HearHere Youth Orchestra Edition - February 16, 2025
SPARTANBURG PHILHARMONIC
Sunday, February 16
Twichell Auditorium, Converse University
3:00 PM
Winter Concert
Feb. 16, 2025
3:00 PM
Conductors
Susan Wines & Joshua Miller
Jeremy Woolstenhulme Mystical Towers
Susan Day Tango d'Amour
Teiichi Okano, arr. Yukiko Nishimura Furusato 3 min
Brian Balmages Golden Grove
Soon Hee Newbold Warrior Legacy
Gustav Holst, arr.Vernon Leidig Jupiter-Bringer of Jollity from "The Planets" 6 min
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Clarinet Concerto K. 622 8 min I. Adagio
Gabriela Tilley, clarinet
Reinhold Gliere
Russian Sailor’s Dance from the ballet "The Red Poppy" 5 min
Mystical Towers
Jeremy Woolstenhulme
COMPOSED
The overarching theme of Mystical Towers by Jeremy Woolstenhulme is a fantastical adventure in which a hero embarks on a quest through mysterious and magical landscapes. The piece takes the hero into the ruins of two ancient towers imbued with mystical power. These towers hold secrets and tests that the hero must navigate. The goal of the hero is to find and retrieve a relic hidden deep within the towers. The musical themes in Mystical Towers reflect several narrative elements: The opening dramatic cello theme represents the formidable and mysterious energy of the towers. The determined melodies of the violins and violas mirror the hero’s resolve to complete the quest. The arpeggio passages symbolize the
challenges or trials the hero faces within the towers. The climactic section reveals the majesty of the relic, while the music’s unresolved ending hints at an ongoing struggle, leaving the final fate of the hero uncertain.
Tango D’amour
Susan Day
Tango D’amour by Susan Day captures the essence of the Argentine tango through its driving rhythms, expressive melodies, and dynamic contrasts. The syncopated pulse, often carried by the lower strings, mirrors the deliberate and dramatic footwork of tango dancers, while the upper strings’ soaring legato lines evoke the grace and passion of their movements. Pizzicato passages reflect playful flirtation, and sudden shifts in dynamics heighten the drama, echoing the tension and intimacy between dance partners. These elements work together to embody the
tango’s passionate spirit, transforming the ensemble into a vibrant portrayal of this timeless dance.
Furusato (meaning Hometown in Japanese) is a beloved Japanese folk song, originally composed by Teiichi Okano with lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano. This nostalgic melody holds deep cultural significance, evoking feelings of longing, remembrance, and love for one’s childhood home and the natural landscapes of rural Japan. The original lyrics reflect the warmth of familiar
places and the enduring emotional ties to one’s roots, even in adulthood. Yukiko Nishimura’s thoughtful arrangement breathes new life into this timeless piece. Known for her elegant harmonies and sensitive approach, Nishimura enhances the simple beauty of the melody with lush textures, flowing lines, and delicate harmonic shifts. Her arrangement balances tradition and modernity, capturing both the gentle simplicity of the original tune and the rich emotional depth that resonates with audiences of all ages. This interpretation of Furusato invites listeners to reflect on their own memories of home and the places that shaped them. The music’s tender, wistful qualities create a sense of comfort and universal longing, making it a heartfelt journey for both performers and audiences.
Furusato Teiichi Okano
ARRANGED 2021
APPROXIMATE DURATION 2 minutes
Golden Grove by Brian Balmages is a celebratory and versatile work for string orchestras of varying skill levels. The piece features sweeping, majestic melodies intertwined with pulsating, driving rhythms, creating a captivating and dynamic musical experience. This masterful juxtaposition of rhythm and melody transports the audience on an epic, cinematic journey, making Golden Grove an exhilarating piece to perform.
