Welcome back to another episode of "Getting to Know Your S.O."! Today, we are lucky to be joined (in more ways than you may think!) by local architect and composer, Chris Karpus. 

Transitioning to an architectural degree/career following his musical studies in college (2:00), Chris finds the time to do both today, in addition to running two non-profits with his wife, Amy (45:00), raising a family, being part of his church, and apparently even has time to rest (52:00)

Learn all about how his relationship with his faith and God have influenced his life and his music, how he has miraculously recovered from a cardiac arrest he suffered a few years ago (54:00), and how music still plays an important role in his life even though he has made a career as an architect today. For all that wonder how to make music a big part of your life but wish to pursue an alternate career choice, this is the podcast for you!

To learn more about Chris, his architecture, his non-profits, or to listen to his music, visit www.karpusdesign.com. 

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Welcome back for our fourth episode of the 3rd season of "Getting to Know Your S.O.!" Today, we are excited to welcome guest oboist Cassie Pilgrim to the podcast. Currently serving as Principal Oboe of  St. Paul's Chamber Orchestra in Minnesota, Cassie was our guest artist for the "Buona Sera!" concerts in February of 2023. She played Bellini's Oboe Concerto & "Gabriel's Oboe" from The Mission. 

In today's podcast, we dive into Cassie southern roots (Georgia!), her journey to discovering the oboe and its many intricacies, and also life outside of the practice room. You'll learn all about the rigors and daily life of a professional oboist, and also learn some of Cassie's favorite non-musical hobbies! 

Join us for another episode! 

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In this episode, we get to know composer Chris Pilsner! We were fortunate to host Chris as a conductor and guest composer of his piece "Snow Falling in Autumn", that was performed as a side-by-side with the Summerville Orchestra Youth Philharmonic in November of 2022. 

In this podcast, we talk about composing, the balance of daily life and music, composers everyone should be listening to today, and how we both got started in music. 

Enjoy this informative and fun episode!! 

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Welcome back for another episode featuring some of our guest artists with the orchestra! This episode introduces us to Dr. Laura Moore Pruett, a musicologist and professor at Merrimack College who specializes in 19th-century American music, specifically focusing on the music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk. 

The orchestra was fortunate enough to perform Gottschalk's Symphony No. 2 last season on our "American Rhapsody" concert, and listeners will actually hear snippets of the orchestra performing this piece during this episode! (0:00 & 55:20)

Today, we will learn all about New Orleans musical life in the 19th century, the impact of Gottschalk as an important U.S. composer, and get to know just how Dr. Pruett got into researching this composer! Hint: She's from Louisiana! 

Enjoy this episode of "Get To Know Your S.O."!

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Welcome back to Season 3 of "Get to Know Your S.O.!" In season 3, we highlight some of the guest artists that are coming to perform with our amazing orchestra, and bring you closer to them! Featuring artists from our 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons! 

In this first episode, we get to know Dr. Robert Auler, piano. Dr. Auler performed "Rhapsody in Blue" on our February 2022 concert, and also gave us a world premiere of a Romance for piano, written for one of our dear season ticket holders. Luckily for us, Dr. Auler plays parts of BOTH pieces during our episode, so be sure to tune in to hear him make some brilliant music. 

I have had the wonderful pleasure of having Dr. Auler as a professor at SUNY Oswego, where I studied piano and music theory with him. We speak about our time at Oswego, sports, motivation, and more in this entertaining and informative episode. 

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Episode 7 - Alternate Careers in "Music", featuring our principal horn, Erin Yardley, who is also an instrument technician with Southern String Supply in Mt. Pleasant. 

There is a misconception that you have limited options out there when you graduate with a music degree. Basically...you can perform or teach. But...is it true? Today, we talk about the wide variety of career paths that a music degree can set you up for, how a music education can help you learn valuable and hirable skills outside the field, and even other music-industry jobs that are NOT performance or education - because lets face it - they're not for everyone. We're all different, unique, and have our own story; sometimes, your story doesn't fit the majority. Today, we help you think outside the box if you're considering stepping into the field. 

