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MSO – Celebrating Our 36th Season • 1981 – 2017

Framing The Players Education Outreach The Guild Five Mainstage Concerts

John Ownby, Principal Bass Joined MSO in 1993

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Table of Contents Letter from the President 2 Mayors’ Greetings 4 Dear Friends and Patrons, n behalf of the Board of Directors, Administrative Staff Framing the Symphony 6 and Musicians, I welcome you to another season of great performances by the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra. The Musicians 10 OWe are extremely excited about this season. The whole organiza- tion has worked hard to produce a selection of exciting music that String Serenade 12 appeals to a wide range of audiences and tastes. Red White and Blue 16 A Christmas Spectacular 20 As such, we are asking all our friends and patrons to help us Basie Bebop, Ballads & spread the word about the upcoming concerts and the captivating Blues 26 works we are offering this season. We would appreciate it so The Lights of Broadway 30 much if you would do so. Family Concerts 34 The 2017-2018 concert season features immortal, soul-stirring Donors 36 classics such as Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, as well as contemporary classics from The Guild 38 the Broadway musicals The Wizard of Oz and Porgy and Bess to Jazz from Miles Davis. Our Family Discovery concert is based on MSO in Education 39 music that inspires children of all ages. This season also brings our annual Veterans Day Concert and Christmas Spectacular. The Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra (MSO) magazine is published by Murfreesboro It has been our mission for the past 35 years to foster and encour- Symphony Orchestra. age the appreciation of music through live concert performances For more information about us, please visit our and educational programs that are diverse, enriching and of the website: www.murfreesborosymphony.com highest quality. However, reaching this goal would not be possible Director of Operations without the work of our Board and administrative colleagues, The Fran Campbell Symphony Guild, our corporate sponsors, individual donors and Email: [email protected] Tel: 615-898-1862 most importantly you, the patron. Your enthusiasm and generosity are the reasons we are able to continue our fine tradition of classi- Office address: 201 East Main Street cal, pops and educational performances for present and future Suite 106 generations. Murfreesboro TN 37130

Mailing address: So as we like to say, please sit back, relax and enjoy the Music of PO Box 36 your Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra. Murfreesboro TN 37133

For advertising or sponsorships contact: Andrea Norberg Jane E. McNulty Email: [email protected] Tel: 615-992-0422 President, Board of Directors

Staff & Board of Directors Board of Directors Board Members Production Manager Director of Operations Jesse Hanks President Lory Breckler Fran Campbell Jane McNulty Shannon Eskinde Project Director Dr. Terry Goodin Acting Music Director Ken Norberg Vice President Lindsay Halford Greg Lawson Raymond Shields Reba McBride Development Director Pat Ward Personnel Managers Andrea Norberg Secretary Mark Wilson Greg Lawson Thom Coats Wilson Sharpe Education/Community Executive Advisor to The Board Outreach Coordinator Treasurer Richard Curl Librarian Wilson Sharpe Rob Sands Greg Lawson

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We offer daily fine arts classes including: Strings – Guitar – Piano – Choir – Theatre – Pottery Art I & 2 – Advanced Art – AP Art: 2D Design – AP Art: Drawing

www.thewebbschool.com

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Mayors’ Greetings Dear Friends, Supporters and Players, Welcome the MSO Community!

ongratulations to the Murfreesboro Sym- s mayor of the City of Murfreesboro and a phony Orchestra on its 36th season of strong supporter of music and cultural bringing to Murfreesboro and Rutherford arts, I would like to congratulate the CCounty the beauty and elegance of the very best in AMurfreesboro Symphony Orchestra (MSO) for en- musical presentations and entertainment! It is re- tertaining and enlightening our vibrant commu- markable that we have been able to enjoy the won- nity. derful professional performances of this orchestra. Of course, this would not have been possible with- The benefits of music and the arts to Murfrees- out the support of many volunteers and friends boro are immeasurable. Symphony music is up- over these many years that have given their time lifting and it inspires the better part of nature. and treasure so that this valuable quality of life Murfreesboro has a long heritage of promoting part of our community will remain available to music and exposing students in the City Schools everyone. and the broader community to the enriching ben- efits of the cultural arts. I say thank you very much to each of you that have supported this orchestra and have attended Through classical, pop, and youth education these outstanding performances. The Murfrees- music programming, the Murfreesboro Symphony boro Symphony Orchestra and each of you have Orchestra has maintained a tradition of providing made our County more enjoyable and vibrant and, an opportunity for talented artists to exercise their yes, more appealing to the many new people that musical skills and for appreciative listeners to continue to come and be a part of this community. enjoy the beautiful melodies of their art.

I ask each of us to continue to do our part in pro- As a show of our support, the City of Murfrees- viding this quality of arts and entertainment that boro has been delighted to contribute financially has been an integral part of what makes Murfrees- to the Symphony. And, as a member of our com- boro and Rutherford County a great place to live! munity, I appreciate what the Symphony has con- tributed to enhancing cultural opportunities and With best wishes for the future, deepening our City’s relationship with the sounds of music.