Golden Grove Brian Balmages
COMPOSED 2023
APPROXIMATE DURATION 3 minutes
Warrior Legacy Soon
Hee
Newbold (1974-)
COMPOSED 2010
APPROXIMATE DURATION 5 minutes
Soon Hee Newbold’s Warrior Legacy is a dynamic orchestral work that celebrates the steadfast spirit of courage and heroism. Opening with an energetic and bold motif in the cellos and basses, Newbold vividly evokes the imagery of ancient warriors preparing for battle. The piece combines driving rhythms, mighty brass fanfares, and soaring string melodies to create an atmosphere of strength and unyielding determination.
This piece speaks to honoring the bravery of those who have come before us and finding inspiration in their legacy. Whether picturing the legendary heroes of history or everyday individuals who show resilience in the face of challenges, the piece resonates with a universal theme of perseverance and invincible strength. Newbold’s vibrant and cinematic compositional style tells a story and
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
Gustav Holst
(1874-1934)
COMPOSED 1916
APPROXIMATE DURATION 6 minutes
“Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity,” the fourth movement from Gustav Holst’s The Planets, is one of the most beloved and recognizable pieces of 20th-century orchestral music. Composed between 1914 and 1916, The Planets is a suite of seven movements, each inspired by the astrological character associated with a planet of the solar system, excluding Earth.
Jupiter is the planet of abundance, good fortune, and expansion. These traits inspired Holst to create a movement brimming with energy and festivity. While Holst was deeply interested in astrology, he clarified that The Planets was not intended to reflect mythology or astronomy but rather the ‘mood’ evoked by each planet’s astrological significance. For “Jupiter,” this mood is unmistakably jovial and lifeaffirming. Holst beautifully embodies the joy, energy, and exuberance the planet symbolizes in astrology.
The movement opens with a burst of lively, rhythmic energy, propelled by swirling strings and fanfare-like figures in the brass. This celebratory spirit is woven throughout the movement, showcasing Holst’s mastery of orchestration and his ability to create rich, vibrant textures. The contrasting middle section introduces the famous
stirs the imagination. This piece is not only a showcase of technical skill and ensemble unity but also a powerful emotional journey for both performers and audiences. Shifts in texture and orchestration highlight moments of reflection and resolve, balancing moments of tension with uplifting triumph.
broad, noble melody often associated with English patriotism. This hymn-like theme, later adapted into the song “I Vow to Thee, My Country,” exudes warmth and grandeur, providing a moment of heartfelt reflection amid the movement’s unrelenting vitality.
The Planets remains a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire, beloved for its innovative character portraits and timeless appeal. Each movement portrays a different planetary personality, from the ferocity of “Mars” to the ethereal beauty of “Neptune.” We invite you to experience Holst’s The Planets performed by the Spartanburg Philharmonic on April 26, 2025.
This clarinet concerto is known as Mozart’s Swan Song. A “Swan Song” refers to an artist’s final work before death. It comes from the folk belief that swans are usually mute but sing a beautiful, mournful song before they die. It was Mozart’s last major instrumental composition, completed in October 1791, a few weeks before his
The “Russian Sailors’ Dance” is one of the most electrifying and recognizable pieces of music from the ballet The Red Poppy. This energetic dance showcases the vibrant spirit and athleticism of Russian sailors, blending traditional folk elements with dynamic orchestral writing.
The Red Poppy ballet premiered in 1927 and tells the story of a ship’s captain who
death. It is widely considered the first great piece written for the clarinet. Mozart wrote this concerto for a friend, Anton Stadler, who was believed to be the most gifted clarinetist in Vienna. The second movement of the concerto, the “Adagio,” is a slow, lyrical movement that showcases the string orchestra’s full dynamic range. The piece’s themes move from a delicate, soft, statement to a rich, lush orchestral response. Performers of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto Movement II use a variety of approaches to interpret the piece, including stylistic and pedagogical methods. This movement reflects the somber mood of the end of Mozart’s life. Listen for all the emotions that move through this delicate piece. Maybe you can feel what Mozart felt as he wrote this magnificent concerto. Please enjoy!
