White Mountain Symphony Celebrates 30th Anniversary

By Naomi Hatch
   The White Mountain Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. It began in 1979 as the Silver Creek Symphony Orchestra. In September 2004, orchestra members voted to become the WMSO since the musicians came from throughout the White Mountains.
   Their mission is to “present high-quality musical programs for the entire region that entertain, educate and nurture orchestral music; provide an excellent opportunity for our orchestral members to enjoy performing and improving as musicians; and offer the families of Northern Arizona wholesome and enriching entertainment.”
   In 2002, the symphony started a program called “Music Is…” that educates children throughout the White Mountains. Fourth and fifth grade students attend a free concert in March and they have an opportunity to interact with musicians before the concert begins. They have an opportunity to see and hear instruments, and to ask the musicians questions. Pre-concert talks begin 20 minutes before the concert, giving Maestro Theresa Bailey an opportunity to share thoughts on the music and help the audience understand the music that will be played.
   “In the Beginning,” a classical concert, was held Oct. 2 and featured guest violin soloist Kerstin Tenney, daughter of Mack and Kanani Tenney of Taylor, who were founders of the Silver Creek Symphony. Both are very talented musicians who have spent many hours promoting and playing in the WMSO.
   Kerstin recently completed a master’ degree in violin performance from the University of Utah. She played in the University of Utah Philharmonia, and is currently a member of the Orchestra at Temple Square. She played Beethoven Violin Concerto, the only violin concerto written by Beethoven, and received a standing ovation.
   Bailey conducts the orchestra. She comes from a musical family and began playing violin at age 7. In junior high school she auditioned and began studying with Harry Taub, assistant concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic. Bailey attended Ohio University School of Music, where she worked on her conducting skills. She completed a BMUS with her focus in performance on violin and music education. She was a section violinist, principal second and concertmaster with the Ohio University Symphony. She taught and conducted orchestral music in Winterhaven, Fla., before moving to Yuma, where she taught for 13 years and organized an orchestral music program. She performed with the Imperial Valley Symphony and directed the Yuma Chamber Orchestra. Bailey now lives in the White Mountains, where she teaches English and music.
   The next concert, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” is a Christmas concert, and will be presented on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12
   Both the Snowflake and Taylor town councils recently passed proclamations setting aside October as White Mountain Symphony Orchestra Month.