VOLUME 28, NUMBER 3 January 2015 “Musical ‘Tails’ Remixed” Inside this issue: Maestro’s Notes 3 Meet the Musicians 4 Board Member Profile 5 Symphony Ball 5 Did You Know? 6 Mark your Calendar! 6 Saturday, January 24 · 7:30 p.m. Julie Rogers Theatre We are excited to begin 2015 with a story time set to music for the next concert in our Classics Series. “Musical ‘Tails’ Remixed” features a traditional presentation of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 and is juxtaposed with a unique, visually transcended performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.” This season, we have challenged ourselves to include a “twist” in each of the Classics Series concerts where we add something new or unique. For “Musical ‘Tails’ Remixed” that twist is the innovative performance of “Peter and the Wolf.” “Boys like Peter are not afraid of wolves!” Prokofiev’s timeless musical tale of boy vs. wolf comes roaring to life with the SOST and a vaudeville-inspired performance by actor Michael Boudewyns from theater ensemble Really Inventive Stuff. The orchestra portrays each character with different instruments -flutes flutter like a bird, clarinets stalk like a cat, and horns glare like a big hungry wolf. Boudewyns has been presenting playful storytelling with orchestras across the country since 2004. Combining the traditions of vaudeville and classic theatre with a generous sprinkling of childlike enthusiasm, he creates skillful and unique performances for all ages, while keeping the music in the spotlight. Hailed by the Philadelphia Inquirer as “immensely like-able” and “using simplicity as a form of genius,” this performance is guaranteed to engage and inspire imaginations of all ages. We bring the traditional performance of a classic back in with Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. Brahms’ final essay in the symphonic form, this piece is a culmination of beauty, lyricism and form. “All pieces to me tell a certain story,” said Maestro Chelsea Tipton, II. “You can really hear that story from Brahms in this piece.” The concert begins with the Russian classic overture, “Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla,” by Mikhail Glinka with its exclamatory, vigorous themes and popping bass lines. Maestro Tipton’s incredible selection of music will make this concert most memorable. To purchase tickets or get more information, go to www.sost.org or call (409) 892-2257. Mr. Boudewyns’ appearance made possible in part by Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas. Meet Michael Boudewyns Michael Boudewyns is the performer and producer of “Peter and the Wolf” and the co-creator of the theatre ensemble Really Inventive Stuff. We wanted everyone to get to know him a little better before we experience his performance at our Jan. 24 concert. What kind of theatre or musical performances did you attend as a child? I have many memories of theatre and music: I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. When I was very young, during the summer, my family would go to the state capitol to listen to outdoor concerts of John Philip Sousa marches. In kindergarten, I recall Mrs. Thompson taking our class to see the sixth grade students perform “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” I loved it. I was inspired by the fun, the enthusiasm and the music. In the early 70’s, in elementary school, I sang in choir and played trumpet in band. My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. MacIntyre, did theatre games, readers theatre, puppet shows and spontaneous in-class performances of books. Mrs. McIntyre was a great teacher. I still fondly think about her classes. What inspired or lead you to create Really Inventive Stuff? In 2004, Really Inventive Stuff was co-created with my wife, Sara Valentine. We’re both classically trained actors (Shakespeare, Chekhov, Shaw, Wilder) and have chosen to apply our passion for classic stories to great music for families. We approach each orchestra project as a piece of theatre. Sara and I collaborate on the overall conception, while Sara designs all the props and then she directs the staging as if it were a play. In 2005, we were invited to create a performance of “Peter and the Wolf” for an orchestra in New Jersey. We drew upon storytelling that inspired us, and discovered that our theatrical style was a great fit with orchestras. After our success with “Peter and the Wolf” we began partnering with more orchestras and exploring other compositions that we could tell with a theatrical twist such as “The Story of Babar,” “Tubby the Tuba,” “The Toy Symphony,” the “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra,” “Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony,” and Dr. Seuss’s “Green Eggs and Ham.” In 2007, our performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra was reviewed as “simplicity as a form of genius.” We’re honored by such a compliment. We believe simplicity is a key to great storytelling. It asks the performer and the audience to take the kernel of an idea, and from the collective imagination, create the world of the story. What made you want to add a visual and theatre component to these classic orchestra performances? We feel that it’s the perfect way to highlight the composer’s music intention. Great compositions inherently contains drama and conflict and every great composition for young audiences is built around a story so using a touch of playfulness and theatricality can be a useful bridge for kids to embrace orchestral music. I hope my performance of “Peter and the Wolf” allows kids to discover a timeless musical story they’ll love for a lifetime, while