Sincerely,

Ernest Burgess Rutherford County Mayor

Shane McFarland Mayor, City of Murfreesboro

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The Principals One-Hour photo. When he had the time, he loved to photograph landscapes. One day he decided that he could make a career of becoming a wedding photographer, and with that passion and camera in hand, he became an accomplished, award-winning one. Fast forward past decades of wedding photography in Florida, Mr. Gordon moved back to Tennessee, and last year he approached Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra (MSO) with an idea he had been brewing on for a long time. He wanted to incorporate his unique passion and creativity for wedding photography into the symphony. “It was an idea I had in the back of my head for a long time. I wanted to photograph the first chairs in their outfit around our area in places that people would recognize. It took some explaining to do for the MSO, but once I did, they were all on board,” he said. The first photo was of cellist Mimi Nelson, featured on the cover of the MSO program last season. In this issue are more of the photos, such as timpanist Jeff Mulvihill at the United Methodist Church, where all the mainstage concerts are held. Clarinetists Greg Lawson at the Oaklands Mansion and Grace Woodworth at Canonsburg Village are joined by Marcus Arnold at The Discovery Center, and bassoonist Wilson Sharpe at the City Café. Trumpeter Alan Suska is atop the newly constructed Court House, harpist Sara Crocker is pictured at the City Hall, hornist Christian Codreanu at the Oaklands Mansion, bassist John Ownby at the Historic Courthouse, flutist Deanna Little at the Murfreesboro Greenway, violinist Stefan Petrescu inside the Historic Courthouse, violinist Cherri Drummond at Oaklands Mansion, and percussionist Chris Nelsen at the geographical center of the state of Tennessee. Framing the Common denominator for these photos is that they frame the musicians in recognizable Rutherford County places, in locations people can associate with, creating Symphony an association of accomplished musicians in places with their own notoriety. That is also what Mr. Gordon seeks to accomplish when he photographs couples tying the rowing up in Walter Hill outside of knot. Mr. Gordon has an eye for the interaction Murfreesboro, Alfred Gordon, “Al” among between couples getting married and the place and time friends, loved music. After graduating from of the event. “It is an image that is supposed to tell a Oakland High School, he wanted to become a story for a long time to come,” he explained. Gband director and took music classes during the college “Some of the sites we picked for the musicians were summer breaks in order to reach his goal. That is, until a bit unusual, such as the new seven story court house one day, he was asked to take some pictures at a that is under construction. It was quite a sight to have fraternity. Alan Suska dress up in his concert outfit and bring with Mr. Gordon discovered that he loved photography so him his instrument on the seventh floor, where the much that it became his passion. After moving to construction was ongoing,” Mr. Gordon said. Florida with his family as a young man, he took It is this eye for creativity that has earned Mr. Gordon photography classes when he could while working at a many awards, both nationally and internationally over

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theThe years. PrincipalsWith more than 1,000 weddings behind him baritone and trombone, he never became a band and photo jobs in the entire south eastern United States, director nor a player in the local symphony. But he along with parts of the Caribbean, Mr. Gordon is always wanted to contribute his artistic skills as a photographer seeing motifs where he goes. to the symphony, and they are on display in this “I always have a camera with me. And sometimes I program for all to see. just have to stop along the road and take some pictures Mr. Gordon is a Master Craftsman Photographer and of things, places and people that I see. Sometimes I go has won the Grand Award for Weddings at the WPPI. up to people and ask if I can take their picture because Bill Shacklett at Shacklett’s Photography assisted Mr. I see a person in a light or in a place that sets it apart, Gordon with the MSO pictures. and I just have to take a picture,” he said. To view these and other photos by Mr. Gordon, visit While his love for music is still there, he plays www.gordonimages.com

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ViolinThe IMusicians Flute Trumpet Stefan Petrescu* Deanna Little+ Alan Suska+ Sponsored by Donna Wehofer Sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Laurence Harvin Sponsored by Mayor and Mrs. Ernest Burgess Susan Mullen** Mr. & Mrs. Ken Norberg Chris McCormick Sponsored by Shannon Stewart Mr. & Mrs. Dick Curl Piccolo Teresa Hargrove Peggy Mather Trombone David Johnson Brent Gerlach+ Charis Mackrell Fred Nelson Diederik van Wassenaer Oboe Grace Woodworth+ Violin II Nicole McVey Bass Trombone Greg Cox Cheri Drummond+ Lisa Green English Horn Matt Suitt Bonnie Farr Tuba Jennifer Warren Marcus Arnold+ Clarinet Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Don Witherspoon Viola Greg Lawson+ Dan Nedelcu+ Sponsored by Sponsored by Mrs. Ida Read Timpani Mr. & Mrs. Matt Ward Hara Hackett Jeff Mulvihill+ Linda Davis Mary Alice Rouslin Bass Clarinet Percussion Joshua Shepherd Rachel Grasso Chris Nelsen+ Mark Winn Cello Bassoon Jonathan Wright Mimi Nelson+ Wilson Sharpe+ John Hearns Sponsored by Sponsored by Mr.& Mrs. Keith Carlson Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Owens Harp Syneva Colle Harold Skelton Sarah Crocker Alice Lloyd Nancy Los Horn * concertmaster Cristian Codreanu+ ** associate concertmaster Bass Kristen Bowers + principal John Ownby+ Greg Danner Ike Harris Robyn Ryan

Best Wishes for a Successful Season

Your Friends at Breakfast Rotary

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Jeff Mulvihill, Principal Timpani Joined MSO in 2000 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:53 AM Page 14

String SerenadeJordan Tang, Guest Conductor

The Star Spangled Banner John Stafford Smith Arr. and orch. by Jordan Tang

Brandenburg Concerto No.3 Johann Sebastian Bach Allegro Adagio (cadenza) Allegro

Divertimento in D Major, K.136 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Allegro Andante Presto

Adagio for Strings Samuel Barber

Holberg Suite Edvard Grieg Praeludium Rigaudon

Intermission

Prelude (from Cello Suite No.1) Johann Sebastian Bach Transcribed by Jordan Tang

Serenade in G major, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Allegro

Largo for Strings Jordan Tang

Serenade for Strings, Op.22 Antonin Dvorak Finale: Allegro vivace

Two Pieces for Strings from Henry V William Walton Passacaglia: Death of Falstaff Touch her soft lips and part

Song of Hope and Glory (from Introduction and Allegro) Edward Elgar Arr. by Jordan Tang

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Stefan Petrescu, I Concertmaster Violin Joined MSO in 1989 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:53 AM Page 16

String Serenade Concert Notes by Jordan Tang

Serenade in G Major, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart A serenade indicates either music for evening outdoor performances or an instrumental form of sev- eral movements for similar occasions. Mozart’s famous Serenade in G Major, nicknamed Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (literally “a little night music”), was written in Vienna in 1787, during which time he was busy composing his opera Don Giovanni. Nothing is known concerning the circumstances of the writing of this work, nor the meaning of the nickname. The first movement, in concise sonata-form (exposition of two or three themes, development and recapitulation), is bold and cheerful.