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Episode 6 - Music and Health (with Andrew Price)

We are more and more aware of how these two worlds co-exist today. Ideally, they form a symbiotic relationship - if you take care of yourself well, then your music will be better for it and you will be healthier in the long run. Managing our physical, mental and emotional conditions, how we fuel ourselves and recharge our batteries, and even how we go about improving or "practicing" daily - its all inter-connected. More importantly - we tackle what studying music has taught us about personal health, and how studying music can help you in the long run regardless of what you end up doing with your life. Join us as we sit down with our principal bass Andrew Price to tackle the topic. 

Our backgrounds? Andrew is a professional musician and educator/teacher, football coach, former personal trainer, and teacher of Alexander Technique. Wojciech is a professional conductor, pianist, and clarinetist, has been playing organized sports as long as he's been playing music, was on the college swim team, has trained with Navy SEALs and still follows their PT & Nutrition guidelines. 

Together? We come up with some interesting topics and give you some interesting data that will help you regardless of if you're trying to improve your musicianship, your hobby, your day-to-day life, or whatever else you can fit this podcast into. Its a universal topic with a music twist. 

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Episode 5 - It's Accessible: Modern Music Debunked PART 2

Here we go again! Today? The 1960s through the present day. 

Ever been put off by 20th century orchestral music? Too "modern sounding" for you? Not enough melody? Prefer Rachmaninoff or Tchaikovsky? If you've answered "yes" to any of the above, boy do we have the show for you! Today, Drew & I show you just how accessible 20th Century music can be!

After introducing the "how" and "why" of this episode, Drew and I dive into each decade of the 20th century and show you examples from each. These pieces are not only important, but also accessible and not too far out there for the ear/mind to digest when you're listening to them. We each choose 1 piece of music per decade, and since there's so much music, we have to throw some honorable mentions in there! We then pick one of the two and play an audio clip to give you a taste. We hope you not only have fun along with us, but that this also gives you a new appreciation for 20th and 21st century music. Hopefully it will encourage you to find your own favorites! Have some we didn't mention? Let us know!

Our picks: Drew's & Wojciech's in that order, separated by "&"
**doubles are omitted and substituted

1960s: Shostakovich: "String Quartet No. 8" & Virgil Thomson: "Autumn"
Honorable mentions: Bernstein "Chichester Psalms" & Stravinsky: "Canon on a Russian Theme"

1970s: G. Crumb: "Mikrokosmos" & Arvo Part: "Spiegel im Spiegel"
HMs: Arvo Part: "Fratres", Górecki: "Three Dances for Orchestra", Astor Piazzolla: "Libertango"

1980s: Arvo Part: "Fratres" & Michael Nyman: "Memorial
HMs: Arvo Part: "Los Angeles Symphony" & Peter Maxwell Davies: Orkney Wedding at Sunrise; John Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine

1990s: E. Rautavaara: Symphony No. 7 "Angel of Light" & A. Marquez:  Danzon No. 2
HMs: W. Kilar - Requiem Father Kolbe

2000s: M. Richter: "On the Nature of Daylight"  from "Blue Notebooks" x2!!! (We agree!!)
HMs: P. Glass: "The Hours" & J. Higdon: "Blue Cathedral"; M. Bates: "Mothership"

2010s: S. Reich: "WTC 9/11" & M. Richter: "Four Seasons Recomposed"
HMs: W. Marsalis: Violin Concerto & R. Orth: Pineland Breeze 

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Episode 4 - It's Accessible: Modern Music Debunked (feat. Drew Hamrick)

Ever been put off by 20th century orchestral music? Too "modern sounding" for you? Not enough melody? Prefer Rachmaninoff or Tchaikovsky? If you've answered "yes" to any of the above, boy do we have the show for you! Today, Drew & I show you just how accessible 20th Century music can be!