adults can rediscover a composition they thought they knew, and families all leave with a new shared memory. What do you hope the audience gains from a visually translated performance vs. strictly instrumental performance? Really Inventive Stuff endeavors to create performances that are, first and foremost, playful. We love storytelling that is surprising and delightful. Our goal is to inspire and engage the audience’s imagination while being in the presence of fantastic orchestral music. In the end we want audiences to have had such a fantastic and memorable time with the orchestra that it may inspire kids to 2 learn to play an instrument or take music classes, while making attending live music a regular part of their daily lives; not just for special occasions. How do you work with or rehearse with the orchestra to prepare for a performance? Most of my preparation and rehearsal is accomplished before I meet an orchestra. I spend hours studying the score, reviewing the music, rehearsing my blocking and reciting my lines — orchestras typically only hav one rehearsal and most of the time, as it should, is dedicated to the musicians and the conductor — so I arrive prepared, like a jazz musician without preconceptions for tempos and dynamics, to partner with the conductor. Every orchestra has a unique sound, and each conductor unveils a new facet of “Peter and the Wolf” and the other compositions in our repertoire. I love how each orchestra I perform with reflects its city and community; whether it’s Saint Louis, Philadelphia, or Singapore, each town claims a group of musicians as their “hometown team.” It’s a thrill that for the brief time I’m guest artist, I get to be part of the place I’m visiting. Music is a necessary and much needed part of a community. Music is for everyone; it’s a vital part of humanity. I’m honored to be able to use my talents as actor and storyteller to help introduce classic compositions and musical stories to young audiences. Maestro’s Notes We are so excited to kick off 2015 with a concert featuring two masterpieces that approach music from completely different perspectives. Much of the music we perform is symphonic music and is not done with text or narration. On this program, we will be featuring Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.” This is one of my favorite pieces, but we wanted to present it with a “twist.” Several years ago I heard about this company called “Really Inventive Stuff,” which is dedicated to imaginative, playful, entertaining storytelling. So joining us onstage from “Really Inventive Stuff” will be Michael Boudewyns to share the story of “Peter and the Wolf” in a way you have never seen before. The audience, both young and old, is going to love it! Also on the program is Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. It was the last of Brahms’ symphonies and the most mature. This symphony is full of passion, all the wonderful ideals of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic period. He was a musicologist who tipped his hat to the past of Palestrina and Bach while at the same time looking forward to where music composition could go. It is an amazing piece of music that we are happy to share with the community. Hope to see everyone there and what a great way to begin 2015! 6:30 p.m. Pre-Concert Talk Arrive early to the concert on Jan. 24 for a pre-concert talk with Maestro Tipton and special guests. Made possible by a gift from Dr. & Mrs. Russ Schultz. The British Came … to our Oct. 25 concert Principal Clarinetist Ronald White captivated the audience with a beautiful performance of Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto.” And we all enjoyed sharing the joy of “Home for the Holidays” on Dec. 7 The angelic voices of the First United Methodist Church and Calder Baptist Church choirs, as well as the Golden Triangle Handbell Ensemble joined the orchestra for the joyous performance. 3 Meet the Musicians Roma Newton, Viola $18, and that included its pasteboard case and steel bow. Making music with an instrument of such poor quality is quite a task for a beginner, but I wanted to play so much, I made it sing! Q: What instrument(s) do you play? A: Violin and Viola. Through college, I also played Oboe. Q: When and how did you get started in music? A: My first music lessons were in a beginning string class taught in a Beaumont Independent School District elementary school. I began playing on an instrument that had been ordered from Sears and Roebuck for Q: When did you begin playing with the SOST? A: I began playing violin with the Beaumont Symphony, the original title of The Symphony of Southeast Texas, at the age of 16. A few years ago, I acquired a viola, and began playing that instrument with the Symphony. Q: Educational background? A: Bachelors and Masters in Music Education, Lamar, McNeese, SMU Q: Who has been your greatest influence in music? A: Edna Brooks of both the Beaumont Independent School District and Lamar Music Faculties, and Arnold Whedbee of the Beaumont Independent School District Music Faculty Q: What is your “day job?” A: I manage a music service, Violini di ROMA. Our musicians are available to play for ceremonies and receptions in the area. I am retired from teaching for the State of Texas, where through the years I taught instrumental music, art and English. Q: Hobbies or activities outside of SOST? A: Cartoon drawing, crewel embroidery creations, early European history, choral singing, mini Dachshunds, container gardening, wood carvingsculpture, bread baking, computer technology Amanda Wilton, Viola Q: What instrument(s) do you play? A: Viola Q: When and how did you get