Largo for Strings Jordan Tang (born 1948) Jordan Tang (see biography of conductor) wrote his first string quartet in 1972. The slow move- ment of it was expanded for string orchestra, re-titled as Largo for Strings, and was first performed by the Nashville Symphony in 1983. Though a twelve-tone work, the technique is freely employed. In three-part form, the melody of the first section, lyrical and perhaps on the elegiac side, is pre- sented by the violas and accompanied by some sparse dissonant chords, resultant from the 12-tone rows. In the middle section, the melodic lines are taken up by various instrumental sections. Lightly accompanied at first, the texture gradually becomes more polyphonic and more intense towards a climax, when a passionate solo cello passage is brought forth. The opening melody is then recalled, this time played by the violins.

DR. JORDAN TANG has served as Music Director choral works. His compositions have been performed and Conductor of the Jackson Symphony (TN) for 27 by the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Indianapolis, seasons, Music Director and Conductor of the Atlanta, Utah, Charlotte, Nashville, Memphis, Paducah Symphony (KY) for 23 years, Associate Knoxville, Kansas City, Springfield, Jackson, Paducah, Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony and Charlotte Victoria and Elmira Symphonies, the Rochester Pops Orchestra (NC), Music Director of the Ozark Philharmonic, Indianapolis and Gainesville Chamber Festival Orchestra (MO), the Missouri State Orchestras. His works have also been performed in University Symphony, the Youth England, Germany, Sweden, Symphony of the Carolinas, and the Switzerland, Holland, Australia and New Music Ensemble in Utah. As Hong Kong. Commercially recorded guest conductor, he has appeared in on “Marco Polo” (part of “Naxos”) concert with the Hong Kong and “Opus One” labels as well as Philharmonic, Nashville, Memphis, published, he has received thirty-six Kansas City, Gainesville Chamber, ASCAP Awards. As a composer, he South Arkansas, and Sewanee has studied with Vladimir Summer Music Center orchestras. Ussachevsky, Ramiro Cortes, Marcel He has studied conducting privately Dick, Heinz Werner Zimmermann, with Joseph Rosenstock, and also Jan Bender and Kalervo Tuukkanen. with Otto Werner Mueller, Sergiu He has been invited to the Comissiona and Harold Farberman. MacDowell Colony and Yaddo, two As a composer of more than 90 world-renowned artist colonies. He original works and hundreds of was named Tennessee Composer of arrangements and orchestrations, Jordan has written the Year, and has also been named to the honorary four symphonies, three string quartets, concerto titles of Kentucky Colonel and Duke of Paducah. works for timpani, percussion, violin and cello, large Jordan resides in Jackson, TN, with his wife of orchestral works, instrumental and ensemble works, thirty-five years. They have two grown children, a Passion, a ballet, as well as keyboard, vocal and Philip and Paige.

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Cheri Drummond, Principal Violin II Joined MSO in 2015 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:53 AM Page 18

Red, White andDr. BrianBlue Russell, Guest Conductor

Dance Overture Paul Creston

American in Paris George Gershwin

Semper Fidelis John Phillip Sousa

Intermission

*Fanfare for the Common Man Aaron Copland Narrator, Mayor Shane McFarland

Suite from Billy the Kid Aaron Copland IV. Prairie Night VI. Celebration

American Civil War Fantasy John Bilik

Armed Forces Salute Arr. Bob Lowden

*God Bless America Irving Berlin (Arr. Healey) Narrator, Mayor Ernest Burgess

Concert Notes by Matt Ward

An American in Paris George Gershwin explained that his purpose in composing An American in Paris was, “to portray the im- pression of an American visitor in Paris as he strolls about the city and listens to various street noises and absorbs the French atmosphere.” When the tone poem moves into the blues, “our American friend has suc- cumbed to a spasm of homesickness.” But, “nostalgia is not a fatal disease.” The Yank “once again is an alert spectator of Parisian life” and “the street noises and French atmosphere are triumphant.” The heavily jazz-influenced orchestral piece, written in 1928, utilizes the heavenly keyboard instrument . . . the celeste, the saxophones (rarely used in orchestras), plus bulb horns representing the impatient honking of the Parisian taxi drivers (the only time a percussionist gets to play a wind instrument!)

God Bless America This is a concert of American Composer’s music, and who could be more American than Irving Berlin? Well . . . actually he was born Israel Baline, a Russian Jew, and came to America at the age of five. Nev- ertheless, no one is more American than he. Songs such as Song of Freedom, Any Bonds Today, For Your Country and My Country, The Freedom Train, Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army, How About a Cheer for the Navy, Miss Liberty, Angles of Mercy, and, of course, the unofficial anthem of America since WWII, God Bless America . . . have made Irving Berlin an American many times over. Over the years he was known for writing music and lyrics in the American vernacular: uncomplicated, simple and direct, with his stated aim being to "reach the heart of the average American," whom he saw as the "real soul of the country." In doing so, said Walter Cronkite, at Berlin's 100th birthday tribute, he "helped write the story of this country, capturing the best of who we are and the dreams that shape our lives." God Bless America was originally composed in 1918 while Berlin was serving in the U.S. Army, but was set aside for 20 years. In 1938, with the rise of Adolf Hitler, Berlin, (who, remember, was Jew- ish), felt compelled to revive it as a peace song. It was premiered on Armistice Day in by Kate Smith on her radio show.