After introducing the "how" and "why" of this episode, Drew and I dive into each decade of the 20th century and show you examples from each. These pieces are not only important, but also accessible and not too far out there for the ear/mind to digest when you're listening to them. We each choose 1 piece of music per decade, and since there's so much music, we have to throw some honorable mentions in there! We then pick one of the two and play an audio clip to give you a taste. We hope you not only have fun along with us, but that this also gives you a new appreciation for 20th and 21st century music. Hopefully it will encourage you to find your own favorites! Have some we didn't mention? Let us know!

Join us next week for part 2! 1960s - now!

Our picks (Drew's & Wojciech's)
**doubles are omitted and substituted
 
1900s: Debussy: "La Mer" & Sibelius': "Finlandia"
Honorable mentions: Dohnanyi Serenade in C, Sibelius Symphony no. 2

1910s: Stravinsky: "The Firebird" & Vaughan Williams: "Lark Ascending"
HMs: Vaughan Williams' "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" & Edmund Thornton Jenkins' "Charlestonia: A Folk Rhapsody"

1920s: Gershwin: "Rhapsody in Blue" & Gershwin: "American in Paris"
HMs: Honegger: Cello Concerto & Respighi: "Pines of Rome"

1930s: Prokofiev: "Peter and the Wolf" & Carlos Chavez: "Sinfonia India"
HMs: Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kije &  Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite

1940s: Copland: Symphony no. 3 & Moncayo: "Huapango"
HMs: Copland: Appalachian Spring & Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra

1950s: Weinberg: Fantasia for Cello & Orchestra & Shostakovich: Festive Overture
HMs: Price: Dances in the Canebrakes & Lutosławski: Dance Preludes for Clarinet & Ensemble

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Episode 3 - Should you get a music degree these days? 

With everything going on in the world, it may seem a better time to ask: should you get a music degree with that industry basically at a standstill right now? Inn today's podcast, we attempt to give you some facts and data to help you make that decision for yourself. Its a highly personal one, with highly personal variables and goals, and for that reason - we try to steer away from a yes or no. We just help give you some things to think about!

First, (4:08) we start out by giving you some data - number of degrees, average wages, employment statistics, tuition costs, etc. We then look at Juilliard specifically and the "Juilliard effect," before asking once more - "So, should you go to music school?" (10:00) Well, as we said, its a highly personal choice that is influenced by many factors, and we go over those (20:03) step-by-step. Hopefully, it helps you make a better decision. So, should you? We circle back (33:50), before ending the podcast with the "best thing I heard this week!"

This week? Its forgotten Polish composer Mieczyslaw Karlowicz's Symphonic Poem "Eternal Songs", op. 10 No. 2 - Song of Love and Death (performed by Antoni Wit and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra). A highly gorgeous piece of late Romantic Polish classical music; a must listen. 

And who knows - even if you get nothing out of the first part, you at least get to listen to some gorgeous music at the end! 

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Episode 2 - Discipline vs. Motivation (and how Practicing fits into that)

Rarely will you hear a podcast episode that links Navy SEAL culture and Samurai Bushido to Music. But, thats sort of the premise of today's podcast; there is a common thread and link amongst the highest-level performers in the world - whether you're an athlete, elite warrior, world-class musician, business leader, or whatever it is that you do. Regardless, someone is the best in the world at it, and they got there most likely thanks to a rigorous code of conduct and self-discipline. Mastery of anything requires not only time, but dedicated and concentrated efforts, even (and especially) when you don't feel like it. 

Hear all about how Jocko Willink (retired Navy SEAL) can help you find that self-discipline you may be missing (7:10), and also learn the difference between motivation and discipline. Later, we go on to cover efficient music practice (10:30) and how to successfully take on each day as a musician. 

At the very end? Its "The Best Thing I Heard this Week" (36:00) -  a new segment in which I play you the best thing I listened to this week. This week? Its the 3rd movement of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1 conducted by Georg Solti and the London Symphony Orchestra. 