started in music? A: I started playing the violin in the public school orchestra in 6th grade and switched to viola just before my Master’s degree. Q: When did you begin playing with the SOST? A: 2013 Q: Educational background? A: I have a Bachelor of Music in violin performance, from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Master of Music in viola performance from the University of Maryland, Postgraduate Diploma from the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya in Barce- lona, Spain, and very soon will have a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in viola from the University of Houston. Q: Who has been your greatest influence in music? A: My teachers, especially the Arianna String Quartet in St. Louis, Cuarteto Casals in Barcelona, and Wayne Brooks of the Houston Symphony. Q: What is your “day job?” A: Music is my day job. In addition to playing with the SOST I play with various groups in Houston and also with the Brazos Valley Symphony in College Station. I also teach many talented young violists after school in Houston, at summer camp in Michigan, and at Lone Star College in Tomball. 4 Q: Hobbies or activities outside of SOST? A: Walking, hiking, biking, tennis, and reading. Q: Favorite music? A: Mostly music from the 19th and early 20th century, Mendelssohn, Berlioz, Brahms, Wagner, Rachmaninoff, and York Bowen (my dissertation topic!). Board Member Profile Tim Sudela How long have you been a board member of the SOST? I joined the board in the 2011-2012 season. hand bells at St. Anne church in Beaumont. What is your profession? I am the current President of American Valve & Hydrant. How did you become a board member? I was asked by Joe Domino to serve on the board. Other community involvement? Board member of: Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Spindletop What do you enjoy about serving on Center, United Way of Beaumont and the board? North Jefferson County, Better BusiAs is typical with other service opporness Bureau, Rotary Club of Beautunities, I enjoy meeting new people mont, LIT Foundation. Current Chair tend to "look forward" to the Pops and learning new things. I have of the Lamar University Mechanical learned that the SOST has a very dedi- Concerts the most. However, I enjoy Engineering Advisory Committee, a cated board, and I was unaware of the the variety of the performances that are member of the Southeast Texas Plant presented throughout the season. wonderful support provided by the Managers Forum, Catechist in the ReSymphony League of Beaumont. ligious Education program at St. Anne Do you or did you ever play a musi- Catholic Church. What has been your favorite SOST cal instrument? My mother insisted that each of my concert? Hobbies? siblings take piano lessons while we I like anything with a B! It is hard to Photography, home improvement, select one concert as my favorite, but I were growing up. I currently play the stained glass Saturday, February 7, 2015 Beaumont Civic Center 6:30—11:30 p.m. Help us celebrate the Symphony League Belles, Junior Escorts and their families at the Symphony Ball. The Symphony Ball is the grandest event of the season for our league. Proceeds from the Ball directly support the SOST musicians. Reservations: Mrs. Philip Drago 409.749.9623 or [email protected] The Symphony of Southeast Texas extends its deepest gratitude to the members of The Symphony League of Beaumont for the many activities they do to support our orchestra! 5 fun facts about concert production The lighting of the stage that you see at the Julie Rogers Theatre has been carefully designed and installed. It is important that all areas of the stage are well-lit so that the musicians can be seen by the audience and that the musicians can easily see their sheet music and the conductor. Directly over the stage, there are five lighting fixtures permanently mounted in each section of the shell ceiling for a total of 20 lights. The spacing, wattage, and lumens were specifically designed for the stage at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Additional lighting is required to cover the front part of the stage and the “pit” area. These areas are lit by 10-15 lighting instruments hung in the ceiling from a steel rail that spans the width of the auditorium, technically referred to as “the front-of-house cove.” All of the lights used must be individually focused by stage technicians before each concert. The intensity, or brightness, of every light can be controlled, and this is done by using a computerized lighting control console. This console is located in the “front-of-house control booth” and must be operated by a trained lighting technician for all performances. @TheSOST www.facebook.com/TheSOST Upcoming Events Date, time Event Location Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. Pre-concert talk Julie Rogers Theatre 765 Pearl Street Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. Classics Series Concert “Musical ‘Tails’ Remixed” Youth Education Concerts Julie Rogers Theatre Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m. Symphony Ball — “Symphony in Silver” Beaumont Civic Center Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Pops Concert “SOST Goes to the Movies” Julie Rogers Theatre Jan. 27 & 28 9 & 10:30 a.m. Julie Rogers Theatre If your schedule prevents you from attending a concert, PLEASE consider releasing your tickets prior to the day of the concert by calling the Symphony office at (409) 892-2257. The Symphony of Southeast Texas 4345 Phelan Blvd, Suite 105 • Beaumont, TX 77707 (409) 892-2257 • www.sost.org • [email protected] 6
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