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Marcus Arnold. Principal Tuba Joined MSO in 1985 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:53 AM Page 20

Red,DR. BRIAN White T. RUSSEL and, a native Blue of Nashville Smith Colleges (Geneva, NY), where he conducted and resident of Murfreesboro, holds his Bachelor vocal and instrumental ensembles, taught con- of Music degree from Middle Tennessee State Uni- ducting and courses in secondary instrumental and versity where he studied trom- vocal methods. He has guest con- bone, piano, violin, and voice. ducted choirs, bands, orchestras, His concentration quickly moved and opera performances across to conducting, which led him to the country and is in demand as a receive his Masters and Doctorate clinician across the Southeast. degrees in Conducting from the Dr. Russell is the Executive Eastman School of Music in Music Director of Murfreesboro’s Rochester, NY. While at Eastman, Ethos Youth Ensembles, where he he won the coveted Walter Hagan conducts the Ethos Philharmonic Conducting Prize and the Julius Orchestra and Wind Symphony Herford Prize, awarded for out- and oversees a comprehensive standing research in his disserta- youth ensemble program includ- tion on the music of G. P. ing four orchestras, a jazz ensem- Telemann. ble, and a children’s choir. Dr. Before returning to Murfrees- Russell is also the Chair of Fine boro in 2012, Dr. Russell was As- Arts at Stewarts Creek High sistant Professor of Music at Illinois Wesleyan School and lives in Murfreesboro with his wife and University (Bloomington) and Hobart and William three children.

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Cristian Codreaun, Principal Horn Joined MSO in 1992 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:53 AM Page 22

A Christmas SpectacularPresented by Republic Bank

Dan Allcott, Guest Conductor

Featuring the Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus, Directed by Charlene Parkinson

A Christmas Festival Leroy Anderson The Polar Express Alan Silvestri/Ballard Fantasia on Christmas Carols Ralph Vaughan Williams

Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson

Sleigh Ride Frederick Delius

The Nutcracker, op. 71 Piotr I. Tchaikovsky Overture Marche Trepak

Intermission

Fantasia on Greensleeves Ralph Vaughan Williams Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella Arr. John Rutter

Candlelight Carol John Rutter O Holy Night Arr. John Rutter

Evening Prayer and Dream Engelbert Humperdinck Pantomime From Hänsel und Gretel

Star Carol John Rutter Piano accompaniment Daniel Bondaczuk Conducted by Charlene Parkinson

In the Bleak Midwinter Harold E. Drake Conducted by Charlene Parkinson

Bugler’s Holiday Leroy Anderson

March of the Toys from Babes in Toyland Victor Herbert

Hallelujah Chorus G.F. Handel

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Sarah Crocker, Principal Harp Joined MSO in 2013 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:53 AM Page 24

A Christmas Spectacular Concert Notes by Matt Ward

A note on Christmas Adelheid Wette wrote two poems which she asked her brother to set to music for a children’s Christ- mas party. They so enchanted both the librettist and composer that they set to work and extended it into a full-length opera. It was produced at Weimar, Germany during Christmas week, 1893 winning all hearts, and in a few years became known and loved all over the operatic world. Children were de- lighted with it; and to grownups it recalled the time when they were uninhibitedly capable of the the same delight. The poet’s brother was Englebert Humperdinck, and the story . . . also about a brother and sister . . . Hansel and Gretel. Near the end of the second act, the children have become hopelessly lost in the forest. It is quickly becoming dark. Gretel, nearly out of her mind with terror, falls on her knees. She sees a little gray man who proves to be the Sandman who sings, “For with my bag of magic sand, by every little bed I stand,/ The tired little eyelids close, and little limbs have sweet repose./ Then from the starry sky above, the angels come their watch to keep, to guard you with their love.” Gretel says to Hansel, “Let’s say our Evening Prayer.” They kneel and fold their hands and together sing one of the sweetest, most beautiful duets in all of operatic literature. Following this, they sink back onto the moss, their arms twined around each other. They are fast asleep. There is complete darkness. Then, as a reprise of the melody continues, a light breaks through the mist, which rolls together to form a stairway leading up into the sky. Fourteen angels in flowing garments descend the steps and place themselves around the children according to the order given in the children’s prayer: the first pair at their heads, the second at their feet, the third on the right, the fourth on the left. The fifth and sixth couples distribute themselves among the others so that the circle of angels around the children is com- plete. Lastly, the seventh couple . . . the guardian angels . . . take their place. The entire scene is filled with an intense light, as the curtain falls.

DAN ALCOTT has been conducting daring collab- phony Orchestra's 50th anniversary in a season book- orations, outstanding symphonic concerts, and lead- ended by performances of Beethoven's 9th symphony ing opera and ballet productions with international and Puccini's Tosca. He has led world premieres by stars for over a quarter a century. Tennessee composers Stefan Fre- Music Director of both the Oak und, Rachel DeVore Fogarty, and Ridge Symphony and the Bryan Greg Danner, and was a commis- Symphony orchestras in Tennessee, sioner of the League of American Allcott regularly conducts Ten- Orchestra's initial "Made in Amer- nessee's finest musicians (members ica" project, giving the Tennessee of the Nashville, Knoxville, and premier of a work by Joan Tower. Chattanooga Symphonies) in con- His programming regularly spans a certs lauded by critics and enthusi- 400 year period from Monteverdi to astically enjoyed by audiences. He Elena Ruehr, and he is an engaging has conducted the Dallas Sym- public speaker. phony, Indianapolis Symphony, and Allcott served as Music Director Danish Radio Orchestra, and has a and Principal Conductor for Atlanta continuing relationship as a guest Ballet from 2000-2010 during conductor with Asheville Lyric which time he led over 250 per- Opera, where he most recently led formances with the Atlanta Ballet performances of Tosca and Marriage of Figaro, and Orchestra. In addition to traditional ballet scores, he Barber of Seville. In 2013, Allcott became Artistic Ad- led musical collaborations with the Indigo Girls, the visor and Summer conductor with Eastport Strings New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Choir, the Red in Maine. Allcott serves on the faculty of Tennessee Clay Ramblers, the Michael O'Neal Singers, Atlanta Tech in Cookeville where he is Director of Orchestras Boy Choir, and the Atlanta Youth Choirs. Atlanta Bal- and Cello studies let has performed Mr. Allcott’s own arrangements of In 2012-13 he helped celebrate the Bryan Sym- Carmen and Shed Your Skin.