Gabi Tilley
Clarinet Concerto Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(1756-1791)
COMPOSED 1791
APPROXIMATE DURATION 8 minutes
helps oppressed dock workers in a port city. While the ballet reflects its political era, it aims to foster unity among nations. The “Russian Sailors’ Dance” captures the robust and joyful character of the Russian seafarers, alternating between lively, playful passages and slower, more reflective moments. It begins with an assertive and energetic introduction before bursting into a fast, vigorous theme based on traditional Russian folk melodies. The piece’s driving rhythms, bold orchestration, and virtuosic demands make it a thrilling showcase for dancers and musicians alike. The music grows increasingly intense, culminating in a whirlwind of energy as the sailors’ exuberance reaches its peak, transcending its origins of ballet and achieving a life of its own as a stand-alone orchestral concert favorite.
Russian Sailors’ Dance Reinhold Glière (1875-1956)
COMPOSED 1927
APPROXIMATE DURATION 5 minutes
Violin I
Nicholas Catto, Principal
Jade Aparicio-Edwards, Assistant Principal
Legend Davis
Jackson Sewell
Wren Sikma
Harrison Pack
Emma Peuser
Joszaleigh Gibson
Violin II
Scarlet Spencer, Principal
Charlotte Hambright, Assistant Principal
Charlotte Clementson
Addison Simcheck
Luke Gardner
Emma Newsome
Henry Moore
Isaac Dill
Kenzie Hazelwood
Avery Morlino
Felipa Perez-Campbell
Viola
Catherine Arenas, Principal
Carl McLean, Assistant Principal
Liam Sewell
Lillian Long
Cailinn Griswold
Harper Brailsford
Bass
Alan Mesa, Principal
Ava Eckerich, Assistant Principal
Amelia Ferguson
Kyndall Thomas
Dallas Lewis
Talia Rhymer
Victoria Vazquez
Cello
Britany Garcia Mesa, Principal
Zayden Emsopheap, Assistant Principal
Jacob Kang
Ella Kern
Ava Key
Isabella Derrick
Katherine Turner
Peyton Allen
Addison Wilson
Bryson Kiehl
Zachary Quinn
Patrick Jung
Maddox Burnett
Corbin Milbourne
Sectional Coaches
Jennifer Diehn
Kathy Foster
Mary Irwin
Allison Key
Courtney LeBauer
Adena McDaniel
Bill & Valerie
Barnet
George Dean & Susu
Johnson
Nelly
Zimmerli
Anonymous
Angela Rex
Darian Washington
Aaron Yackley
Audition Judges
Ashley Burrows
Tammie Burrows
Jeanette Kuhn
Bill Scott
SPYO Team
Hannah Simpson, Education Manager
Bob Borden, SPYO manager
Flute
Noelani Gonzalez
Shiloh McArn
Anjali Perera
Addyson Posey
Horn
Emma Green
Cameron Love
Matthew Price
Ben West
Oboe
Ella Bowen
Jackson Brown
Kylie Fowler
Clarinet
Bryan Avalos-Barrera
Nancy Mae Flippin
Gabriela Jacqueline Tilley
Shan Zhang
Trumpet
Matthew Baker
Grayson Crutchlow
Greyson Miller-King
Eden Vander Ploeg
Jack Cooper
Violin I
Ryan Campbell, Principal
Natalie Acosta, Assistant Principal
Zoe O’Brien
Marissa Correll
Angelique Farmer
Vittoria Stamile
Meredith Dacus
Ben Potter
Anna Barber
Cadence Smith
Lillian Strange
Finley Zibell
Julia Porterfield
Hector Perez
Joey Lesley
Jeremy Rojas
Violin II
Abby Clementson, Principal
Ella Hayes, Assistant Principal
Katherine Lancaster
Maddie Raynor
Jonathan Steadman
Sam Strickland
Ellison Sellers
Angela Devore
Delaney Zibell
Leah Keen
Grace Trittenwein
Maegan Lennon
Gabrielle Jung
Victoria Udensi
Malachi Shuler
Grace Velting
Trombone
Chris Depra
Bax Potter
Bryson Olmstead
Bassoon
Gabriela Garmise
Micah Whitfield
Tuba
Clara Matz
Emilio Perez-Salas
Percussion
Colin Almond
Noah Griffin
Oliver O’Quinn
Michael Velting
Adena McDaniel*
Viola
Camille Williams, Principal
Sophia Keller, Assistant Principal
Michael Depra
Scarlett Rabadan
Nahomi Magana
Bella Blackwell
Chioma Igollo-Ogele
Lincoln Heck
Hampton Cash
Isabel Helms
Peyton Howell
Cello
Zarina Bogomaziuk, Principal
