Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players
Adult Intermediate String Ensemble Begins Thursday, August 31

Media Release - August 20, 2023: Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (NQR), is a program of the Carson City Symphony Association for adults who recently began to play - or returned to playing - string instruments. Weekly sessions are on Thursday mornings beginning August 31, 2023, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, east entrance.

Participants, ranging in age from twenties to senior citizens, develop skills in ensemble music playing and performance. This year, the group is led by Sue McGarraugh, violinist-violist and string instructor with the Carson City Symphony and other ensembles.

McGarraugh said, "We invite people who want to play with a friendly, noncompetitive, welcoming ensemble. Violin, viola, cello, and bass players are welcome. NQR is a drop-in activity with no auditions and no fees, although donations and Symphony Association memberships are encouraged. We even provide the sheet music!"

For more information about joining NQR, contact Symphony Education Director Micah Dunn at 775-741-6544, or email michadunn@gmail.com

This free program is funded in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by private donations.

Photo: Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players adult intermediate strings last year (fall 2022).

Carson Chamber Singers Kicks Off 39th Season
Tuesday Night Rehearsals to Begin Soon

Media Release - August 22, 2023: The Carson Chamber Singers, a performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, is beginning rehearsals for their 39th season. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the LDS Church, 411 N. Saliman Road in Carson City. Carson Chamber Singers, directed by Gary Schwartz, is open to singers high-school age and above.

The first concerts will be Friday, October 20, in Carson City, and Saturday, October 21, in Fallon. The concert program features classical and contemporary music. The first half is Haydn's Kleine Orgelmesse (literally "Little Organ-Mass," also known as Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo). The second half is six songs recorded by James Taylor.

More information, registration, and rehearsal schedule, are at ccsymphony.com or contact the Director at ccsingersnv@gmail.com. Registration is free; singers are encouraged to join the Carson City Symphony Association.

Founded in 1985 as a performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, the Carson Singers have sung at several venues in northern Nevada and in California. They have sung with the Reno Philharmonic and perform regularly with the Carson City Symphony.

Carson Chamber Singers is supported in part by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by private donations.

Photo: Director Gary Schwartz with Carson Chamber Singers on July 4, 2023, in Genoa.

Symphony Youth Chorus for Ages 4 to 12
To Begin Fall Session on Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Media Release - August 25, 2023: Carson City Symphony Association invites children ages 4 to 12 to join the Symphony Youth Chorus (formerly Joyful Noise Carson Children's Choir). Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, August 29, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., upstairs at the First United Methodist Church, 412 W. Musser Street in Carson City. Tuition is free.

The Chorus Director, Michelle Powers, said, "Weekly rehearsals develop students' musical skills, strong singing voices, and joy in music. I am excited to begin a new season of singing and playing, creating music, and making new friends!" Performances will be at senior centers, retirement homes, and the Symphony Youth Strings concert on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at the Carson City Community Center.

The Symphony Youth Chorus, an educational program of the Carson City Symphony Association, was founded in 2017 and has been directed by Michelle Powers since fall of 2019. It is supported in part by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts and by private donations.

For more information and a registration form, contact director Michelle Powers at 775-720-1916 or mrees@nevada.unr.edu.

Photo: Youth Chorus in rehearsal last year.

Carson City Symphony's Youth Strings Programs
to Begin August 29, 2023, in Carson City

Media Release - August 28, 2023: Carson City Symphony's comprehensive program of string instruction begins the last week of August at four locations in Carson City. Symphony Youth Strings (SYS) provides free beginning violin lessons for students grades 2 to 5; a beginning cello program, and ensemble/orchestra experience for string students in all grades. Tuition and books are subsidized by the Carson City Symphony Association and some scholarships are available for instruments.

The program is for Carson City area public-, private-, and home-school students, and classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. To register, and for more information, call the Symphony's Education Director, Micah Dunn, at 775-741-6544 or email micahdunn@gmail.com.

Enrollment is limited to provide maximum individual instruction in a small group setting. The instructors request that students do not rent or purchase instruments until after the first class.

Beginning Violin lessons for elementary school students are held after school on Tuesdays at Empire Elementary School, 1260 Monte Rosa Drive, beginning on August 29, and on Fridays at Bordewich Bray Elementary School, 110 Thompson Street, beginning on September 1. Grades 2 and 3 classes meet after school until 4:15 p.m.; Grades 4 and 5 classes meet 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. Students may enroll for class at either location.

Beginning Cello lessons with Priscilla Hawkins are held on Tuesdays, time to be determined, at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King Street, beginning October 3.

Allegro String Ensemble is for students who have had previous experience on violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp. Classes meet on Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., beginning August 31 at St. Paul's Lutheran Family Church, 1201 N. Saliman Rd.

STRAZZ, an alternative-styles chamber orchestra for more advanced string players, is open to high school students, and to middle school string students by invitation. It meets on Thursdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., beginning August 31 at St. Paul's Lutheran Family Church, 1201 N. Saliman Rd.

All students will have the opportunity to perform in Symphony Youth Strings concerts on December 7, 2023, and April 25, 2024, at the Carson City Community Center.

Carson City Symphony's Youth Strings programs are funded in part by grants from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; and by private donations.

Photo: Symphony Youth Strings students in concert December 2022.