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Greg Lawson, Principal Clarinet Joined MSO in 1984 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:54 AM Page 26

ACHARLENE Christmas PARKINSON Spectacularhas served as the direc- Kansas City Conservatory of Music (UMKC), where tor of the Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus since she studied conducting with Dr. Eph Ehly and voice 2013. She has had a highly successful career as a with Professors Inci Bashar and Martha Longmire. A choral conductor, educator, and church musician. North Dakota native, she received the Bachelor of Currently she serves as Minister of Arts in Music-Voice cum laude Music at Central Christian Church from Minot State University. She and Executive Assistant at St. Mark’s has performed with the Kansas City United Methodist Church in Chorale, the Choral Arts Ensemble Murfreesboro. Before moving to of Kansas City, the Kansas City Tennessee, she was the director of Civic Chorus, and the Trinity Jazz the Ohio University Women’s Ensemble. Ms. Parkinson was a Chorale, the Richland United community representative for the Methodist Church Chancel Choir, Kansas City Chapter of Young Au- and “New Song,” a college age choir diences-Arts Partners. She served as at Christ Evangelical Lutheran a music faculty member for Notre Church in Athens, Ohio. She previ- Dame de Sion Academy and the ously served as director of music Continuing Education Division of ministries at several prominent the UMKC Conservatory of Music. United Methodist and Lutheran con- She has also taught voice and piano gregations in St. Louis and Kansas privately for a number of years. City, Missouri and Minot, North Dakota. As the Ms. Parkinson is a member of the American founding director of music for the United Methodist Choral Directors Association, The Woman’s Club of Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, she over- Murfreesboro, P.E.O., and St. Mark’s United saw a program that included more than 300 partici- Methodist Church. Her interests include reading, pants in a variety of ensembles for young children exercising, scrapbooking, and cooking. She is mar- through senior adults. ried to Michael Parkinson, director of the MTSU Ms. Parkinson received the Master of Music in School of Music and resides with her family in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri- Murfreesboro.

A Proud Supporter of Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra www.reliantrealty.com

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Mimi Nelson, Principal Cello Joined MSO in 2010 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:54 AM Page 28

Basie, Bebop,Dr. Ballads Michael Parkinson, & Blues Guest Conductor

‘N Quincy’s Bag Paul Lohorn

Struttin’ With Some Barbecue Lil Hardin Armstrong, Arr. Mike Tomaro

St. Louis Blues W. C. Handy, Arr. Oliver Nelson

Caravan Ellington & Tizol, Arr. Robert Washut

Sweet Magnolias Jeff Coffin, Arr. Ryan Midagh

Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child Arr. Chris McDonald

First Love Song Bob Brookmeyer

Things Ain’t What They Used To Be Mercer Ellington, Arr. Dave LaLama

Intermission

Hot House Tadd Dameron, Arr. Jack Cooper

Maiden Voyage Herbie Hancock, Arr. Barry McDonald

Better Get It In Your Soul Charles Mingus, Arr. Dave Sharp

I Fall In Love Too Easily Styne & Cahn, Arr. Jamey Simmons

Gdansk Paquito D’Rivera, Arr. Dave Sharp

Doin’ Basie’s Thing Sammy Nestico

Dr. Parkinson on The American Jazz Tradition

Tonight, as part of Black History Month, the Murfreesboro Symphony Big Band celebrates the Amer- ican jazz tradition by highlighting a century of contributions by performers, composers and arrangers associated with Tennessee. Jazz emerged early in the 20th century thanks in part to W. C. Handy, “the father of the blues” who was long associated with Memphis. His composition, “St. Louis Blues,” was one of the first works to become a jazz standard. Spiritual and gospel influences, were popularized by the Fisk Jubilee Singers through works such as “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child, refitted as a Latin jazz work by Nashville arranger, Chris McDonald. The Fisk connection continues through pianist Lil Hardin’s “Struttin’ With Some Barbecue,” recorded by her husband, Louis Armstrong, in 1927. Among the hottest bands of the swing era were Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Jimmy Lunceford. “Caravan,” was composed by Ellington and Juan Tizol; Bob Washut’s arrangement is reminiscent of New Orleans’ “Dirty Dozen Brass Band.” Ellington’s son, Mercer, composed “Things Ain’t What They Used To Be,” presented tonight in the version performed by Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd. Exemplifying the spirit of the blues, “N Quincy’s Bag,” composed by Chattanooga pianist Paul Lohorn, is a tribute to Quincy Jones and the 1960s Count Basie band. Fisk alumnus Jimmy Lunceford employed bebop pianist Tadd Dameron to write for his band in the 1940s. Tonight we present Dameron’s most famous piece, “Hot House,” based on Cole Porter’s “What Is This Thing Called Love,” in an arrangement by Jack

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Alan Suska, Principal Trumpet Joined MSO in 1995 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:54 AM Page 30

