Symphony of the Hills
January 9, 2021
Sponsored by
KerrvilleEach Office Independently Owned And Operated
Proud Supporter of the Symphony of the Hills
Enjoy Tonight’s Performance! Two Locations to Serve You 500-C Main Street 1835 Sidney Baker Kerrville, TX 78028 Kerrville, TX 78028 830-896-3200 830-895-7771
Board of Directors December 2020
Dr. Tim Summerlin Dear Symphony of the Hills Family, − President
Mary Muse The symphony’s annual Pops concert for its 20th anniversary season is centered right − Vice President here at home, with a captivating look at what makes American music unique. During this challenging time, we have pulled together a star-studded line up of American Jenny Mitchell − Recording Secretary composers and songwriters in the format of “An American Songbook.” We seek to celebrate some of the great American music-makers of yesterday and today. Dr. Barbara von Brandt Siemers − Treasurer The program’s first half takes on some of the giants of American music, including Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story), George Gershwin (Of Thee I Sing), and then a Warren Ferguson − Past President modern American clarinet concerto composed by Frank Ticheli and performed by the symphony’s own principal clarinetist Dr. Tamara Raatz. The 2nd movement of the Dr. Eugene Dowdy − Conductor & Ticheli concerto is dedicated to the great American composer Aaron Copland. Artistic Director The second half of the program then goes wild with orchestral settings of Johnny Dr. Bill Collins Mathis songs, a visit from the Pink Panther, and a conclusion with a dramatic flair—an Marcia Livermore original setting entitled An American Anthology inspired by Elvis Presley, a true giant
Jacqui Lockerd of American song, composed by Dr. Joe Stuessy, with a surprise guest artist that will have our audience on its feet celebrating one of the kings of American music. Fred Lohmeyer Our December 3 concert was truly a light in the darkness. We thank you for your loyalty Laurie Lowe and for your attention to responsible health practices. We continue to be grateful to Larry McClaugherty our musicians, board, staff, the Cailloux Theater, our sponsors, and you, our patrons
Janet McKinney and subscribers, who have kept us actively serving our mission to bring the greatest classical symphonic music to the Texas Hill Country. Let’s do all we can to complete a Dr. Bill Rector full Symphony of the Hills season. Dr. Jeffrey Sirianni
Ed Wallace
Margie Schwartz − Administration & Tim Gene Board Support Tim Summerlin, board chair Gene Dowdy, conductor & artistic director Phil Houseal Media & Marketing
Symphony of the Hills Association, Inc. P. O. Box 294703, Kerrville, TX 78029 www.symphonyofthehills.org (830) 792-7469
Symphony of the Hills OUR MISSION
The MISSION of the Symphony of the Hills is to provide live performances of symphonic music in the Texas Hill Country, with special attention to fostering appreciation of a variety of symphonic music among the youth of this area. Each year our professional orchestra of 75 musicians presents a five-concert season of classical and pop music in Kerrville’s extraordinary Cailloux theater as the main means to accomplish our Mission.
Enduring Heritage. We are totally committed to providing symphonic music of high quality to promote interest in both classical and non-classical music.
Entertain. We will present a diverse musical repertoire, including classical, pops, and holiday- oriented selections in order to entertain an audience with varied tastes.
Educate. Our Children’s Adventures in Music program is constantly reviewed and designed to excite elementary school students and expand their musical interests.
Expand. Bring a friend to a concert to just TRY US OUT!
Affordable Lifestyles. Community Values.