Carson City Symphony to Begin Rehearsals
Wed., Aug. 30 2023

Attention musicians: Rehearsals for the fall season will begin on August 30, 2023. Please take a moment let us know if you are playing (yes or no, etc.):
Click HERE to start the questionnaire.

Carson Chamber Singers Presents Two Concerts
Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Carson City
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Fallon

Carson Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Gary Schwartz, kicks off its 39th season with a pair of concerts called "Joseph and James." It includes a short mass by Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn and songs associated with contemporary American musician James Taylor. The first half of the program feature's Haydn's Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo, somewhat better known as Kleine Orgelmesse (The Little Organ Mass), Hob. XXII:7. The second half of the program will feature music composed or made popular by James Taylor. These include "Mocking Bird," "Sweet Baby James," "Up on the Roof," "That Lonesome Road," "Fire and Rain," and "Your Smiling Face."

The first concert will be on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 200 North Division St., Carson City, NV.

The second concert will be on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 280 E. Stillwater Ave., Fallon, NV.

General admission tickets to these concert are $18 each. Discount tickets for seniors (age 62 plus), students, and members of the Carson City Symphony Association are $15. Youth ages 18 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available online at CCSymphony.com, on Facebook.com/CarsonCitySymphony, and at the door.

Founded in 1985 as a performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, the Carson Chamber Singers is open to singers high-school age and above. They perform in five or more concerts each year. They have sung with the Reno Philharmonic and sing regularly with the Carson City Symphony. They have performed at several venues in northern Nevada and as far west as Sacramento. Participation is free.

For information about joining the choral group, call the Symphony Association at 775-883-4154, or see CCSymphony.com/ccsingers.htm. Concerts are supported in part by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by private donations.

Illustration: Images of Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn and contemporary American musician James Taylor.

Carson City Symphony to Open 40th Season with Concert on
Sunday, October 22, 2023

The Carson City Symphony begins its fortieth season with a concert called "Life Begins at Forty." The concert will be on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. This will be the 220th Carson City Symphony concert under the baton of Conductor and Music Director David Bugli. Joining the orchestra as soloist is bassoonist and University of Nevada, Reno faculty member Eric Fassbender, performing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Bassoon Concerto in B-flat Major, K. 191.

In honor of its fortieth season, the Carson City Symphony Association commissioned composer Michael Kibbe to write an overture for the Symphony called "For Forty." This will be premiered by the Symphony on the concert. Also on the program is William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1 ("Afro-American"), Gwyneth Walker's "Open the Door," and David Bugli's "State of Metamorphosis," a work premiered on Oct. 22, 1989, and written in honor of Nevada's 125th Aniversary (1989).

Eric Fassbender teaches bassoon, woodwind chamber music, and academic music courses at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is the principal bassoonist of the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and performs frequently with the Reno Chamber Orchestra and other ensembles in the region. Eric has given solo recitals at the International Double Reed Society conference in Granada, and at national and regional conferences of the Society of Composers, and has presented masterclasses at universities in Michigan, California, and Nevada. He is an active commissioner and performer of new works for double reeds. A native of Marquette, Michigan, Eric holds degrees from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, the University of Nevada Reno, and Northern Michigan University. He studied bassoon with Janis McKay, Christin Schillinger, and Grant. Eric lives in Reno with his wife, Melanie, director of bands at O'Brien Middle School.

Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 18 and under. Tickets are on sale online and at the door. "Flex" tickets at discounted prices are also available from the website (see below).

Pre-show entertainment by the flute ensemble begins at 3:00 p.m. in the lobby. A Meet-the-Soloist concert preview with Conductor/Composer David Bugli and Bassoon Soloist Eric Fassbender begins at 3:15 p.m. in the Bob Crowell Board Room.

Carson City Symphony is a community orchestra of about 60 players who perform music from the 15th to the 21st centuries. The 2023-24 concert season is supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City Cultural Commission, and by private donations.

For information, see CCSymphony.com or call (775) 883-4154.

Photo: Bassoonist Eric Fassbender performs Mozart's Bassoon Concerto in B-flat Major to help open the Symphony's 40th season.

Carson City Symphony to begin Rehearsals Nov. 1
for 40th Annual "Holiday Treat Concert"

Media Release - Oct. 28, 2023: Attention musicians! The Carson City Symphony, conducted by David Bugli, will begin rehearsals for the 40th annual Holiday Treat Concert on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 6:20 to 8:30 p.m., at the Carson High School band/orchestra room, 1111 N. Saliman Road in Carson City.

The traditional festive holiday music on the December 10 concert program includes the Carson Chamber Singers conducted by Gary Schwartz and the Victorian Dancers, choreographed by Tiffany Alm.

The Symphony is a volunteer orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to the 21st centuries. It is open to string players at any time without audition, and to other instrumentalists when positions are available. Current openings are for strings, clarinet, bassoon, and trumpet. Musicians who are interested in joining should contact the Symphony at 775-883-4154 or email carsoncitysymphony@gmail.com.

Carson Chamber Singers rehearse on Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the LDS Church, 411 N. Saliman Road in Carson City. Carson Chamber Singers, directed by Gary Schwartz, is open to singers high-school age and above. To join the Singers, contact the director at ccsingersnv@gmail.com.

The Holiday Treat concert will be on Sunday, December 10, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. Lobby entertainment by the Symphony Youth Chorus will begin at 3:00 p.m. For more information, see the Symphony web site: CCSymphony.com.