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Season 2, Episode 1

Welcome back everyone! We're back for another season of "Get to know your S.O.!" This time, things are a bit different; we're going to be covering music topics that are relevant, interesting, fun, and...well..things we want you to know! Topics chosen by us, your Summerville Orchestra. 

Today's topic: Edmund Thornton Jenkins. Arguably a forgotten composer, this Charleston native wrote some incredible music in his short life. He spent a large portion of his life abroad, and perhaps its this reason that his kept him off of our musical radars here in the US. But, his music is chock full of Charleston - Gullah music, jazz, folk songs, work/field songs, brass bands of his youth, and more. Luckily for us, he was able to codify his musical expressions about his hometown in a folk rhapsody he titled: Charlestonia. Today, we have the distinct privilege of bringing this composer and his music back to life.

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Episode 16 - Looking back on 2020, Whats Ahead in 2021, and some personal reflections

You know...its been quite the year. Quite the fall. That goes without saying these days, but there has been some good to come out of it! This past fall for us has been an evolution...growth...change...re-definition of what is normal. And we've learned, grown, and are now stronger because of it. Don't remember? Come listen to what we were up to this past fall, including our live events, digital offerings, educational outreach, and more!

This fall has given us a lot of momentum, and we are so excited for the spring. Curious to know what I'm talking about? For one, this podcast is changing - new topics, fresh ideas, and different format; but there's so much more - new events, new repertoire, chamber orchestras, digital music, collaborations and more. Tune in to find out!

Last but not least, I give you some heartfelt, un-edited, unscripted personal reflections. Its been quite the year, and its meant a lot to me as a professional musician - tune in to hear some of my thoughts on it all. 

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Episode 15 - Jan Coldwell - double reeds

Its finally here! Our interview with Jan! You know those people that are angels behind the scenes, do so much for an organization, and rarely get the praise they should? That sums up Jan in a nutshell, so I am THRILLED to have her as my guest today. Naturally, Jan didn't want to at first, but we're lucky she decided to join us today. 

We discuss everything from her various roles in the Summerville Orchestra, including her pre-concert talks for our Subscription Series, her time spent on the Music Director Search Committee in 2016 that brought me to town, and so much more. We also dive into her various moves around the country (including her time playing in most of the major orchestras in Alaska), her time spent in the construction business, and even some favorite composers. 

Finally, things are a bit different for this week's playing episode. Jan is currently injured, so there is no live performance component! BUT! Jan chose some of her favorite clips to show off each instrument's capability and beauty in a little musical tasting. You will hear: the oboe solo at the opening of "My Bonny Boy" from Ralph Vaughan Williams' English Folk Song Suite, the oboe d'amore solo from Gustav Holst's "Somerset Rhapsody", the English horn solo from Peter Boyer's "Rolling River" (Sketches on Shenandoah), and finally, the bassoon solo from Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1! 

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Episode 14 - Jon & Julie Thornton

From hanging out (and playing!) with jazz royalty, to playing in chamber groups and orchestras around the Carolinas, Jon & Julie Thornton have made diverse musical backgrounds sync up perfectly, as we hear in today's podcast. In fact, it was their differing backgrounds that was the reason they met, playing in a brass quintet in Charlotte. Come hear that story and many more, including Jon's time playing with several big names in jazz (I won't ruin the surprise), Julie's time as a horn player and also her work as a pharmaceutical sales rep, and so much more in today's podcast. 

We even go into topics that haven't been explored in our podcasts yet, such as the difference between "rhythm" and "time," how jazz & orchestral music is so different but you can learn so many new things from each one, and the differences in practice approaches. Stick around to the very end to hear a wide variety of musical selections: 2 selections from George Friedrich Handel's "Water Music" arranged for brass duet and piano, followed by a duet on one of the true jazz classics: Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight." 

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Episode 13 - Harry & Ellen Dykeman, Trumpet & Bassoon, Musicians' Board Members

Married 47 years this past August, Harry & Ellen make up a vital part of our orchestra. Not only do they bless us with their talents, but also their passion, energy and drive. They are current members of our Musicians' Board, and are actively engaged in promoting and growing our orchestra. Join us today to hear all about how they met, Harry's time playing in the Army Band in D.C., Ellen's career in higher ed, how they ended up in Summerville, and more! Many life lessons to be learned in this one folks, and believe me these two are the definition of #relationshipgoals. Come take a listen!