Symphony of the Hills – An American Songbook Patricia Lee, assistant conductor Tamara Raatz, clarinet Joe Stuessy, guest arranger David Baker, baritone Gene Dowdy, conductor & artistic director January 9, 2021
Violin I Bassoon Philip Johnson, concertmaster Boerne Sabrina Stovall, principal Converse Kevin Mendoza San Antonio Rachel Frederiksen New Braunfels Susan Slaugh San Antonio Theresa Britt Fredericksburg French Horn Sonja Gary San Antonio Marc Lumley, principal Kerrville Sean Holmes San Antonio Violin II Justin Gonzales San Antonio Patricia Lee, principal & asst conductor Kerrville Jeffrey Rowland Boerne Eva Weber San Antonio Saul Romero San Antonio Trumpet Gail Plaxico San Antonio George Eychner, principal Kerrville Gerry Payne Boerne Jonathan Rickman Boerne
Viola Trombone Karen Billingsley, principal Kerrville Jim Abbatiello, principal Kerrville Jennifer Cahill Clark, asst principal San Antonio Hannah McDonald Ingram Du Anne Hamby San Antonio Bass Trombone Cello Jeremiah Ward, principal Fredericksburg Qizhen Liu, principal San Antonio Cynthia Foster San Antonio Tuba Kathleen Boyd San Antonio Ray Grim, principal San Antonio Don Bustos San Antonio Timpani Bass Richie Miller, principal San Antonio Chris DeArmond, principal San Antonio Randy Johnson, ass’t principal San Antonio Percussion John Harris, principal Boerne Flute & *Piccolo David Evans Comfort Michelle Scroggie, principal Fredericksburg Kenny McDougle Kerrville *Gregory Obregon San Antonio Keyboard Oboe, *English Horn, +Saxophone Donald Crandall, principal Kerrville Deana Johnson, principal Boerne *+David Isadore Kerrville Guitar Kevin McCormick Kerrville Clarinet & *Bass Clarinet Tamara Raatz, principal Kerrville *Margie Schwartz, administrator Kerrville
The Symphony of the Hills thanks the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater for its in-kind support of the concert season through generous non-profit hall rental rates. SOHA is proud to team with the Cailloux Theater in bringing entertainment to the Hill Country Community.
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Your business can support the Symphony of the Hills and reach our outstanding audiences by advertising with us!
Symphony of the Hills
Tamara Raatz Tamara Raatz joined the Symphony of the Hills in the Fall of 2009. Dr. Raatz completed the Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance and Music Literature at the Eastman School of Music, a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University. Her teachers include Kenneth Grant, Peter Hadcock, Stanley Hasty, Fred Ormand, and Richard Shanley.
Dr. Raatz joins the Kerrville music community with 27 years of strong and diversified instrumental music teaching experience from Pre-K through the University level. In addition to her teaching assignments, Dr. Raatz is an active international performing artist. She has appeared as a soloist in Vienna, Istanbul, Salzburg, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. She has recorded new works for clarinet and orchestra with the Moravian Philharmonic on the Vienna Modern Masters label. Her prior appointments include Sam Houston State University, the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas, Eastern New Mexico University and the Center Point Independent School District.
Dr. Raatz moved to the beautiful hill country in 2009 to help care for her family after her father’s death from Parkinson’s disease. She enjoys spending time here with her mother, Mary Ann, and sister, Rachael.
David Baker Dr. David Baker is the Director of Worship and Music at Kerrville First United Methodist Church. Previously he was an Instructor of Voice and Conducting at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL and Director of Music Ministries at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Barrington, IL. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance from the University of Kentucky in 2018. While at UK, he performed the role of Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor, and reprised the role of Schaunard in La Bohème. David performed the role of Tom Carter in UKOT’s production of Hotel Casablanca. He reprised this role in the world premiere recording of Hotel Casablanca, which was released by Albany Records. His other stage credits with UKOT in were Escamillo in Carmen and Schaunard in La Bohème. After winning a full graduate assistantship in the Alltech competition, David debuted with UKOT as Germont in La Traviata. He completed his M.M. degree from The University of Tennessee School of Music, where he was also a Young Artist with Knoxville Opera. In 2004 David appeared as Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Knoxville Opera. He also spent the summer of 2004 as an Apprentice Artist with Des Moines Metro Opera. In 2003 he played the role of Enrico in Knoxville Opera’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor, and portrayed Elder McLean in UT Opera Theater’s Susannah. Mr. Baker’s other notable roles include Bottom in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ben in The Telephone, The Judge in Trial by Jury, and Cascada in The Merry Widow.
Joe Stueesy Joe Stuessy holds the Ph.D. and Master of Arts degrees from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied piano with Eugene List and composition with Samuel Adler and Bernard Rogers. His undergraduate degree is from Southern Methodist University. Dr. Stuessy served as Professor and Director of the School of Music at Texas State University from 2003-2007. Before that, he served as Professor and Director of the Division of Music at the University of Texas at San Antonio (1979- 2003). He also served as Associate Chair of the Division of Music at SMU (1973- 1979).