Photo: Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers in previous Holiday Treat concert at the Carson City Community Center.

Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers present
The 40th annual "Holiday Treat" Concert
Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023

It's a Holiday Treat for all - a feast of seasonal and holiday entertainment in many styles! The Annual Holiday Treat Concert will return this year on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street. The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli and Assistant Director Brian Fox, will be joined by the Carson Chamber Singers, conducted by Choral Director Gary Schwartz, and the Victorian Dancers, choreographed by Tiffany Alm.

The combined symphony and chorus will open the concert with Leroy Anderson's familiar "A Christmas Festival." A special treat is the symphony's performance of Angela Morley's "Snow Ride" accompanied by Carol Grenier's images of snow and snow riders. The dancers will swirl and twirl to the music of Johann Strauss Jr.'s "Voices of Spring" waltz and Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride."

The Symphony Youth Chorus, Director Michelle Powers, will entertain concert-goers at 3:00 p.m. in the lobby, and will join all the performers and audience for the traditional sing-along finale.

Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 18 and under. Tickets are on sale online at CCSymphony.com or at the door. Blood donors at Vitalant's Carson City Donor Center from December 2 through December 9 may receive a complimentary ticket to the concert.

Carson City Symphony is a community orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to the 21st centuries in six concerts each year. The Carson Chamber Singers, perform three or more concerts with the Symphony and additional independent concert programs each year.

The 2023-24 concert season is supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City Cultural Commission, Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and by private donations.

For information, see CCSymphony.com or call (775) 883-4154.

Photo: Victorian Dancers will perform on Holiday Treat concert December 10th.

Music With Friends Concert
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023

Symphony Youth Strings, Symphony Youth Chorus, and Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (NQR) perform a "Music With Friends" concert" on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

Symphony Youth Chorus Performances this Fall
Posted Oct. 29, 2023

Here is a tentative list of performance by the Symphony Youth Chorus. All dates are subject to change:

• November 12th - 11am Greenhouse Garden Center (this one might not happen)
• December 1st - Friday evening after the Tree Lighting ceremony, place tbd
• December 5th - Tuesday evening at the Carson City Library in the Digitorium around 5:30
• December 7th - Thursday with the youth strings at the community center 6pm
• December 10th - Sunday at 3pm as the pre-concert show for the Symphony Holiday Treat Concert, joining on stage at end of concert for sing-along.
• December 14th - at 4:30 for the Carson Tahoe family holiday party (kiddos get to join in with party after singing)
• in the works - December 15 or 16 at the Children's Museum

Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players
Perform at The Lodge Assisted Living and Memory Care
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023

Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (NQR) perform for a private event at The Lodge Assisted Living and Memory Care, 2200 E. Long Street, Carson City on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. This is a private event for the residents.

The "Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players" (NQR) is the creation of Carson City former Symphony Education Director and former Concertmaster Sue Jesch. Each week, a group of adult musicians, some of them advanced beginners, get together to play music at the Carson City Senior Center. The group meets Thursdays at 11:15 a.m.

The primary purpose of this is to give adult musicians who may not be ready for a regular adult orchestra, such as the Carson City Symphony, an opportunity to play and enjoy easy music. Several of the players have progressed enough to join the Carson City Symphony. The group has performed at assisted living events and many of the members participate in the annual Christmas Carol Play-along for Strings each December in Carson Mall.

Photo: Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players adult intermediate strings last year (fall 2022).

CC Symphony Association Presents Holiday Entertainment
Posted Nov. 20, 2023 (revised Dec. 12)

Here is a list of holiday events. Also see flyer, available in next article.

Carson Chamber Singers Caroling:

• Sat., Nov.25 - Small Business Saturday (CC Downtown Business Assoc.) Laxalt Plaza 12-1 p.m.
• Fri., Dec.1 - Caroling starting at Capitol - 4:30 p.m.
• ** Event Canceled ** Sat., Dec.2 - Carson Mall in front of tree - 1:00 p.m.
• Mon., Dec.11 - Sierra Place Senior Living - 4:30 p.m. (two performances)
• Wed., Dec.13 - WNC Student Center - noon
• Thurs., Dec.14 - Carson Tahoe Hospital holiday party - 4-6 p.m.
• Fri., Dec.15 - Carson Senior Center (lunch) - 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Sat., Dec.16 - Pancake Breakfast with Santa - Governor's Mansion - 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (two seatings)
• Wed., Dec. 20 - Carson Tahoe Hospital holiday staff meal - 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Symphony Youth Chorus performances:

• Fri., Dec. 1 - After the Tree Lighting ceremony, McFadden Plaza Stage, 6:45 p.m.
• Tues., Dec. 5 - Carson City Library in the Digitorium, 6:00 p.m.
• Tues., Dec. 12 - CTH Memory Care, 5:30 p.m.
• Thurs., Dec. 14 - Carson Tahoe family holiday party, 4:30 p.m.

** Event Canceled ** Fri., Dec. 1, 5 - 6 p.m. - Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players perform for Empty Bowls event at Ogres-Holm Pottery in Carson Mall.

Thurs., Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. - Carson City Community Center - Symphony Youth Strings, Symphony Youth Chorus, and NQR concert. Free.

Sun., Dec. 10, 4:00 p.m. - Carson City Community Center - Carson City Symphony "Holiday Treat" concert with Carson Chamber Singers and Victorian Dancers. $18/$15/free age 18 and under.