Miguel Trejo Mendoza, Assistant Principal
Gracie Buttimer
Lily Cothran
Adyson Cloninger
Solomon Smith
Aiden Burrow
Rylee Potter
Bridge Keller
Joshua Bray Bass
Katie Fedorchenko, Principal
Sebastian Cartwright, Assistant Principal
Zoey Ofori
Chase Eckerich
Gabriela Jacqueline Tilley CONCERTO
WINNER, CLARINET
Gabi Tilley, a senior at Chesnee High School, excels in academics, balancing honors, and dual enrollment courses through Spartanburg Community College. A passionate musician, Gabi plays both the clarinet and piano. She studies clarinet under Tim Bivins at Roper Music. Her dedication has earned her placements in the Limestone Honor Band, Region Band, and callbacks for the All-State Band. She has also performed with her school’s orchestra at the esteemed SCMEA conference. Gabi aspires to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she plans to pursue a career in music. She hopes you enjoy the performance!
Susan Wines
MUSIC DIRECTOR OF SPARTANBURG PHILHARMONIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND SYMPHONY CONDUCTOR
As a native of Spartanburg, Susan Wines’ enthusiasm for music and teaching began as a double bass player at Boiling Springs Middle School. Her eagerness and excitement for music continued to develop through teacher encouragement as well as participation in several honor orchestra opportunities throughout the state.
With nearly two decades of youth orchestra experience, it is with excitement that she joins the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra community as the Symphony Conductor at her alma mater - Converse University. Susan Wines holds a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from Converse University, two Master of Education degrees from the American College of Education, and is pursuing a Doctorate of Music Education from Liberty University.
In addition to being the Director of Orchestras at Byrnes Freshman Academy and the Music Director and Symphony Conductor for Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, she is the master teacher for the North Greenville University String Project. She was instrumental in creating many student-centered music activities such as Greenville County’s All-County Honor Orchestras, SC ASTA Double Bass Workshop, as well as the annual SC ASTA Orchestra. Ms. Wines serves as the Executive Director of the SCMEA Orchestra Division and past president of the South Carolina Chapter of SC ASTA.
She has been recognized as a WYFF Golden Apple Teacher Award Recipient, Teacher of the Year, Music Club of Greenville’s Golden Note Award Recipient, South Carolina High School League’s “Heart of the Arts Award,” and most recently, the recipient of the Yamaha “40 under 40” national music educator recognition.
Joshua Miller PRELUDE 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 teaches at Boiling Springs Middle School where his program, his students, and his teaching have continued to grow each year.
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.
SPYO: Recent Grads
The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is one of the best opportunities in Spartanburg County for high school music students. Founded in 2019, qualified students receive the chance to expand their orchestral experience beyond the classroom with high-quality performances led by enthusiastic, dedicated instructors.
Many of SPYO’s recently graduated members are now furthering their music studies in college while remaining active in the music scene. They are all grateful for their experience with SPYO, and are finding ways to remain involved with orchestral music.
