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Three Cheers for the Red,White and Blue

Dear Staff,
Below is the July 4 review article .
Thank you,
Lindsey
        
 
 
Three Cheers for the Red White and Blue
by Lindsey Carlson
Publicity Chair
Tehachapi Community Orchestra
 
A lone American flag quietly waved over the Coy Burnett Football Field as a breezy afternoon set the stage for a spectacular July Fourth Concert in Tehachapi. This flag, previously flown at America's Capital, honors World War II veteran, Jack Young, and  was presented to his family at his memorial in Aline, Oklahoma.  It had special significance during the recent July 4th concert for Carol White, his daughter, grandson Joey White and six great grandchildren, all Tehachapi residents, who were in attendance. The joyful atmosphere shared by hundreds of families, couples, and friends made the concert seem like one huge community reunion. 
     The music for the event was just as varied and spectacular as the fireworks display that followed it! Beginning in the late afternoon, everyone relaxed and enjoyed the music of Will James and Maria and Mountain Music's Patriotic Sing-Along. As the sun began to set and early evening stole across the sky, a field of voices joined in singing the Star Spangled Banner, accompanied by the Tehachapi Community Orchestra, conducted by Dr.David Newby. The performance of the orchestra's Armed Forces Salute echoed everyone's pride in America's best. The Tehachapi Symphonic Chorus, 20 voices strong, under the direction of Kathy Kelly, followed with the inspiring medley, Thankful To Be An American. The orchestra performed several stirring classical pieces from the Russian Polovtsian March to the the French Carmen Suite No. 1. The chorus also presented tongue tripping Gilbert and Sullivan operetta tunes to everyone's delight.
      Raffle tickets and July 4th souvenirs were sold during the intermission by the orchestra's Supporting Notes led by Frangel and Tere Cannizzaro and their family. After intermission, young James Solum, guest conductor for the evening, didn't miss a beat as he lead the orchestra in Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever.  Congratulations went to Michael Kemp of Tehachapi who held the winning raffle ticket for the Yamaha guitar and case. 
      As twilight came, the orchestra performed smooth renditions of Rogers & Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song to South of the Border syncopations to the familiar sounds of the Big Bands. The professional quality of the music made one wish it were all recorded to take home! As a  long round of applause went out at the orchestra's finale, the stars in the night sky made a  backdrop for the fireworks display presented by the City of Tehachapi. In the twilight, to see the simple grandeur of that special stars and stripes still waving there over the field with "bombs bursting in air" struck a memory not soon to be forgotten.
      The orchestra will be back in November with its first concert of the the 2008-2009 season, beginning its eleventh consecutive year of enriching Tehachapi with cultural beauty. All concerts are free of charge and support for the orchestra is always gratefully welcome. Whether in the form of active volunteerism or through cash donations, the community is helping to keep great music alive in Tehachapi. More information can be found at www.tehachapiorchestra.com or by phoning 822-5607.   

Fourth of July: Concert With Fireworks in Tehachapi

Where can local families go on America's birthday for live patriotic music, a spectacular frontseat fireworks display in a cool mountain breeze under a star studded sky, all without leaving a picnic blanket? The place is in Tehachapi! The event will be held at Coy Burnett Football Field on East Tehachapi Boulevard with gates opening at 4 p.m. The football field will provide a park-like setting for an unforgettable July Fourth evening! The audience is invited to pack a picnic dinner, bring lawn chairs and blankets and relax to the music of Will James and Maria from 5 to 6:15 p.m. with the Traditional Sing-Along from 6:15 to 6:30 p.m.

After a brief intermission, at 7 p.m. the Tehachapi Community Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. David Newby, will perform a variety of patriotic songs, show tunes, jazz and light classical music. The orchestra will be joined by the Tehachapi Symphonic Chorus directed by Kathy Kelley, presenting beloved soul-stirring hymns of patriotism as well as a delightful collection of well known operetta tunes by Gilbert and Sullivan.

Local music student, James Solum, will show his expertise in leading the orchestra in "Stars and Stripes Forever." (Dr. Terry Warsaw won the opportunity to conduct the orchestra in the orchestra's Spring Raffle, and generously donated the chance to this deserving young musician.)

In addition, there will be festive novelty items for purchase during the evening, and a special July Fourth Raffle with tickets for one dollar each. The lucky ticket holder will win the grand prize of a guitar and case!

The grand finale of the evening begins at 9 p.m. sharp: the City of Tehachapi Fireworks Extravaganza!

Admission is free to this memorable evening honoring our country. All raffle and novelty proceeds will support the Tehachapi Community Orchestra; generous donations are always welcome to help keep this celebration an annual event.

Special thanks are also due to the City of Tehachapi, the Tehachapi Unified School District, and Mountain Music for presenting this spectacular evening. More information may be obtained by phoning Gayel Pitchford at 661-821-7511.

Lindsey Carlson is the publicity chair for the Tehachapi Community Orchestra.

Young Artist in Mother's Day Concert

Bryn Rosander, Kern County's 2008 Young Artist Competition Winner, will be the concert soloist with the Tehachapi Community Orchestra on Mother's Day, May 11 at Country Oaks Baptist Church in Tehachapi. Miss Rosander will play the first movement of Mozart's Violin Concerto No.3 in G Major. The orchestra will also present works by German composers, Mendelssohn and Beethoven.

The program will begin with the Overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream " written by Felix Mendelssohn when he was just seventeen years old, under the spell of Shakespeare's work. The beautiful themes in this overture represent various characters in the play. Concluding the afternoon's performance, the orchestra will present Beethoven's immortal Symphony No.4.

The Tehachapi Community Orchestra offers five concerts each year and every performance is free. The orchestra depends almost exclusively on the generous donations of the audience for its ongoing support.

