THE TM 911 Franklin Street Weekly Newspaper Michigan City, IN 46360 Volume 36, Number 17 Thursday, April 30, 2020 From theby Connie Kuzydym Heart In the winter of 1971, John Bennett, a young LaPorte music teacher, seized the opportunity to unite a 16-member chamber group and area wind musicians to form LaPorte Symphony Orches- tra. By doing so, he fulfi lled his dream to conduct a community symphony. At their premiere performance in December the following year, 50 musicians’ signatures were recorded, their names listed as charter members on a proclama- tion bearing the LaPorte mayor’s seal. Today, JoFran Bendix, the sym- phony’s principal horn, is the sole charter member still performing with the orchestra. The fi rst concert featured se- lections by Rossini, Handel, Schubert and Gershwin. Over the years, the number of performanc- es each season has varied. Con- ductors, musicians, board mem- bers and executive directors have come and gone. There even was a name change, the year prior to the 25th anniversary, to LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra. Through 48 years, Bendix still gives her time and talent because she loves playing the horn. Growing up in a family of horn players, Bendix wanted to play Continued on Page 2 JoFran Bendix (front) is photographed at a concert in New Buffalo, Mich., on July 3, 2019. Seated with her are horn musicians Kathleen Lang, Bill Browne and Dana Chartier. THE Page 2 April 30, 2020 THE 911 Franklin Street • Michigan City, IN 46360 219/879-0088 Beacher Company Directory e-mail: News/Articles - [email protected] Don and Tom Montgomery Owners email: Classifieds - [email protected] Andrew Tallackson Editor http://www.thebeacher.com/ Drew White Print Salesman PRINTE ITH Published and Printed by Janet Baines Inside Sales/Customer Service T Becky Wirebaugh Typesetter/Designer T A S A THE BEACHER BUSINESS PRINTERS Randy Kayser Pressman Dora Kayser Bindery Delivered weekly, free of charge to Birch Tree Farms, Duneland Beach, Grand Beach, Hidden Shores, Long Beach, Michiana Shores, Michiana MI and Shoreland Hills. The Beacher is Hope Costello, Cheryl Joppek, Production also delivered to public places in Michigan City, New Buffalo, LaPorte and Sheridan Beach. John Baines, Karen Gehr, Dennis Mayberry Delivery orchestra board understood the rare gem they had Continued from Page 1 created for LaPorte County. From the Heart With each passing year, the orchestra evolved. professionally, but her mother discouraged her. Be- Musicians received stipends to compensate them ing a female musician was not considered an accept- for their time and signed yearly contracts. They able way of life. Instead, she pursued another love then auditioned for their position. Being a charter by becoming an art teacher. member did not exempt Bendix from this process. When Bendix and Bennett, then a couple, came to Receiving money and having to audition, Bendix the area after college, a need existed for art and string program teachers in Michigan City. The string program eventually was cut, so Bennett took the orchestra position at LaPorte High School. Bendix remained with Michigan City Area Schools for nearly 30 years until she retired, teaching elemen- tary art. Bendix grew up in the LaPorte music scene, at a time when Michigan City and es- pecially LaPorte boasted exceptional school music programs, producing an abundance of talented musicians. Areas like Elkhart and South Bend were meccas for musicians as well. Bendix had close ties with Guy Foreman, who was her band director at La- Porte High School and with Michigan City Municipal Band. Returning to the area, Bendix already knew many musicians here, so it was only a matter of time for Bennett to meet everyone and understand the potential for a commu- nity symphony orchestra here. Bendix was excited by the opportunity to be part of a musical endeavor from its in- fancy. At the beginning, the orchestra did not have a budget. Musicians volunteered their time. Expenses came out of their pocket or from a community member. Approach- ing the second season, a drive was coordi- nated to raise $5,000 for music and operat- ing costs. The emphasis was not obtaining grants and other dollars. It was practicing and performing. “This little group didn’t do that. It kind of grew,” Bendix said. “It helped us under- stand just who we were and what we could do as a small group. It’s up to those who have faith in us to go for the rest of it.” And go they did. The community and The cover for the fi rst LaPorte Symphony Orchestra concert. Provided by JoFran Bendix. THE April 30, 2020 Page 3 feels, changed the overall fl avor. Many musicians were community members who played simply be- cause they enjoyed doing so. %HDFK2IÀFH 0DLQ2IÀFH “To pay us for something we loved to do is kind of 1026 N. Karwick Road 4121 Franklin St. hard to accept,” she said, “because no one has to pay (219) 871-0001 (219) 874-2121 you for what you love to do…It’s not a competition. You play together. It shouldn’t be a competition.” 