Cooper,Basie, director Bebop, of the University Ballads of Memphis & jazz program. Blues Ballads and love songs have long been favored by artists such as Miles Davis who frequently performed “I Fall In Love Too Easily.” Jamey Simmons, director of MTSU’s jazz program, arranged this work to feature bassist-vocalist Jim Ferguson. Davis also promoted a modal improvisation and incorporated funk into his music which you will hear through “Milestones.” Two newer artists who call Nashville home are saxophonists Jeff Coffin and Ryan Middagh, MTSU alumnus and director of the Vanderbilt jazz program. Coffin’s work, “Sweet Magnolias,” as arranged by Middagh, captures the essence of a lazy mid-summer afternoon. Trumpeter/arranger Barry McDonald was a highly versatile artist, writing for the Tennessee Tech and UT marching bands, the Johnny Cash television show, and numerous Nashville recording sessions. His setting of pianist Herbie Hancock’s classic work, “Maiden Voyage,” displays an Ellington influence in sound layers and colors. As an ambassador, no one represented the joy of jazz more than trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, the first artist to combine modern jazz and Afro-Cuban elements. Paquito D’Rivera, a brilliant saxophonist, emigrated to the US after performing with Gillespie in Cuba, and composed “Gdansk” to honor Poland’s quest for freedom in the 1980s. The works by Bob Brookmeyer and Charles Mingus represent the subdued sophistication and raw power of jazz. Both were highly influential artists who emerged in the 1950s who used elements of jazz, blues, gospel, and classical music, and both were equally important as teachers in the classroom or on the band stand.

DR. MICHAEL PARKINSON is Director of the on Entrepreneurship in Music and the HBCU con- School of Music at Middle Tennessee State Uni- ference on preparing conductors. versity. At MTSU he oversees a distinguished fac- As an Educational Specialist for Bach and Benge ulty of 60+ artists-educators working with trumpets, Conn-Selmer Inc., he has appeared at students from across the nation and overseas. In events such as MUSICFEST USA, the Greater addition to his administrative duties, he teaches Southwest Music Festival, and at schools and jazz courses in jazz studies and performs with the festivals across the United States. He has directed MTSU Faculty Jazztet and the Tennessee Jazz Col- ensembles for conferences of the Society of Com- lective, and leads the Trinity Jazz posers, International Association Ensemble, an ecumenical group. for Jazz Education, International He previously served as Director Electronic Music Plus Festival, of the Ohio University School of Music Educators National Con- Music and taught courses in jazz ference (NAfME), the Interna- studies and music industry-entre- tional Saxophone Alliance, and preneurship. numerous state music confer- From 1997-2007 Dr. Parkinson ences. He is the author of BASIE, served as music department chair BEBOP, BALLADS & BLUES, a at Webster University in St. Louis guide to jazz ensemble repertoire, where he expanded the entrepre- and MORE THAN THE BLUES, a neurship and study abroad pro- guide to score/part editing and re- grams. He founded the New hearsal techniques. He has been Music Ensemble and the Mini Big involved in music education in Band, and performed with the Poland since 1993 and served as Faculty Jazz Ensemble and the Artistic Director of the Interna- Paul DeMarinis Quartet. From 1985-1997 he tional Summer Jazz Academy in Krakow. He was served as director of jazz studies at the University named Amicus Poloniae by the Republic of of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music Poland, received the Jess Cole Award from the and co-director of the Kansas City Jazztet. He has Missouri Unit of the International Association for served as band director at Case Western Reserve Jazz Education, and is a Friend of the Arts for University and jazz ensemble director at Furman Sigma Alpha Iota. University. Throughout his career, Mike has been A native of Cleveland, Tennessee, he is married active in media and marketing, serving at several to Charlene Parkinson, a North Dakota native and radio stations as an announcer. He was a presenter conductor of the Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus at the USASBE-College Music Society Conference and Music Minister at Central Christian Church.

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Deanna Little, Principal Flute Joined MSO in 2000 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:54 AM Page 32

The Lights of BroadwayElias Salazar, Guest Conductor

Special performance by the Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus, Directed by Charlene Parkinson

Broadway Tonight Arr. Bruce Chase

West Side Story Arr. Jack Mason

Where or When Arr. Steve Zegree Babes in Arm Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus Charlene Parkinson

Guys and Dolls Arr. Calvin Custer

Porgy and Bess Arr. Chuck Sayre

Over the Rainbow Arr. Mark Hayes The Wizard of Oz Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus Charlene Parkinson

Ease on Down the Road Arr. Mac Huff The Wiz Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus Charlene Parkinson, conductor

Intermission

Chicago Arr. Ted Ricketts

Till There Was You Arr. Kirby Shaw The Music Man Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus Charlene Parkinson, conductor

Long Ago and Far Away Arr. Mark Hayes Cover Girl Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus

Fascinating Rhythm Arr. Mark Hayes Lady Be Good Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus

Les Miserables Arr. Bob Lowden Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus

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Wilson Sharpe, Principal Bassoon Joined MSO in 1988 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:54 AM Page 34

The Lights of Broadway ELIAS SALAZAR is the director of the Trevecca Nashville Collegiate Orchestra and served two years Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of Belmont Uni- as conducting fellow with the Nashville Philharmonic versity, Salazar previously served as the director of Orchestra. A talented vocalist, Salazar is a singer and choral and orchestral music at lead trumpet for an eight-piece Ensworth School. Latin band, Nashville Salsa Collec- Salazar was born in Caracas, tive—currently on hiatus—and a Venezuela, and moved to the United member of the Portara Ensemble, States as a child. A pastor’s son, he a Nashville choral group com- grew up around music and led wor- prised of professional and semi- ship in his father’s church while still professional singers. He currently a teenager. He studied music educa- serves on the Board of Directors of tion and trumpet performance at the Gateway Chamber Orchestra Belmont, earning licensure in both and the Advisory Board of the choral and instrumental instruction. Nashville Singers. It was during college that Salazar Passionate about the power of “fell in love” with orchestral con- music and an advocate for new ducting. composers, Salazar hopes to bring “I really liked conducting when both to the Trevecca Symphony Or- I was drum major in my high chestra, now in its 30th season. school marching band, but conducting orchestral “I’ve always had an immense passion for music repertoire is a different animal,” Salazar said. “I and the art, and helping other people see the beauty went to hear Mahler’s 2nd at the Nashville Sym- in it all, and for guiding them through what it phony in 2011. It was the first Mahler symphony means to really make music as opposed to just play- that I had ever seen or heard. I wept through most ing notes and rhythm,” Salazar said. “I also have a of it, and I told my buddy who was with me—who very strong desire to expose musicians and audi- had also never heard a Mahler symphony—that ences to new orchestral, classical music. I think it’s that’s what I wanted to do with the rest of my life: absolutely crucial to our development as a classical conduct orchestras.” community that we give voices to living, and espe- Salazar is the founder and artistic director of the cially local, composers.”