Wed., Dec. 13, - Empire Elementary School - Consort Canzona perform for parent-student night.

Thur., Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m. - The Lodge Assisted Living and Memory Care - Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (NQR) performs for private event for residents.

Fri., Dec. 22, 5:00 p.m. - Carson Mall - Christmas Carol String Playalong. Open to all, free. For music, call 775-741-6544.

Carson City Symphony Association Announces
Eighth Annual Scholarship for Music Education

Media Release - November 4, 2023: The Carson City Symphony Association announces the eighth annual instrumental music scholarship for Carson City students age 5 to 17. The scholarship was established by a generous gift from Jennifer and John Webley in memory of Rosemary Nebesky, former board member and friend of the Carson City Symphony Association.

The award of $250 to $1,000 is to further the student's music education. It can be used, for example, for lessons, workshop, summer camp, master class, etc. To qualify, a student must live in Carson City, attend school in Carson City, or study with a music teacher in Carson City. Lessons can be in person or remote.

Funds will be paid to the teacher or program, not to the individual applicant. If the award includes travel expenses, it will be paid on reimbursement basis.

Applicants must be enrolled in their school instrumental music program unless the student is home-schooled or their school does not have an instrumental music program. A waiver of this requirement can be requested with written explanation signed by the school instrumental music instructor. Students may reapply each year, but no more than two scholarships will be awarded to any individual.

The application form can be downloaded from the Symphony website, CCSymphony.com (see link below), and may be available from school music teachers. Completed applications and supporting documents will be accepted by the Symphony at P.O. Box 2001, Carson City, NV 89702-2001, and must be received by Monday, November 20, 2023.

Click HERE to download application form in English.

Haga clic AQUÍ para descargar el formulario de solicitud en español. (Click HERE to download application form in Spanish.)

For more information, contact the Symphony at 775-883-4154.

Photos - Last year's scholarship winners (left to right - Braedan Wedderburn, cello, Nora Ahumada, violin, and Sujwal Reddy Yedunuthula, violin) used their awards for private lessons on their instruments.

Temporary Schedule for Our Busy Holiday Season
Post updated Nov. 20, 2023

Dear readers,
We have a busy holiday season ahead of us. We don't want you to miss anything, so we are posting a list of events for the Symphony, Carson Chamber Singers, and other parts of our organization. Keep in mind that these events are subject to changes, such as additions, deletions, change of date, etc.

If you want to download a list current as of 11/19/23, click HERE.

Carson City Symphony Association and Carson Mall present
Christmas Carol Playalong for Strings
Friday, Dec. 22, 2023

String players of all ages and levels of experience are invited to join the Christmas Carol Playalong on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. inside Carson Mall, 1313 S. Carson Street, Carson City. This annual free event is hosted by Carson City Symphony Association and Carson Mall.

Violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp players of all ages and experience levels are welcome to come and play. Bring your music stand. Contact Micah Dunn at 775-741-6544 or micahdunn@gmail.com in advance for sheet music and information. Everyone else, come and listen or sing along.

Carson City Symphony Association events are supported by the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City Cultural Commission, and by private donations.

Photo: String instrument players of all ages at a previous Christmas Carol Playalong.

Symphony rehearsal for January 10, has been canceled
Posted Jan. 10, 2023

Hello, Carson City Symphony musicians!

The Symphony rehearsal for tonight, January 10, has been canceled.

The Carson City School District (CCSD) contacted me this morning to inform me that ALL AFTER-SCHOOL activities in their buildings have been canceled for tonight. CCSD received a warning this morning from the National Weather Service that the storm expected later today would be large and likely to stall over our area. We plan to have rehearsals as normal next Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Our Symphony Librarian, Paul Crout, is making arrangements to bring the music folders to my house today or tomorrow. If you wish to pick up your music at my place, you may be able to do so starting later tomorrow and through the weekend. Ellie or I should be at home most of the time through the weekend. If you plan to pick up music, I suggest you call our home phone line (775-883-4154) first.

Stay home tonight, if you can, and be safe.

David Bugli, Conductor and Music Director

Four Carson City Students Awarded
Rosemary Nebesky Memorial Scholarships

Media Release - January 20, 2024: Tessa Payan, Olivia Croft, Nora Ahumada, and Khaia Whiteman were awarded the eighth annual Rosemary Nebesky Memorial Scholarships by the Carson City Symphony Association at the Holiday Treat concert on December 10, 2023. The scholarship was established by John and Jennifer Webley of Santa Rosa, Calif., in memory of Rosemary Nebesky, who loved music, loved children, and had been a friend and board member of the Carson City Symphony Association. It is awarded each year to one or more Carson City students age 5 to 17 to further their instrumental music education. The winners this year are passionate about music and were highly recommended by their teachers.

Tessa Payan, age 17, is a senior at Carson High School. She is a percussionist who studied for 8 years, starting in 5th grade. She played in concert and jazz bands in middle school and high school and was selected for NZMNA (Northern Zone Nevada Music Association) Honor Band three times, and the NMEA (Nevada Music Educators Association) All State Band. She will use her scholarship to participate in the Winter Drumline program.

Olivia Croft, age 16, is a 10th grader at Carson High School. She started piano lessons at age 5, and also plays flute and saxophone. She plays in the Carson High wind ensemble and advanced jazz band, and in the Reno Philharmonic Youth Concert orchestra. Last June, she participated in the Renew Composer's Workshop at UNR and wrote an original piece for performance. She will use her scholarship to continue piano lessons with professional pianist John Shipley.