At the end, Harry & Ellen play two duets for us. Mind you, its not often that you get to hear a trumpet/bassoon duet, so no matter what, you're in for a treat! Up first is Scott Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag", followed by a little holiday spirit to get you excited for December! 

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Episode 12 - Frank Miley, Oboe & English Horn. 

Ever wonder what its like to play in the Charleston Symphony? Or, how to make life-long friends in the music business? Just ask Frank Miley! Today, we dive into Frank's story, and hear about his journey from playing clarinet, learning the oboe, joining the Charleston Symphony, and then going into education. After Frank retired from the Berkeley County School District, we were lucky to add him into our group, and we have all been better for it. Even better for us? Frank discovered the English Horn a few years ago, and has fallen in love with it. 

Today, Frank delights us with three selections for English Horn at the end of the podcast. First, mvt. 1 of "Sequences" by Liz Sharma. Secondly, Frank's favorite piece of the 3 - Clare Grundmann's "Evening Song." Finally, Frank plays two movements of Fantasia No. 2 for Flute (arr. for English Horn) by G.P. Telemann. 

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Episode 11 - Alison Harvey, Assistant Concertmaster

Our musicians are not only talented performers, but they're also very well-rounded and have many other interests besides music. This week, I'm joined by a dear friend who is passionate about many things outside of music, especially her affinity for dogs and other animals. When she's not teaching or performing, Alison can be seen walking around historic Summerville with one of her dogs and family members. This has been a lifelong passion for her, just as music has been. Alison's musical training began at home, on piano. Before long, she was picking up the violin and learning how to take on the world with her music. 

Join us today as we dive into discuss our mutual love for dogs, overcoming performance anxiety and some strategies for it, discussing violas and their unique sizes, and of course Alison's amazing life story. 

At the end, stay tuned to hear Alison perform Théodore DuBoise's "Andante religioso" (accompanied by Ward Moore), and also hear her play 1st violin on a Summerville Orchestra string quartet performance of Max Richter's "On the Nature of Daylight."

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Episode 10 - Samantha Clark, Principal Viola

Ever wondered what it was like teaching at 3 schools during this COVID pandemic? How about 8 schools at the same time? Ever wonder what its like to grow up playing a unique and underrated instrument? Or, whats it like at a major US music conservatory? All these answers and so much more in today's podcast with our principal viola and Kentucky native, Samantha Clark. 

In today's podcast, Samantha and I discuss teaching, teaching during COVID, how to practice and stay motivated in these weird times, her time at CCM (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music), her time spent freelancing before graduate school, and much more. 

Stay tuned until the very end to hear Samantha plays the "Courante" from J.S. Bach's 3rd Cello Suite in a beautiful performance that shows off the capabilities of her instrument. 

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Episode 9 - Dean Glace, Principal Trumpet

As the title suggests, Dean wears MANY hats in the S.O. One of the founding members of our groups, Dean plays pivotal roles in the orchestra both behind the scenes, and as a playing member. But, his story goes far beyond our S.O.! Dean's story is unique, full of adventure, and of course, travel! He's been to over 70 countries, served in the Navy for over 29 years, and has lived in Summerville since he retired over 20 years ago. Believe me when I tell you that this is just the tip of the iceberg - you know what, don't just take my word, come join us and take a listen! 

At the end of the podcast, Dean plays two of his favorite pieces for us: Tomaso Albinoni's Adagio in G minor and the Adagio and Allegro Marziale by Georg Friedrich Handel.

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Ep. 8 - Lillian Garcia, 

I'm thrilled to be joined by a former Bob Stone Award recipient, member of the SOJazzy Ensemble and wonderful spirit in our percussion section, Lillian Garcia. 

