scott Benson and Friends
Thurs 12/17
Chapman Cultural Center
December
14
Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
!