Nora Ahumada, age 15, is a 9th grader at Carson High School and a second time awardee of the Nebesky Scholarship. She has played violin for 6 years. She participated in the Solo and Ensemble Festival and in the Honor Orchestra, and has played for residents at Carson Tahoe Expressions Memory Care. She plans to graduate from High School with a Fine Arts Diploma. She will use her scholarship to continue her private lessons with Laura Gibson, Associate Concertmaster of the Carson City Symphony, who wrote that Nora is one of her most dedicated students.

Khaia Whiteman, age 13, is a 7th grader at Carson Middle School. She has played violin for 2 years. Although she hasn't had private lessons, her orchestra director, Dr. Brian Fox, said she is an outstanding member of the beginning orchestra at Carson Middle School. She will use her scholarship for private violin lessons.

The Webley-Nebesky family made a further contribution to the scholarship fund at the end of 2023 to continue the awards for years to come. The next round of scholarships will be awarded in fall of 2024. For more information about the scholarship and the application process, contact the Symphony at 775-883-4154 or carsoncitysymphony@gmail.com.

Photos: Nebesky Scholarship winners Tessa Payan, Olivia Croft, Nora Ahumada, and Khaia Whiteman.

Symphony Youth Chorus for Ages 4 to 12
To Begin Spring Session on Tuesday, January 30

Media Release - January 17, 2024: Carson City Symphony Association invites children ages 4 to 12 to join the Symphony Youth Chorus (formerly Joyful Noise Carson Children's Choir) this Spring Session. Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., in an upstairs classroom at the First United Methodist Church, 412 W. Musser Street in Carson City. Tuition is free.

Chorus Director Michelle Powers, said, "Weekly rehearsals develop students' musical skills, strong singing voices, and joy in music. I am excited to begin a new season of singing and playing, creating music, and making new friends!" Performances will be with the Symphony Youth Strings in concert on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Carson City Community Center, and at senior centers and retirement homes.

The Symphony Youth Chorus, an educational program of the Carson City Symphony Association, was founded in 2017 and has been directed by Michelle Powers since fall of 2019. It is supported in part by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts and by private donations.

For more information and a registration form, contact director Michelle Powers at 775-720-1916 or msoundscaper1@gmail.com.

Photo: Symphony Youth Chorus singing at McFadden Plaza in December 2023.

Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers
With Guest Singer, Ricky Hutton
Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024

The Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers will perform on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center's Bob Boldrick Theater, 851 E. William Street in Carson City. This will be the Symphony's third concert of its Fortieth Season. Featured guest soloist Richard "Ricky" Hutton will sing Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Five Mystical Songs" with the orchestra and chorus, conducted by Gary Schwartz.

Dr. Hutton is Assistant Professor of Music: Choral Music Education/Assistant Director of Choral Activities at Boise State University, and Interim Director of the Boise Philharmonic Master Chorale. He is former Director of the Carson Chamber Singers and several other ensembles.

The Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli, will also play John Williams' "Raiders March," Georges Bizet's "L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2," and in honor of Black History Month, William Grant Still's "In Memoriam." Pre-show entertainment by Carson High string players begins at 3:00 p.m. in the lobby, and a free "Meet-the-Soloist" concert preview with Ricky Hutton, David Bugli, and Gary Schwartz, begins at 3:15 p.m. in the Bob Crowell Board Room.

Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 18 and under. Tickets are on sale online at CCSymphony.com or at the door. "Flex" tickets at discounted prices are also available at CCSymphony.com.

Carson City Symphony is a community orchestra of about 60 players who perform music from the 15th to the 21st centuries. The 2023-24 concert season is supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City Cultural Commission, and by private donations.

For information, see CCSymphony.com or call (775) 883-4154.

Photo: Soloist Ricky Hutton, featured in "Five Mystical Songs" by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Carson City Symphony to Begin Rehearsals February 28
for "We Got Rhythm" Concert
Post updated: Feb. 27, 2024

Attention musicians! The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli and Assistant Conductor Brian Fox, will begin rehearsals for their April 28 concert on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 6:20 to 8:30 p.m., at the Carson High School band/orchestra room, 1111 N. Saliman Road in Carson City.

The concert, "We Got Rhythm," features music of George Gershwin with piano soloist Alexander Tutunov. The program includes Rhapsody in Blue, "I Got Rhythm" Variations, Porgy and Bess Medley, and more.

The Symphony is a volunteer orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to the 21st centuries. It is open to string players at any time without audition, and to other instrumentalists when positions are available. Current openings are for strings, clarinet, and trumpet, as well as, potentially, alto and tenor saxophones on two pieces. Musicians who are interested in joining should contact the Symphony at 775-883-4154 or email carsoncitysymphony@gmail.com.

The concert will be on Sunday, April 28, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. Lobby entertainment will begin at 3:00 p.m. For more information, see the Symphony web site: CCSymphony.com. Tickets are available online. See "Buy April Tickets Now" button, below. Your receipt is your ticket.

"We Got Rhythm" concert
Sun., April 28, 2024

$15.00 - $18.00

Buy April Tickets Now

Photo: Pianist Alexander Tutunov will perform with Carson City Symphony in April.