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Grace Woodworth, Principal Oboe Joined MSO in 2016 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:54 AM Page 36

Family Concerts

The MSO Brass Quintett, October 7, 2017 - 1 PM Stones River Battlefield Marcus Arnold, Tuba; Brent Gerlach, Trombone; Greg Danner, Horn; Alan Suska, Trumpet; Chris McCormick, Trumpet. Featuring music composed by Greg Danner.

Latin Family Concert, October 21, 2017 - 11 AM Patterson Park Community Center; Conductor, Ruben Gomez MSO joins with Murfreesboro City Schools to celebrate Latin American Arts in Middle Tennessee.

7th Annual Family Concert, March 3, 2018 - 10 AM Activities, 11 AM Concert, Noon Awards Oakland Middle School; Conductor, Dan Allcott Emerging Artist Award, Ethos Philharmonic side-by-side with the MSO, and the Richard Siegel/Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra Music Excellence Awards.

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Chris Nelsen, Principal Percussion Joined MSO in 1997 MSO program 2017-2018.qxp_MSO Program 9/20/17 11:54 AM Page 38

MaestroMSO Level $5000Donors + Mayor & Mrs. Ernest Burgess Mr. & Mrs. Bill McKay City of Murfreesboro TN Mr. & Mrs. Keith W. Carlson Ms. Martha Millsaps Country Music Association Mrs. Ida Read Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Nall Ernest & Selma Rosenblum Fund Mr. John Richmond Fund of Dr. & Mrs. Jim Nunnery for The Performing Arts of the Community Foundation Dr. & Mrs. William Parkinson Community Foundation of Mr. & Mrs. Don Witherspoon Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Sawyer Middle TN Mr. Nicholas Zumbro Mr. James Sharpe General Mills Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Wilson Sharpe MSO Guild Con Amore Level $250-$499 Mr. William Smotherman Music Performance Trust Fund Ms. Dani Amendola Mr. & Mrs. John Stracener National Endowment for the Arts Mr. & Mrs. Charles Pigg Mr. & Mrs. Joe Warise Richard Siegel Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Rob Sands Mr. Steven Wehofer TN Arts Commission Mr. Andy Womack Mr. & Mrs. Ken Norberg Grazioso Level $100-$249 Mr. & Mrs. Matt Ward Kroger Plus Dolce Level up to $99 Ms. Mary Leigh Beers Amazon Smile Bravo Level $1500-$4999 Mr. & Mrs. William Brown Ms. Shirley Bowman Adams Family Foudation II Ms. Frances Follis Mr. & Mrs. John Collins Ms. Dotty Adams Ms. Mary Belle Ginanni Mr. & Mrs. James Garrison Mr. & Mrs. Dick Curl Dr. & Mrs. Charles Goodman Ms. Roenella Hornsby Dr. & Mrs. Laurence Harvin Ms. Ann Hagerman Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mullen Mr. & Mrs. Jim Hargrove Ms. Martha Neal CRESCENDO LEVEL $500-$1499 Ms. Judy Hillman Mr. Mike Sehwartz Middle TN Electric Sharing Change Ms. Patricia Hollis Dr. & Mrs. Nabil Wakid Mr. & Mrs. Harold Beasley Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Neil Waxman

Special thanks to the following businesses: Adams Place Tangerine Salon Roger & Kimberly Hopkins Bradley Academy School The Music Stop Karen Hudson Center for the Arts Titan Advertising Chris Jensen Delta Omicron Int. Music Fraternity Walt Disney World Truman Jones Ethos Youth Ensembles Webb School Scott Kinney First United Methodist Church, Patience Long Murfreesboro Pam Mack Hampton Inn & Suites, Murfreesboro and these individuals: Kevin McNulty Johnny B & the Balladeers Phil & Adrianne Barnett Brian Mueller Kroger Dave & Debbie Bauder Dr. Jr & Laura Nelson Mayday Brewery Jane Blakey Lee Nettles MSO Guild Karen Brackman Dr. Mike Parkinson MTSU School of Music Karen Bradford Dr. Brian Russell Murfreesboro Flower Shoppe, Phil Breckler Caitlin Sawyer David & Sherry Flynn Bob Breckler for their generous Murfreesboro Recreation Department Joe Brown Music for Everyone Mayor Ernest Burgess support of the MSO. Music Performance Fund Tim Campbell Oakland High School Ashley Campbell A donation was made in honor Oakland Middle School Carlos Coronel of MSO player Teresa Hargrove Reliant Realty Joyce Cummings by Jim & Helen Hargrove. Short Mountain Distillery Adam & Chelsey Davenport Siegel High School Band Matt Endahl Two donations were made St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Jim Ferguson to the MSO by the MSOGuild in loving memory of Murfreesboro Joyce Hanna Nelda Pope and George Beers. Stones River Total Beverage Dr. Laurence Harvin

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Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Fund for the Performing Arts of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

2122 N. Thompson Lane, Suite B Murfreesboro TN Property management, leasing and sales

Tel: 615-849-9227 www.stonesriverproperties.com

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SupportingThe Guild the Symphony