For Foster Neely, that involvement allows him the flexibility to dip his toes into different areas of music while remaining loyal to his first instrument, viola. Foster is a freshman at Furman University, where he is pursuing a degree in music education, although he is considering switching to music
performance. One of his favorite things about the Furman music program is its wide range of opportunity, including his participation in the Furman Symphony Orchestra, the Furman String Quartet, and the pit orchestra for the Furman Opera. “I also play jazz guitar, and I’m thinking about joining a jazz ensemble next semester,” Foster adds.
Foster joined SPYO on viola in ninth grade while also enrolling in orchestra class at Spartanburg High School. He became the section leader for viola in tenth grade. Foster remembers SPYO fondly, and is grateful for the program’s lessons on music and life. “Probably one of the coolest things the youth orchestra does is the concerto competition. I auditioned three years and never got it, but it was a really good for me to experience that failure, and see my friends perform. It was inspiring to see my peers be able to do that, even though I didn’t get it.”
Molly Cribb Contributing Author
From Left: Eza Anderson (graduated 2023), Ella Johnson (graduated 2024), and Foster Neely (graduated 2024).
Ella Johnson, now a freshman at University of South Carolina, is one of Foster’s friends who performed a concerto with SPYO on bass. “The concerto helped me overcome my nerves onstage,” Ella says, “and the audition process of SPYO definitely helped me with the college audition aspect.” Ella’s experience performing with SPYO prepared her for her first orchestral excerpt class, which holds intense mock auditions each semester. “It is definitely a big deal with different rounds, and you can get cut. The Youth Orchestra helped me become less nervous performing in front of my peers, which is scarier than performing in front of an audience.”
Ella began playing bass with SPYO during her freshman year at Boiling Springs High School, but she is also a percussionist who specializes in steelpan. She plays with the Palmetto Pans at USC, and is planning to specialize in both strings and band education. She’ll be especially busy during her senior year of college, when she will studentteach one semester of each discipline while continuing her college courses. Some students are maintaining their connection with music while also exploring completely different areas of study. Ezra Anderson, a sophomore at University of Kentucky, is pursuing both a minor in wildlife management and a major in music performance. Ezra’s love for nature manifests in long, exploratory walks. When he is not outside, Ezra is playing violin in his university’s symphony orchestra and opera pit orchestra. So far, he has played in three operas, and he recently joined a contemporary music ensemble.
Ezra began his career in SPYO as the principle second violinist, and eventually moved his way up to concertmaster. He is grateful for SPYO’s exposure to a wide repertoire of classical music: “We were exposed to pieces like Aaron Copeland’s Appalachian Spring, Antonin Dvorak’s Ninth Symphony, and Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia. It was great to have a strong background in a lot of these pieces going into college. I don’t think that would be possible without the enthusiastic leadership we have.”
All three students credit their success to SPYO’s incredible instructors, including former symphony conductor Dr. Susana Lalama. “Dr. Lalama does such a great job putting all of her passion into educating us about the background of the pieces, and I feel like that has been reflected in my college experience,” says Ezra. “You get exposed to passionate staff who’ve been doing this forever, yet they still get up every day and find new ways to be excited about music.”
The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra certainly is the kind of organization that will inspire generations of students to get up every day and be excited about music.
SpartanburgPhilharmonic.org/msi
The "Music Sandwiched In" program features 22 free concerts each year held in the Barrett Room of the Spartanburg County Downtown Library. This 25+ year partnership enriches the lives of the intergenerational population of attendees. Over its span, thousands of individuals have enjoyed many genres of music including jazz, bluegrass, classical, and rock. During "Music Sandwiched In" the doors of the Barrett Room are left open, and the 105,000 square foot library is filled with music, laughter, and applause. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch to enjoy the concert or to purchase a lunch on site. All are welcome!
SpartanburgMusicTrail.com
Some cities celebrate their war heroes, others their sports stars, but in Spartanburg, it’s all about our musicians. Head out on the Spartanburg Music Trail, a 30-minute outdoor walking tour of the city’s incredibly robust music history. With your GPS enabled smartphone, you’ll be directed to each colorful marker to learn about the artists and hear the music that lifted them onto the national stage. You’ll also discover opportunities for side trips to further explore our musical heritage.
