Symphony in the Valley membership information

Our founders, violinist Chick Overington and flutist Karin White, met in 1990 at the national Senior Symphony in Mystic, Conn. Chick, then a resident of Southampton, Penn., was planning to move west, and Karin, a resident of Glenwood Springs, suggested the Roaring Fork Valley as a nice place to live, work, ski and meet other musicians. Mr. Overington arrived in 1991 and together they organized Symphony in the Valley.

The orchestra started rehearsing in September l993, under the batons of Jon Madsen and Randy Fox, and the first concert was performed by 42 musicians on Dec. 8, 1993, at Glenwood Springs High School Auditorium.

It was a shaky start, but it didn't take long for the orchestra to polish its skills, attract more players, meet new musical challenges and become a popular cultural experience for local audiences.

Cellist Wendy Larson replaced Mr. Fox as Mr. Madsen's co-conductor in 1994, and the two honed the orchestra's skills with confidence and flair.

In 1996, Mr. Madsen was the featured soloist. He conducted his last concert in May 1997. The orchestra paid tribute to him that December, and he passed away the following spring.

Through the 2007-08 season, Ms. Larson served as the orchestra's lead conductor and artistic director, with John Bokram serving as associate conductor. The Symphony also invited various guest conductors from time to time.

Beginning with the 2008-09 season, violinist Carlos Elias is the orchestra’s conductor and artistic director. Mr. Elias directs the string program at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, conducts the Mesa State Orchestra, and serves as concertmaster for the Grand Junction Symphony.

Symphony in the Valley now draws from a group of more than 65 musicians, all volunteers.

We welcome you to our orchestra family and hope your participation and experience will be enjoyable and rewarding.

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide a group setting for area musicians to express themselves; to create another source for the performing arts; to foster and encourage the study of music by our youth; to enrich the spirit and pride of the citizens and musicians of the area through public performance; and to add to the quality of life by making accessible and affordable performances appealing to all ages.

GOALS

The Symphony in the Valley Board and Artistic Director wish to develop a continued atmosphere that includes:

Recognition that the orchestra is an educational and artistic experience.
Encouragement of the growth in musicianship of all players.
Affirmation of team spirit and cooperation among all members.
Respect for individual members, treating each other with dignity and consideration.
Promotion of the orchestra and recruitment of new members to participate.
Development and expansion of an audience.
Maintaining the highest quality of performance.
Encouraging free and open communications between the members, community, the artistic director and the board of directors
Commitment to continued development and growth of the Symphony in the Valley, including musicians of all ages.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Rehearsals

The board recognizes that SITV is a volunteer organization and that our members travel considerable distances to attend rehearsals and have families and careers. The board also recognizes the importance of rehearsals and the participation of all members during these sessions.

The artistic director establishes all rehearsal and concert schedules, including rehearsal times. If there is an emergency and the rehearsal or performance is canceled, the artistic director will contact the section leaders as soon as possible and they will in turn contact the members of their section.

The orchestra rehearses every Wednesday evening from mid September through May (except holidays) in the band room at the Glenwood Springs High School. Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:00 p.m., and end at 9:00 p.m. Please arrive at 6:45 p.m. so you can warm up and be ready. Dress rehearsals run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Attendance is expected and needed at all full rehearsals, section rehearsals, and concerts. Any member who must be absent should inform his/her section leader or the conductor in advance. This member is also responsible for getting their music to the rehearsal if it is shared with other players. If players miss more than two rehearsals prior to a concert, the section leader and conductor may review the status of the member.

Rehearsal Protocol

Prepare the music that is being rehearsed. In other words practice as much as you can.
Be quiet when the concertmaster stands for tuning.
When the conductor stops the music, stop playing and do not talk. Listen and mark your part accordingly with pencil.
Practice courtesy and friendliness to all other players.
After the rehearsal, please stay and help return the chairs to their original position.
No eating or drinking in the band room, other than water.

Music

The orchestra librarian will assign music folders for each concert. Players are responsible for returning music at the end of each concert. If the music is not returned, the member may be asked to reimburse SITV for the music and any additional fees that may occur.

Concert Dress

Women:

Fall/Winter: Ankle length black dress, or black blouse with black skirt or pants, black hosiery and shoes, no jewelry.
Spring: White blouse, ankle length black skirt or pants, ankle, black hosiery and shoes, no jewelry.

Men: Black tuxedo or suit, white shirt, black bow tie, black socks and black shoes.

Load-in: Please observe the requested load-in time for each concert. This will allow everyone time to get settled, arrange seats and stands and be ready for the pre-concert warm-up.

Complimentary Tickets

Each orchestra member is entitled to two free tickets per concert. Guests should check in with the house manager before the concert.

VOLUNTEERING

SITV is a volunteer organization and encourages members to volunteer to assist in orchestra operations. The board asks that each player, or a player’s parent, volunteer for at least one position during the regular concert season. Volunteer positions will vary during the year and members are encouraged to discuss volunteer options with any board member.

www.sitv.org

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