newsletter - december 2015

Providing a challenging, fully

integrated music experience

for the young musician

because of support from

people like you.

1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501 360-352-1438 studentorchestras.org

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By Robin Anderson, parent of SOGO alumna

The third grade class of Kittitas, Washington was visited one day by Central Washington University students playing stringed instruments and offering after-school lessons paid mostly by a grant from the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. All those who participated wanted to play the violin but Camille Anderson went homethat afternoon and informed her mother that she wanted toplay the cello. Her mother asked, "Do you even know what a cello is?" "Not really, but I saw Barney [the purple dinosaur popular in the 90s] play one once."

Camille participated in the program until it ended two years later, borrowing a 1/4 size cello. Afterward she took private lessons from CWU students and move into a 1/2 size cello. In the winter of 7th grade the family moved to Olympia and Camille continued her cello lessons with a full-size cello and a private instructor in the R. L. Ray Violin shop. She began 8th grade and SOGO that fall.

Media on the Mezz: Follow along as we live-tweet our season concerts at Twitter.com@SOGO_Oly.

Like us at Facebook.com/studentorchestras. View the newsletter in color at studentorchestras.org.

"I'm so grateful to have had the experience!"

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By Krina Allison

Our community really values the arts. That is the one thing that attracted my husband and I to the South Sound region. As musicians, we were looking for a place to work and live that gave the amenities of a big city but in a small town setting – Olympia was the place.

We have been living here for over twenty-five years and continue to enjoy our journey with SOGO. Now in its 16th season, we are in awe of the amazing support of private music teachers, music educators, businesses, but most of all, our faithful donors – YOU.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of mentoring these young musicians

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In the process of developing her love of music and moving up in the SOGO orchestras Camille learned valuable life skills. She graduated 4th in her class at Black Hills High School, attended the University of Washington and in September 2015 began her second year at Hofstra Medical School in Long Island, NY.

Camille sums it up, "SOGO gave me an opportunity to grow and learn as an artist, practice leadership and responsibility, and make life-long friends. I'm so grateful to have had the experience!"

Camille was a SOGO musician from 2003-2008. At that time SOGO rehearsed at Washington Middle School. SOGO has moved a couple of times, but still does not have a permanent rehearsal space.

Camille's mother, Robin, continues to support SOGO as the Office Manager at South Sound Women's Center, which advertises in concert programs. If you would like to place an advertisement, contact [email protected].

So Grateful(Continued from the front page)

Join the SOGO Brass Choir on December 12 to share the stories behind the holiday songs you know and love.

The Brass Choir will be playing Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa favorites such as O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; I'll be Home for Christmas; Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer; and Rock of Ages. As always, the program will end with a rousing sing-along.

SOGO always invites other local performing groups to partner with us. This year we are excited to feature the Olympia Youth Chorus, which is a wonder-ful opportunity for SOGO musicians to work with other young musicians in our community.

Your support brings this wonderful holiday celebration to our community - don't miss it! December 12, 2 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church. Tickets: Call 360-325-1438 to avoid the line at the door.

Holiday Songs and Stories to Warm the Heart

If you missed #GivingTuesday you still have a chance to donate! What is #GivingTuesday?

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.

You can donate either online at studentorchestras.org (click on the "Donate" button at the bottom of the page) or by sending a check to SOGO at 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia, 98501.

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Poinsettia, Wreath, and Coffee Pickup December 3, 4-6 p.m. Allison home 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia

Do You Shop at Amazon.com? When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to SOGO. Go to studentorchestras.org and click on the AmazonSmile button at the bottom of the page.

We are grateful for every check or donation made online and the notes and cards of encouragement. Meeting many of you has been a delight at concerts. Thank you for allowing us, the staff and board of SOGO, the privilege of mentoring these young musicians. To be there...

…as they negotiate the chamber music experience.…as they sit in rehearsal tired and worried about the big test at school the next day – until the music transports them to a better place.…as the young musician experiences, for the first time, the bright lights of the Washington Center Stage.…as the orchestra premieres a commissioned work written especially for them by a local composer.…as they touch the world of the professional musician and perform alongside the Evergreen Brass Quintet.…as more than twenty new musicians attend a Side-By-Side SOGO rehearsal, after which more than three-quarters of them decide to become members.…as they participate in a conducting workshop featuring some of their own music teachers.

And this is just a recap of the first ten weeks of the SOGO season.

As a donor, you help to make all of this possible.

It is obvious that Olympia’s investment in the arts has only become richer and deeper giving more opportunity to our young people.

I am so very blessed to live here!Krina Allison is SOGO's Executive Director. She loves putting a face to a name, so be sure to introduce yourself on your way in to the next SOGO concert!

Thank You for the Privilege (Continued from the front page)

Come to listen or come to sing at the Messiah Sing-Along Decem-ber 21 (the last Monday before Christmas). SOGO Conservatory Orchestra will share the stage at the Washington Center with solo-ists Denise Daverso, Briana Kramer, Nathan Rodahn, and Thomas Freet. Maestro John Welsh will be conducting along with Anna's Bay Chorale's new music director, Dr. Jonathon Isham, and SOGO's Elizabeth Ward.

December 21, 7 p.m., Washington Center. This joyful community event is free and open to the public.

HallelujaH!Come to listen or come to sing

Sponsored byTumwater Eye Center & VUEwww.studentorchestras.orgFacebook.com/studentorchestras

$5 students$10 seniors and adults$25 Family of 4+Tickets: Call 360.352.1438

SaturdayDecember 12, 2:00 p.m.Westminster Presbyterian Church1925 Boulevard Rd SE, Olympia

FeaturingConservatory Brass Choir Greg Allison, ConductorOlympia Youth Chorus

Brass Choir Holiday Show

Washington Centerfor the Performing Artsin downtown OlympiaFree Admission

Come to sing or come to listen

Hosted byStudent Orchestras of Greater OlympiaWashington Center

Guest SoloistsDenise Daverso, SopranoBriana Kramer, AltoNathan Rodahn, TenorThomas Freet, Bass

FeaturingCommunity MusiciansSOGO Conservatory Orchestra

ConductorJohn WelshDr. Jonathon IshamElizabeth Ward

Single scores areavailable for purchase

studentorchestras.org | 360.352.1438

Sponsored byR.L. Ray Violin Shop

newsletter - december 2015

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