The Spartanburg Music Trail honors musicians from Spartanburg who have made a national or international impact in the world of music. The stops highlight artists in such genres as country, gospel, soul, rock ‘n’ roll and more. Ultimately, the trail will circle the downtown as new inductees are added.
SpartanburgPhilharmonic.org/linkup
For more than 15 years, the Spartanburg Philharmonic has partnered with Carnegie Hall's Weil Institute to present Link Up, a program that works with local communities to explore orchestral repertoire and fundamental musical skills, including creative work and composition, through a hands-on music curriculum.
Link Up addresses the urgent need for music instruction and resources by providing a free, high-quality, yearlong curriculum that teachers can implement, along with classroom materials, online video and audio resources, and the professional development and support necessary to make the program an engaging experience for youth.
The Spartanburg Philharmonic utilizes Link Up to provide a music curriculum to all 4th graders in Spartanburg County. This means over 4,000 youth join the Philharmonic in Twichell Auditorium each Spring for a participatory concert like no other!
SpartanburgYouthOrchestra.org
The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra was founded in 2019 to bring together the best young players from across the Upstate as a core education program of the Spartanburg Philharmonic. Now composed of two high performing ensembles, the SPYO serves over 150 students in grades 6th - 12th each year.
The Youth Orchestra provides a place where musicallyinclined students learn to master their instruments and collaborate with others to produce three high-quality performances each year. Working with the SPYO challenges talented young musicians to grasp difficult repertoires and perform at a higher level than what is possible in their school orchestras.
FLUTES & PICCOLOS
The highest, clearest sounding instruments in the woodwind family, the flutes and piccolos are seated in the middle of the stage, directly in front of the conductor.
HORNS
The heroic sound of the horns is instantly recognizable. The bell (or opening) of the horn faces away from the audience, and they are usually seated toward the back of the stage.
VIOLINS
OBOES & ENGLISH HORNS
The oboe and its larger sibling the english horn are seated next to the flutes. The oboe is the first thing you hear when the full symphony tunes at the beginning of a concert.
TRUMPETS
Brilliant and brassy, the trumpets power over the orchestra. They are usually seated toward the rear or side of the orchestra, facing the conductor.
The highest instruments in the strings family, the violins are the largest group on stage. They are typically divided into first and second violins and are seated immediately to the conductor's left.
CLARINETS
Clarinets come in a variety of sizes, from the small and highpitched E-flat, to the middle range B-flat, all the way down to the Bass Clarinet. They sit behind the flutes in the middle of the stage.
TROMBONES
Trombones are the only family of brass instruments that use a slide to change pitch instead of valves. Like the trumpets, they are usually seated behind the rest of the orchestra.
TIMPANI & PERCUSSION
Percussion is anything that you can strike or shake to make sound. The timpani (also called kettle drums) has been in the symphony for centuries. They are usually located behind or to the side of the rest of the orchestra. Other percussion instruments have slowly joined over the years as composers look for more colorful sounds.
VIOLAS
The violas are slightly larger and deeper sounding than the violins, and they blend well with most other instruments. They sit between the cellos and the violins, and between the conductor and the oboes.
BASSOONS
The bass instrument of the woodwind family, the reedy, almost growling nature of the bassoon is very recognizable. They sit next to the clarinets and behind the oboes.
TUBA
The tuba is the largest and deepest brass instrument. The bell faces upward toward the ceiling. You can usually spot the tuba near the trombones and low stringed instruments.
CELLOS
The cellos have an enormous range, sometimes playing the bass line and sometimes the high melody. The cello section is to the conductor's right, in front of the basses.
HARP
Although not always a part of the symphony, the harp adds beautiful, sweeping colors to the orchestral sound. The harp is usually seated near (or even in) the violin sections.
BASSES
The largest and lowest instrument in the string family, the basses are so big that musicians typically stand to play them. They are usually positioned near the cellos and the tuba.