The orchestra's annual raffle will be held at the May 11 concert with a $1,000 first prize. Raffle tickets are available at the Apple Shed, Mountain Music and from orchestra and Symphonic Chorus members.

Make this Mother's Day, May 11, special.... give her the gift of music. Enjoy an afternoon of the world's finest music with mother and the entire family, performed by the Tehachapi Community Orchestra.

Brn Rosander Young Artist Competition Winner 2008

Bryn Rosander:Young Artist Competition Winner

submitted by Lindsey Carlson

What is a typical week in the life of Tehachapi High School Sophmore, Bryn Rosander? "I go to school, attend ballet lessons two times a week and practice my violin. I attend Bear Valley Church, youth group activities and complete my homework everyday, maintaining a 4.0 GPA." Quite an active schedule for someone fifteen years young, in addition to weekly community orchestra practice and violin lessons!

Her dedication to this round of activities has paid off, as Bryn Rosander looks forward to being the featured soloist performing the first movement of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3 with the orchestra in May. Through its annual Young Artist Competition, the Tehachapi Community Orchestra offers a $500 scholarship to a promising young Kern County musician between the age of 14 and 22. Bryn will be awarded this cash prize at the May 11, 2008 concert and she will tuck it away toward her college dream of attending Westmont College in Santa Barbara. Bryn's goal is to major in liberal arts to be an elementary school teacher and to minor in music.

Bryn, the daughter of Christy and Dan Rosander of Tehachapi, has had the support of her entire family throughout all of her musical endeavors. Having had instruction in violin for the past five years under the orchestra's first chair Gayel Pitchford, Bryn is already a seasoned performer. She has played for two seasons with the Tehachapi Community Orchestra, two years with the Kern County High School Honors Orchestra, the Adult Praise Band at Bear Valley Church, with the Tehachapi Junior Orchestra, and with the Roseburg Quintet on special occasions. Her awards range from the genre of old time fiddling to recital awards of "Sweetest Tone, Best Quality Practice, and Best Intonation."

A young lady of many talents, Bryn has also studied classical ballet for ten years with the Tehachapi Dance Studio and Joy Handy, Dance Specialist.

The upcoming concert will feature Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in addition to the Young Artist's performance on May 11, 4:00 pm at County Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road in Tehachapi. As always, the presentation is free of charge with donations deeply appreciated to further the work of the orchestra.

Also, the annual Spring Raffle Prizes will be given away at the May concert.

Grand Prize is $1,000 and tickets are now available at $5.00 each from Mountain Music, The Apple Shed, or any Tehachapi Community Orchestra or Symphonic Chorus member. Please phone Gayel Pitchford at 661-821-7511 for more information. The orchestra is enjoying its tenth season of free concerts in Tehachapi due in a large part to the contributing efforts of area residents. Anyone who is interested in helping the orchestra behind the scenes by becoming a "Supporting Note" is welcome to join the orchestra family and to sign up during the postconcert reception.

Tehachapi is known as the land naturally flowing with water and acorns. Because of the presence of the Tehachapi Community Orchestra, it is fast becoming known as the land flowing with music! Its most promising natural resource, American youth, is sure to inspire the audience on May 11, 2008 as the orchestra accompanies the beautiful talent of Bryn Rosander.

Note: Photo to follow immediately by email

Parkening Concert Huge Success

On Sunday, February 24, the Tehachapi Community Orchestra provided the polished setting for a gem of the world of classical guitar, Christopher Parkening. The protege of Andres Segovia attracted a capacity audience to an evening of American music at Country Oaks Baptist Church.

Accomodated by seating in an adjoining hall, the overflowing numbers listened through the open doors as Elmer Bernstein's Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra filled the air. Mr. Parkening performed the introductory movement "Guitar" through the subdued and thoughtful "Reflections" to the the lively "Celebrations" with impeccable agility. The virtuoso was hailed with a standing ovation to which he generously responded with two encores.

It was soul-stirring as he tenderly played Americana; My Country Tis of Thee by Philip Lester, expressing exquisite beauty and national pride. Next, Mr. Parkening selected Carlo Dominiconi's work Koyunbaba; The Shepherd which showcased the technical mastery for which the soloist is famous. Both of these encore pieces as well as his concerto are available on his recordings. Mr. Parkening graciously signed programs and personally met with members of the audience after the concert.

This American Classics concert was an evening that raised Tehachapi's music scene to an even higher level and one that the young people present will be telling their grandchildren about someday! Having attracted such world class talent, this packed event underscored Tehachapi's need for a permanent building for the performing arts.

In addition to showcasing guitarist Christopher Parkening, the Tehachapi Community Orchestra performed works by American composers George Chadwick and Edward Macdowell. Chadwick became the first composer of concert music whose works show the wit and independence of the American. Suite No.1 in D minor by Macdowell was clearly representational music from his Haunted Forest to his Forest Spirits: the audience could imagine the flight and songs of birds and the excitement of an autumn day in the delicate wind instrument and percussion touches throughout the movements. Both of these composers works ended in a feeling of optimism, demonstrating the indomitable American spirit.

Maestro Dr. David Newby chose as the orchestra's encore : The Magnificent Seven by Elmer Bernstein which was enthusiastically applauded by the hundreds present. The Tehachapi Community Orchestra continues to delight audiences with unexpected masters and masterpieces!

The orchestra is grateful to the community for its support of this latest concert and extends the invitation to join them again on Sunday, May 11, 2008 when Young Artist Competition winner 15- year- old Bryn Rosander will be performing with them Mozart's Violin Concerto 3 in G; Movement I. A feature article about Bryn is soon to be released, giving her interesting background and emphasizing the talent to be enjoyed here in the Tehachapi Mountains.

Lindsey Carlson is the Publicity Chair of Tehachapi Community Orchestra.