Dr. Stuessy’s Piano Concerto No. 1 was premiered by the Houston Symphony Orchestra and has been performed by the San Antonio Symphony and the Moscow State Orchestra. His Piano Concerto No. 2 was premiered in 1996. Both piano concertos have been recorded by the Moscow State Orchestra and are available on Aquarius compact discs. Other works by Dr. Stuessy have been performed by the Dallas Symphony, the Eastman-Rochester Symphony, the Bolshoi Symphony (Moscow), Voices of Change, jazz trumpeter Clark Terry, and various other soloists and ensembles. A complete concert of his compositions was presented in 1993 at the Composer’s Union in Moscow, Russia. In 2005, he was named “Composer of the Year” by the National Federation of Music Clubs.
As a pianist, Dr. Stuessy has been featured as a concerto soloist with the Houston Symphony, the San Antonio Symphony, the Dallas Symphony, the Houston Youth Symphony, and the Houston All-City Symphony. He was also one of the pianists on “Monster Concert,” a Columbia recording.
In 1990, Dr. Stuessy’s book, Rock and Roll: Its History and Stylistic Development, was published by Prentice Hall. Now in its sixth edition, it has been widely adopted as a textbook by universities across the nation. In 1985, Dr. Stuessy provided invited testimony to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on the topic of rock and roll lyrics. He has taught a course on the history of rock music to over 10,000 students at three major universities (SMU, UTSA, and Texas State).
Symphony of the Hills - An American Songbook Patricia Lee, assistant conductor Tamara Raatz, clarinet David Baker, baritone Eugene Dowdy, conductor & artistic director January 9, 2021
West Side Story Selection (1961) Leonard Bernstein / Arr. Mason (1918-1990)
Of Thee I Sing Selection (1932) George Gershwin / Arr. Spialek (1898-1937)
Clarinet Concerto – “Song for Aaron” (2010) Frank Ticheli (b. 1958) Tamara Raatz, clarinet
HEEERE’S JOHNNY! A Johnny Mathis Medley (2020) Arr. Joe Stuessy
The Pink Panther (1964) Henry Mancini / Arr. Custer (1924-1994)
An American Anthology (2020) Arr. Joe Stuessy David Baker aka “The King”, baritone
The Symphony of the Hills wishes to thank tonight’s concert sponsor:
Best wishes for an outstanding season!
-The Board of Directors, Staff, Volunteers and Friends of the Museum of Western Art 1550 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville, TX 830-896-2553 www.museumofwesternart.com
The American Songbook
Leonard Bernstein / Arr. Mason: West Side Story Selection
Few Broadway musicals have had the impact and staying power as has West Side Story, the retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in 20th century New York City, words by Stephen Sondheim and music by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990). Bernstein, who was comfortable with popular and classical musical modes, found success as composer, pianist, conductor and teacher. His sudden appearance as conductor of the New York Philharmonic at age 24, when he was called on to replace the ailing Bruno Walter without benefit of rehearsal, contributed to his reputation as a wunderkind. Bernstein was an advocate of composers like Mahler and Charles Ives who were not popular in the mid-twentieth century. His musical classes for young people, first on Omnibus, then on CBS, made a major contribution to the appreciation of classical music by people of all ages.
A composer of symphonies and concertos, Bernstein was long drawn to the world of musical theater and film. In addition to West Side Story, his contributions include scores for Candide, Fancy Free, On the Town and On the Waterfront.
This medley demonstrates his gift for capturing the energetic, even angry rhythms of urban life as well as for creating irresistible melody. It was arranged by Jack Mason (1906-65), who worked frequently with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. Mason, a composer as well, made voluminous arrangements of standard pop, musical and Western melodies.
George Gershwin: Selections from “Of Thee I Sing”
Who is more basic to the American Songbook than the king of Tin Pan Alley who was also deeply respected by European composers like Maurice Ravel? Gershwin (1898-1937), like Copland, grew up in New York City in an immigrant family from Russia and Lithuania. Gershwin began writing and performing his tunes as a teen and broke into the world of Broadway theater. He also took time in the 1920s to seek out classical training in Europe, but was turned down by both Boulanger and Ravel, who offered the memorable comment, “Why be a second-rate Ravel when you are already a first-rate Gershwin?” Gershwin died in 1937 of a brain tumor.