Reception at Five Senses. Pictured L to R, Ruth Taylor, Mike Parkinson, Teresa Owens, Charlene Parkinson, Eddy Tay- lor; Jerry Owens, Teresa Owens, Phil Holt, Kitty Holt; Carolyn Midgett, Don Midgett, Eddy Taylor, and Linda Roberts.

he Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra Guild is a shows in their gifts and growth each year and the great way to be involved in the middle Tennessee success they have in each of their events. They bring a community. Supporting music for all, the MSO depth to the Symphony’s outreach to the community TGuild supports the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra, for which we are sincerely grateful.” Ethos Youth Ensemble, and assists in educational The MSOG meets quarterly with a monthly meeting outreach to Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County of its working Executive Board. Carole Reynolds states, schools. The MSOG motto is “Pro Musica!” and every “Music brings such joy into our lives. To be able to endeavor by this group shows their care for this attend the symphony in our community is a major important “arts” aspect contribution to the to the greater Rutherford quality of life in County area. Murfreesboro. We have The Murfreesboro wonderful musicians Symphony Orchestra will that give great perfor- present five Main Stage mances here.” concerts this year, so the Carole Reynolds MSO Guild will be busier adds, “the Guild has than ever. As Carole had an exciting year, Reynolds, president of instituting its first the MSO Guild “Music in the Morning” elaborated, “Our concert fundraiser in outreach to support MSOG Board Members: Linda Dansby, Advisor; Carole Reynolds, March. Also, through music education in the President; Teresa Owens, Treasurer; Andrea Norberg, VP, educa- the generous support community is enco- tion; Ruth Taylor, VP Admin; Michelle Flynn, Volunteer Commu- given to our Guild and uraging a new generation nications, and not pictured, Marylou Turpin, Secretary. Symphony, Jerry and to appreciate the benefits Teresa Owens of music.” The March 2018 Education Concert graciously entertained supporters of the Symphony highlights 6th to 12th grade students from the and Guild at Five Senses to kick off the new Symphony Rutherford County Schools, by awarding them with the season.” To note, the MSOG annual Stay-at-Home Tea Richard Siegel/Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra is very well received in the Fall, and prior to the tea, “Music Excellence Award,” as well as highlighting the the Guild conducted fundraising events to cover any Ethos Youth Ensemble, and the Emerging Artist winner. expenses. For the MSO 2017 September “String The Guild has been a great support to this free event in Serenade” Concert, the Guild will be hosting the post- the pre-concert activities and more. concert reception for season ticket holders. Jane McNulty, President of the Murfreesboro To join the MSO Guild, simply send $30 for annual Symphony Board, said, “The MSO Guild provides an dues, and your name, address, email, and phone invaluable service to the Symphony. They put so much number to MSO Guild, PO Box 332483, Murfreesboro, heart and effort into what they do for the MSO and it TN 37133. Pro Musica!

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Reaching out to Students Education

Wilson Sharpe with various groups of students. he Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra undertakes years the program ceased. Years later, in 2004, Dick different avenues to reach schools and students in Curl, president of the Board of Directors, was ap- the middle Tennessee area. First, the MSO is ex- proached by Mr. Sharpe to possibly reinstitute the ed- Tcited to be able to offer free in-school Master Classes and ucational outreach. Graciously, Mr. Curl donated Educational Performances as part of this service. Sec- $1,000 and made it one of the Symphonies’ objec- ondly, two of their annual concerts are free to the public, tives, thus providing the impetus to what the MSO known as Family Series Concerts. Both educational out- has been doing in schools hundreds of times up to reaches are made possible, due in part, by very generous today. donations from the City of Murfreesboro; CMA Founda- Now, operating with mainly trios and quartets, Mr. tion; Daily News Journal; Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Sharpe and various players from the MSO, create Fund for the Performing Arts of The Community, Foun- smiles, produce singing, and open eyes to a new, rich dation of Middle Tennessee; General Mills Foundation; music history for students. Additionally, some free- Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, lance musicians are happy to join and assist in the SharingChange; Music Performance Trust Fund; Na- outreach to the schools. Woodwind trios and quar- tional Endowment for the Arts; Richard Siegel Founda- tets, plus a popular saxophone quartet that provides tion; and Tennessee Arts Commission. the students with jazz presentations, eloquently give If not for the school grants, the depth and richness of historical aspects to the music, conduct a mini-clinic classical music would only be heard in a symphony hall. presented by each instrument player, allow time for As Greg Lawson, MSO Acting Music Director, aptly the children to ask questions, and provide lyrics to stated, “An important aspect of the Murfreesboro Sym- the children with the musicians backing them up. phony Orchestra’s mission is to make live classical music The venues to which the MSO Education Outreach accessible to our school children. Today’s youth have a have historically played are elementary, middle and lot of choices when it comes to listening to and playing high school band classes, music classes, and occasion- music. Rock, country and hip-hop dominate the air- ally the entire student body when asked to do so. waves. Sadly, classical music often takes a back seat. Lis- Thank-you notes from the students are especially a tening to, and especially playing, classical music often highlight for Mr. Sharpe. Though the concentration is requires patience, thoughtfulness, and discipline. These mainly Rutherford County, the MSO Outreach pro- are attributes not always valued in our fast-paced and au- gram has played in Woodbury, McMinnville, Huntland, tomated, modern society.” Winchester, Shelbyvillle, and more. On many occa- Wilson Sharpe, the MSO Educational Director and sions, the teacher has said this is the first time the chil- MSO principal bassoonist, remembers that in 1997, dren have heard live music by professionals, and if outreach to schools began from a grant Dr. Harvin, funds permit, the MSO will attempt to go into more MSO founder and conductor, received, yet after 2 schools inside and outside of Rutherford county.

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Patrons of the Symphony

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Patrons of the Symphony

Official Percussion Instrument Sponsor of the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra

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www.ascsignsonline.com

826 Nort Jefferson Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 Tel: 931-684-1771 Fax: 931-684-4044

www.leeadcock.com

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