Symphony Youth Chorus for Ages 4 to 12
To Begin Spring Session on Wednesday, March 13

Media Release - March 9, 2024: Carson City Symphony Association invites children ages 4 to 12 to join the Symphony Youth Chorus for the new spring session. Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, 3680 N. Hwy. 395, south of Best Buy in Carson City. Tuition is free.

The Symphony Youth Chorus, an educational program of the Carson City Symphony Association, was founded in 2017 as the Joyful Noise Carson Children's Choir and has been directed by Michelle Powers since fall 2019. Founding Director Nancy Jones is returning to lead the group.

The next performance will be with the Symphony Youth Strings in concert on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Carson City Community Center.

Carson City Symphony Association is supported in part by public funds through grants from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Carson City Cultural Commission, and by private donations.

For more information and a registration form, contact director Nancy Jones at 775-400-1436 or nancyjones@fastmail.com. To download an application form to fill out, click HERE, and bring the completed form to the first rehearsal.

Photos:
Symphony Youth Chorus sang at McFadden Plaza, Dec. 1, 2023.
Nancy Jones, Director, Carson City Symphony's Youth Chorus

Remembering Jane Johnson
Died March 24, 2024

We are sad report that Jane Johnson died on Sunday, March 24, 2024, around 3:00 a.m. We got a call from Kristin Kimmerling, her daughter, that morning. She reported that her mother and her doctor recently discovered that Jane had a rare but fast-moving carcinoma. Kristin assured me that Jane was not in pain when she died.

Jane Johnson was long associated with the Carson City Symphony. She was an early member of the Carson Chamber Singers and had even participated in the second concert of the Carson City Symphony as a member of the Carson Civic Choir. Later she took up cello and played with the Carson City Symphony starting in 2001. She would talk glowingly about her cello teacher. She became a dedicated librarian for the Symphony and, like the dedicated teacher she had been, dutifully took orchestra attendance at every rehearsal, which was a great help in maintaining that and other important record keeping. Jane was an active founding member of Consort Canzona, the Symphony's early music ensemble, and served as liaison for the group. She was also a big promoter of her university women's group and sold many bags of pecans for that cause at rehearsals leading up to the Holiday Treat concerts. The Dec. 10, 2023, Holiday Treat Concert was her last performance on cello.

The Symphony's Consort Canzona and NQR group will dedicate their May 10 performance at Shepherd of the Sierra Church to Jane's memory. Details are pending.

A celebration of life event for Jane will be on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Kristin plans to hold it at Mormon Station State Park in Genoa, where Jane performed in many happy concerts and where a memorial service was held for her late husband, Will Johnson. Those wishing to communicate with Kristin may reach her at KKimmerling@comcast.net.

Jane, thank you for showing us how to live a full and generous life.

David Bugli, Conductor, Carson City Symphony

Photo: Jane Johnson, enjoying a moment in the middle of the cello section, at the Reno Philharmonic's "Play for a Day" event in 2019.

Carson Chamber Singers Begins Rehearsals
for June and July 2024 Concerts

Media Release - March 29, 2024: The Carson Chamber Singers, a performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, is beginning rehearsals on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, for concerts on June 9 and July 4. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the LDS Church, 411 N. Saliman Road in Carson City. Carson Chamber Singers, directed by Gary Schwartz and guest director Eric Kao, is open to singers high-school age and above.

The annual, outdoor Pops Party concert will be June 9, at 6:00 p.m., at the Governor's Mansion. The July 4 concert is part of the Genoa Americana Celebration at Mormon Station State Park.

For more information, see ccsymphony.com or contact Director Gary Schwartz at ccsingersnv@gmail.com. Registration is free; singers are encouraged to join the Carson City Symphony Association.

Founded in 1985 as a performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, the Carson Chamber Singers have sung at several venues in northern Nevada and in California. They have sung with the Reno Philharmonic and perform regularly with the Carson City Symphony.

Carson Chamber Singers is supported in part by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by private donations.

Photo: Director Gary Schwartz lead the Carson Chamber Singers on the July 4, 2023, concert in Genoa.

Carson City Symphony Association Presents
"Music Here and Afar"
Thursday, April 25, 2024

Carson City Symphony's Youth Strings ensembles, Youth Chorus, Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (NQR) adult intermediate string ensemble, and Scottish Highland dancers will perform a "Music Here and Afar" concert on Thursday, April 25, 2024, 6:30 p.m., at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street. This family friendly concert is open to all and admission is free.

Performances are by students from Pre-K through high school age and adults, including beginning violins and cellos; the Allegro and STRAZZ youth strings ensembles; youth chorus; and the string adult ensemble. Directors are Suzanne McGarraugh, Micah Dunn, Nancy Jones, Nancy Scott, and Melinda Reynolds. Guest dance director is Cullen Mitchell, leader of the Northern Nevada Highland Dancers.

Symphony Youth Strings and Youth Chorus are Carson City Symphony Association's tuition-free, after-school program for young musicians. The Symphony's Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players is open to all adult intermediate-level string players. These programs are supported, in part, by public funds through grants from the Nevada Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts, Nevada Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities, by Carson City Cultural Commission, and by private donations.

For more information about the educational programs, see CCSymphony.com or call Micah Dunn at 775-450-5584.

Photo: Symphony Youth Strings performed at the Community Center in December and will play in the April 25 "Music Here and Afar" concert.