Along with classical-jazz longer works like Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and Concerto in F, Gershwin composed many of our most beloved melodies, songs that continue to be interpreted by singers more than eighty years since their composition. Whether they come from his opera Porgy & Bess or one of his Broadway shows like “Of Thee I Sing,” Gershwin tunes are at the heart of the American Songbook.
Frank Ticheli: Concerto for Clarinet (“Song for Aaron”)
Native of Monroe, Louisiana, educated at SMU and the University of Michigan, formerly on the Trinity University faculty and now at USC, Frank Ticheli is a versatile musician and composer. Ticheli has written a wealth of music for orchestra, band and chamber ensembles and is the recipient of numerous awards. His “Concerto for Clarinet” features a tribute to the great American composer Aaron Copland, whose many film and ballet scores—“Red Pony,” “Our Town,” “Billy the Kid,” “Appalachian Spring”—are as unmistakably “American” as any music of the 20th century.
Arr. Joe Stuessy: A Johnny Mathis Medley
Symphony of the Hills attendees will know the name of Joe Stuessy, one of the musical giants of the state of Texas. Educated at SMU and Eastman School of Music, Stuessy has led music programs at both UTSA and Texas State and has served as president of the Texas Association of Music Schools. Stuessy is co-author of a work on the evolution of rock and roll that has gone through seven editions. He is also a prolific arranger and tonight’s work provides a medley of tunes popularized by one of American’s most popular singers, one whose career has lasted longer than anyone else except Tony Bennett!
Henry Mancini: Theme from “The Pink Panther”
Few American composers excel Henry Mancini in capturing a recognizable, compelling sound. Mancini, son of Italian immigrants, was reared in Pennsylvania. His experience blended training at the Juilliard School of Music and work as performer-arranger with the Glenn Miller Band. In the 1950s, Mancini brought his talents to movies and TV. His score for the TV show “Peter Gunn” was a breakthrough. He was among composers bringing a new jazz element to film scores.
Mancini’s musical talents were teamed with most of the outstanding film directors of his time, including Blake Edwards, Howard Hawks, Vittorio de Sica, George Roy Hill and Stanley Donen. Often nominated, Mancini won Academy Awards for Best Song for “Moon River” and “The Days of Wine and Roses.”
Arr. Joe Stuessy: American Trilogy
See above. Rumors persist that a well-known American musical personality will make an appearance in connection with this remarkable Stuessy arrangement.
Concert Notes by Dr. Tim Summerlin
Symphony of the Hills – Coming Soon!
February 25, 2021
Our next concert will open with a celebration of Black History month, featuring the beautiful work “Poem for Orchestra” by American composer William Grant Still. Still’s wife, Verna Arvey, described the Poem as ‘inspired by the concept of a world being reborn spiritually after a period of darkness and desolation.” Our current world situation seems to require our attention to a composer like Still, and seek to find common ground during these challenging times. The Still is followed by Schubert’s magnificent “Unfinished Symphony”, which was also performed during the symphony’s first season 20 years ago. One of the stars of today’s violin world is a former Symphony of the Hills’ violinist and soloist, Ms. Nancy Zhou. Ms. Zhou is now a multi- award-winning concert violinist with a stellar career. During the early years of the symphony, Nancy performed solos and played with the orchestra, including many times with her father, Symphony of the Hills longtime concertmaster Long Zhou. Nancy returns to Kerrville as a musical homecoming to play one of the great works of the 20th century, the violin concerto of Samuel Barber. If we play our cards right, Nancy may bring home an encore that will bring down the house.