Not many people can say they were debating between aeronautical engineering and music, but that was the case for Lillian. She grew in Virginia, and is a big Orioles fan. In the podcast, we talk about how she met Cal Ripken Jr, stood on the mound at Camden Yard, and how she travelled all over the country with her husband, Jericho. Four years ago, Lillian joined our orchestra, and we've had many great times ever since, which we talk about in the podcast. 

At the end, Lillian demonstrates the capabilities and sounds of some of the more portable instruments in the percussion section in this unique informance! 

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Episode 7 - Emilee & Clara Johnson, harp & violin

Tonight, a special treat! A double interview! One of the great things about our orchestra is how many of our musicians are truly family, but probably none more than the Johnson family. At one point, 4 of the Johnson siblings played in the orchestra, and tonight I am joined by two wonderful sisters and former S.O. Concerto Competition winners - Emilee & Clara Johnson

Since moving to Summerville at a young age, music has always been a vital part of the Johnson household. For all of the Johnson siblings, music has been a vehicle to learn life skills and to nurture an important hobby, and for Emilee & Clara it has grown into a passion that is flourishing before our very eyes. Tonight, they both speak about how much music has influenced their lives, what skills they've learned along the way, their faith, and other hobbies they enjoy in this truly unique interview. Tune in to learn even more!

At the end of our interview, Emilee & Clara play two selections for us. First, "Lord of the Dance" by Ronald Hardiman in a unique two-instrument arrangement, and finally the piece that brings them the most joy to play together: "Hallelujah! What a Savior!" by Kristin Campbell. 

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Episode 6 - Drew Hamrick, cello

Right out of the gate, we do what we do best - talk about composers and music. Join us tonight, as Drew and I dive into multiple discussions on composers and music, including a lively (and always friendly) debate about Brahms! In this episode, you'll also hear all about Drew, his Spartanburg roots, his time in Chicago, and his various careers over the years! Plus, make sure to listen to hear Drew's special connection to our new Performing Arts Center in Summers Corner! 

At the end, Drew presents us with a wonderful gift of music, as he plays a Rachmaninoff "Vocalise" for cello and piano, and then the Prelude from J.S. Bach's Cello Suite No. 4. 

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Tonight, I'm joined by the one and only SO Principal Trombone, Bill Miller!

Bill grew up in a musical home in Illinois. His father was a musician in the army band (and he played for Gen. McArthur!), and his mom was a talented marimba player. No surprise then that he desired to become band director when he grew up. Well he sure did, but he did so much more. Check out tonight's podcast to hear all about Bill's two instruments (trombone & euphonium), his open mindset that helped him in his career, his time playing for Dizzy Gillespie, his high school sweetheart Susan, and how they ended up in South Carolina. 

At the end, Bill provides us a beautiful selection of music on both of his instruments: the trombone and the baritone (Euphonium). Here is the order of pieces played for all those that are curious:

TROMBONE:
Sonatina for trombone & piano by Kazimierz Sierocki, I. Allegro (beginning)
Trombone Sonata by Paul Hindemith, II. Lied des Raufbolds (Allegro pesante), beginning
Konzertino for Trombone Solo by David Ferdinand (beginning)
BARITONE: 
From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific by H.L. Clarke
Sonata in G Major by Benedetto Marcello, II. Allegro 
Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms (for Solo Euphonium) by Simone Mantia (Theme & Variation 1, Finale)

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Tonight, I'm joined by one of our young cellists, Jessica Seymour! Jessica is a recipient of this season's Bob Stone Award, a former conducting student of mine, recent college graduate, and a newly minted teacher in Berkeley County! 

From growing up in Guam, to playing cello during a football game, to her time at CSU, Jessica has quite the unique story! Come hear all about it in tonight's podcast...but don't listen when you're hungry because we talk about Swank Desserts and Wasabi (Summerville) for a while too...

At the end, Jessica will demonstrate her instrument's capabilities and play the "Cantabile" from Camille Saint-Saen's opera, "Samson & Delilah."

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