4140 PONCHARTRAIN DRIVE Bendix used the horn section as an example. The French horns require four parts to produce the NEW BUFFALO, MI melodious sounds of soprano, alto, tenor and bass. The principal plays solo and higher notes. Second horn mostly collaborates with the fi rst. Third horn NEW LISTING is similar to fi rst, but not as high. The fourth horn complements the second. Bendix has been one of two musicians represen- tatives on the LCSO board for 29 years. Her non- voting position helps inform the board of matters concerning musicians. The board listens, and most welcome the input. “I don’t think the general board person would un- derstand that this is all from a love,” Bendix said. “It’s not a business. It’s from the heart. We do this because we enjoy each other’s company, and we re- spect each other’s abilities.” Bendix has seen various programs come, go and return. The children’s concert, in existence for 31 years, is one of them. Speaking about it, in fact, $1,250,000 brought a sparkle to her eyes. The basic format has stayed the same. There is a central theme, and each section is featured so students learn about the strings, percussion, brass and woodwinds. Today, the concerts provide more than 5,800 elementary students an opportunity to experience a orchestra. Bendix has played for numerous conductors over the years. Each has brought his own fl air and chal- lenging pieces. The musicians each time have risen to the occasion on pieces that may sound simple, but are truly diffi cult. Lake Michigan Beach House Meets Riviera Flair! TURNKEY, 7BR + Loft, 4BA Home in the Village of Michiana on 3 lots with over 5,400 SF. Feels even larger than it is with oversized windows & high ceilings: perfect for entertaining family, friends all year round. Living room has cathedral ceilings with a grand gas fireplace. Spacious kitchen with granite counters, sub-zero fridge & counter seating, plus large screened porch for extra space. The Lookout is the top level: an ideal spot for cocktail hour. Equipped w/ bar, mini fridge, sink & sliding door that opens to large deck to watch beautiful sunsets. Seven bedrooms w/ authentic accents whisk you away to exciting Riviera destinations! Two laundry rooms, two-car heated JoFran credits Adrian Bryttan with JoFran says Dave Burris helped garage. taking the orchestra in its current keep the momentum going started direction. by Adrian Bryttan. She credits Adrian Bryttan, a South Bend Sym- T phony Orchestra concertmaster who taught at The 0XOWL0LOOLRQ MICHELE CIHAK (DFK2IÀFHLV 219-861-2073 • [email protected] ,QGHSHQGHQWO\ University of Notre Dame, for taking the orchestra 'ROODU 2ZQHGDQG 3URGXFHU ZZZFDIÀOLDWHGFRP 2SHUDWHG Continued on Page 4 THE Page 4 April 30, 2020 aware and ready to do what they are asking us to do. Continued from Page 3 We want to know as much about them as I think they From the Heart do about us. So, it’s kind of a reciprocal feeling.” in its current direction. He brought a depth of When Russell Ger directed, Bendix continued. knowledge and numerous outside contacts, and had “If you just sat there like a lump in the seat, some- tremendous board support. He brought excitement thing’s wrong with you, ’cause he was energized. to the program. When Bryttan accepted a fellow- If he touched you, you would be energized. He was ship in Europe, David Burris picked up the reins, that kind of a man.” eventually becoming the conductor. Even though Bendix did not perform with guest Burris, Bendix says, kept the momentum going, conductor Mercedes Diaz, she watched the perfor- adding more musicians and imparting his love of mance. performing on the group. His goal was to become “She really had a sensitive aspect to her,” Bendix a large regional orchestra. said. “Not every conductor asks for that kind of re- Bendix also credits for- sponse. That was very interesting.” mer music director Phil- As for Alexander Platt, he clearly knew what he lip Bauman, the group’s was doing, she said, adding that that confi dence is longest-serving conductor, exciting. with helping it continue to Today, the orchestra continues its evolution. On grow. many occasions, it sounds more like a professional Bendix feels Burris’ group, even though it is considered semi-professional. goal for the symphony Despite all the changes and challenges through- to emerge as a regional out the years, Bendix focuses on wonderful memo- orchestra are being ac- ries.