Carson City Symphony to Present "We Got Rhythm" Concert
Sunday, April 28, 2024

The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli and Assistant Conductor Brian Fox, presents a concert, "We Got Rhythm," on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street in Carson City.

The concert features music of George Gershwin with piano soloist Alexander Tutunov. The program includes Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," "I Got Rhythm Variations," and "Porgy and Bess Medley"; John Barnes Chance's "Variations on a Korean Folk Song"; and Johannes Brahms' "Variations on a Theme by Haydn."

Pre-show entertainment by the Carson Street Ragtime Band begins at 3:00 p.m. in the lobby, and a free "Meet-the-Soloist" concert preview with Alexander Tutunov, David Bugli, and Brian Fox, begins at 3:15 p.m. in the Bob Crowell Board Room.

Alexander Tutunov is noted as one of the most gifted pianists to emerge from the former Soviet Union. He displays dazzling virtuosity and an impassioned, fiery temperament, all in the tradition of Russian pianism at its best. He lives in Ashland, OR, where he is Professor of Piano and Artist in Residence at Southern Oregon University. A successful piano pedagogue, he continues to prepare award-winning students. Dr. Tutunov has been the Artist in Residence at the University of Alaska Southeast, Principal Guest Soloist with the Port Angeles Symphony orchestra, and the Director of the Chinese-American International Piano Institute in Chengdu, China. This will be his fifth visit to Carson City to perform with the Symphony.

Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 18 and under. Tickets are on sale online at CCSymphony.com or at the door. "Flex" tickets at discounted prices are also available at CCSymphony.com.

The Symphony is a volunteer orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to the 21st centuries. The 2023-24 concert season is supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Carson City Cultural Commission, and by private donations. For more information, see the Symphony web site: CCSymphony.com.

Photo: Pianist Alexander Tutunov will play music by Gershwin with Carson City Symphony on April 28.

"Pleasures of Music" Concert
A Tribute to Jane Johnson
Friday, May 10, 2024

Carson City Symphony Association's Consort Canzona (early music recorder ensemble) and Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (string ensemble) present "Pleasures of Music" concert, a tribute to Jane Johnson, on Friday, May, 10, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, 3680 N. Hwy. 395, Carson City (behind Best Buy). This is a Mark Twain Days Festival event (see MarkTwainDays.com). The event is free and donations are welcome.

The concert will also be live-streamed from the Shepherd of the Sierra website at sotsl.org.

Consort Canzona, an early music ensemble featuring soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorders, will perform the first part of the program. They will play old favorites, madrigals, dances, and more. Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (NQR), an adult intermediate string ensemble conducted by Micah Dunn, will play classical and traditional selections. The two groups will combine for the final piece.

Jane Johnson was long associated with the Carson City Symphony. She was an early member of the Carson Chamber Singers and had even participated in the second concert of the Carson City Symphony as a member of the Carson Civic Choir. Later she took up cello and played with the Carson City Symphony starting in 2001. She would talk glowingly about her cello teacher. She became a dedicated librarian for the Symphony and, like the dedicated teacher she had been, dutifully took orchestra attendance at every rehearsal, which was a great help in maintaining that and other important record keeping. Jane was an active founding member of Consort Canzona, the Symphony's early music ensemble, and served as liaison for the group. She was also a big promoter of her university women's group and sold many bags of pecans for that cause at rehearsals leading up to the Holiday Treat concerts. The Dec. 10, 2023, Holiday Treat Concert was her last performance on cello.

Carson City Symphony Association's 2023-24 concerts and educational activities are supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Carson City Cultural Commission, and by private donations. For more information, see the Symphony web site: CCSymphony.com.

Photo: Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players will perform in concert with Consort Canzona on Friday, May 10.

Summer Concerts are Coming
Sunday, June 9, 2024 - Annual Pops Party Concert
Thursday, July 4, 2024 - CC Symphony in Genoa

Mark your calendars. The Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers will be performing the 40th annual Pops Party Concert on Sunday, June 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the Governor's Mansion. The Symphony and Singers will also be performing on July 4 at Mormon Station State Park in Genoa at 3:45 p.m. as part of the Genoa Americana Celebration.

Admission to both events is free.

Symphony Youth Chorus for Ages 4 and Above
To Begin New Session on Thursday, May 23
Posted: May 12, 2024

Carson City Symphony Association invites children ages 4 and up to join the Symphony Youth Chorus for a new session. Rehearsals will be on Thursdays beginning May 23, 2024, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, 3680 N. Hwy. 395, south of Best Buy in Carson City. Tuition is free, donations and Symphony memberships welcome.

Performance will be at the Genoa Americana Celebration on July 4 at 3:45 p.m. at Mormon Station State Park in Genoa, NV.

Carson City Symphony Association is supported in part by public funds through grants from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City, and by private donations.

The Symphony Youth Chorus also has an opening for an accompanist on piano or guitar. For more information and a registration form for the chorus, contact director Nancy Jones at 775-400-1436 or nancyjones@fastmail.com.

Photo: Symphony Youth Chorus, shown in April 2024, will sing at the Genoa Americana Celebration on July 4, 2024.