William Grant Still – Poem for Orchestra Schubert – Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished” Barber – Violin Concerto Nancy Zhou, violin solo Special Gifts
In memory of my loving wife Fran Bernard Bertagnolli by Frank Bertagnolli
In memory of Jack DuRocher by George & Judy Eychner Pam & John Mutka & Friends of Jack
In memory of Robert (Bob) McCullough by Vicksburg Homeowners Assoc., Inc. Leslie & Steven Campbell Cheryl & Norice Taylor James & Cindy Harrington Elbert & Louise Marcom
In memory of Bob Zieve by Marilyn Zieve
Symphony of the Hills Patrons 2020-2021
Dress Circle Sally & Jim Bartlett Judy & Warren Ferguson Martha & H. D. Maxwell
Maestro Darlene & Dewayne Bannister Marcia & Ed Livermore Leonard & Valerie Squires Verna Benham Gene & Martha Lovering Mattie Tynan Rufus & Mary Hayes Cayce & Charlie McCormick Pamela Umstead Jay & Kay Heizer Janet & Kent McKinney Marilyn Zieve Steve & Jan Lipman Janna Spurlock
Soloist Samuel & June Begeman Beverly & Fred Lohmeyer Frank Bertagnolli Laurie & Mike Lowe Mr. & Mrs. John Binnion Anne Mayhew Kathleen Boyce Mark & Cindy McDaniel Maurice & Mary Kathryn Collins Maggie Megee & John Anderson Amb. Pamela Slutz & Ronald Deutch Jenny & Bedford Mitchell Nancy DeYoung Hank & Jane Moody Gene & Stacy Dowdy Wes & Jean Pittman Karen Fair Anthony & Arita Raso Junell Holmer Luke & Kristin Smith J & Riva Johnson Tim & Mary Ellen Summerlin James King Mary & Dave Weekley Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Klasing
Concert Master Coral Adema & Judy Jansen Diane & Bob Green Edna Platte Dr. & Mrs. Horatio Aldredge Fred Henneke Lyndia & Dr. Wm. Rector Clarice Amann Adele & Sam Junkin Lois Rye Dr. & Mrs. David Baker Paula Karl Gary Saner Roy Bartels John & Metch Kissick Carl & Doris Schulse Bob & Joyce Barton Terry Laurendine Julie Sentell Ruth Marie Bauer Carolyn MacAskie Paul & Barbara Von-Brandt Siemers Sharon C. Bennett Bill & Tricia Matthews Jeffrey & Lezlie Sirianni Ron & Jean Blilie Larry & Kathy McClaugherty Jack & Frances Stevens Jerry & Sue Bratcher Joan McCollom Jack & Lesle Stevens Tom & Judy Carswell Jan & Dave McLaughlin Bruce & Connie Story Steve & Betty Clyburn Mimi McMillen Edgar & Nancy Wallace Bill & Marian Collins Joy A. Morriss Bettye A. Warnock Joan & Alan Cone Clinton & Vivian Morse Dixie Williams George & Judy Eychner Bill & Mary Muse Nancy & Mike Wilson Carolyn Freeman Jane T. Neal John Winslow Drs. Dawn & Fernando Gonzalez Sylvia & Dan Ostos Paul & Patty Zohlen
Musician John & Carol Aceti William Metzger & Therese McAteer Ruth Spradling Nancy Brown Brian & Gail Mitchell Barbara Stovall Marlene Grothues & Lynn Perilloux Janet Parten Alice (Sanny) Sullivan Mickey & Polly Horany Mary Ann Raatz Carol Swanson David & Mary Isadore James & Tamara Ruby Tammy Widener & Richard E. & Ann M. Klingner Cheryl Smith & Ann Reynolds Carey Thompson Daniel & Lilly Kobialka Charlene Spaulding Ray & Lorraine Wilson Ralph Kutzer Bill & Sharon Sole Nina Wright
Friends Dr. Donald K. Burda Joyce Ingram Wilma Teague Shannon T. Burdett Johnathan Johnson Diane Theiss Stephanie Porteus Clarke Dr. Martin & Jacqui Lockerd Paul & Jaydean Urban Gaylene Ingram Shirley M. Meckley Janell Venden Timothy Rye John & Janice Walker
Concert Sponsors
Children’s Concert and Outreach Sponsors
Thank you The Symphony of the Hills Association could not perform its mission of providing outstanding classical music to our community without the help of the following civic minded and enthusiastic supporters.
Culligan of the Hill Country
www.symphonyofthehills.org P.O. Box 294703 Kerrville, Texas 78029-4703 (830) 792-7469
February 25, 2021
April 29, 2021 www.symphonyofthehills.org