Annual Pops Party Concert at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City
Sunday, June 9, 2024

The Carson City Symphony's annual Pops Party concert will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Governor's Mansion back lawn, 606 Mountain Street, Carson City. The grounds will be open to the public at 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The Carson City Symphony, directed by David Bugli and Assistant Conductor and Concertmaster Brian Fox, will be joined on the program by the Carson Chamber Singers directed by Gary Schwartz and guest singer Cherie Shipley.

Music Director Bugli said, "The Pops Party Concerts are a tradition going back to 1984. We bring popular favorites and fresh material to each edition." The program includes tunes from Broadway shows, marches, a Glenn Miller medley arranged for orchestra and chorus,

Seating is on the lawn. The audience is invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Parking is on the street. No firearms are allowed on the premises. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to an indoor location.

This free concert is funded in part by grants from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Carson City Cultural Commission, and by private donations. For more information, call the Symphony at 775-883-4154 or check the web site: CCSymphony.com.

Photo: Singer Cherie Shipley will perform with the Carson City Symphony, as will the Carson Chamber Singers, at the Governor's Mansion on June 9.

Carson City Symphony's Summer "Rhythm & Strings" Program
To Begin Thursday, June 20, 2024

Carson City Symphony Association's "Strings in the Summer 2024 - Rhythm & Strings" is a weekly program for string-instrument players of all ages and levels. It meets on Thursdays, from June 20 to August 1 (except July 4), from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Tahoe Room at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive.

Symphony Education Director Micah Dunn will lead participants in a new activity each week. The program is designed to include younger students and violinists, violists, and cellists of any age who are able to play a one-octave D major scale and read notes within the staff. More experienced players are welcome to join.

Also this summer, Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (NQR) for advanced beginner and intermediate strings will continue on Thursdays, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Joshua Tree Room at the Senior Center. This year-round, coached ensemble plays orchestra tunes arranged for violin, viola, cello, and bass.

Registration and tuition for both groups are free, donations welcome. A public concert will be held at the end of the session. For more information and to register, contact Micah Dunn, at 775-741-6544 or email micahdunn@gmail.com.

Carson City Symphony Association's educational programs are funded, in part, by grants from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; and by private donations.

Photo: Students playing together in a previous "Strings in the Summer" performance.

Carson City Symphony House Recital Features
Brian Fox, violin; Evan Stern, cello; and Micah Dunn, guitar
An Afternoon of Music, Discussion, and Refreshments
Sunday, June 23, 2024

The Carson City Symphony Association presents a "Violin, Cello, and Guitar House Recital," an afternoon of music, conversation, wine, and hors d'oeuvres on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at a private home, 2662 Danielle Drive, in Carson City.

The recital will entertain music lovers in our area with a varied program of musical treats featuring music by J.S. Bach, Reinhold Glière, and Niccolò Paganini.

Tickets are $25 and are available online at CCSymphony.com or by calling the Symphony at 775-883-4154 for reservations. Space is limited.

Brian Fox, Evan Stern, and Micah Dunn have performed together in several ensembles through the years. They enjoy playing recitals to benefit music organizations in northern Nevada. This recital is a benefit for Carson City Symphony's music and educational programs. They will also play a recital in Reno to benefit Aria School of Music and Art, a non-profit music school that offers private and group music lessons.

Brian Fox is Assistant Conductor and Concertmaster of the Carson City Symphony and Director of Orchestras for the Carson City School District. He is also Vice-President of the Northern Nevada Rural Concert Initiative, has been Concertmaster of TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and played in the Reno Philharmonic. He holds a Ph.D. in Spanish Literature.

Evan Stern plays and teaches cello, upright and electric bass, guitar, and ukulele. He plays in, and arranges music for, the Aria 51 trio, has been cello soloist with the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra, Principal Bass in Carson City Symphony, and has toured with a local hard rock band. He is guitar instructor at Truckee Meadows Community College and music teacher at North Valleys High School, where he teaches guitar and orchestra.

Micah Dunn is Education Director for the Carson City Symphony Association and coaches the Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (NQR) adult string ensemble. He holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Performance from UNR. He has played in orchestras and musical theater productions in Elko, Reno, and Carson City. He teaches guitar, cello, mandolin, and ukulele at Music Fuze in Reno.

Photo: Violinist Brian Fox, cellist Evan Stern, and guitarist Micah Dunn will perform a house recital on Sunday, June 23, in Carson City.

Carson City Symphony & Chorus Perform for
Genoa Americana Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 2024

The Carson City Symphony, under the direction of David Bugli; the Carson Chamber Singers, under the direction of Guest Director Eric Kao; and the Symphony Youth Chorus, under the direction of Nancy Jones will be performing at the Genoa Americana Celebration event at Mormon Station State Park, Genoa, starting at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2024. The orchestra will be joined by guest vocalist Cherie Shipley. The concert is free and open to the public.

The program includes show tunes, Sousa marches, pops music, and patriotic music, including "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Armed Forces Salute."

The Genoa Americana Celebration will start earlier in the day with a children's parade at 10:30 a.m. and the presentation of two smaller ensembles, Front Porch Band and Moxy Ruckus. For further information on the Genoa Americana Celebration, check out the Friends of Genoa Facebook page HERE

For more information about the Carson City Symphony, call 775-883-4154.

Carson City Symphony Association Announces
Annual Membership Meeting and Pot-luck Dinner
Sunday, July 28, 2024

The Carson City Symphony Association's annual membership meeting will be on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Carson City Historical Society's Carriage House, behind the Foreman-Roberts House Museum, 1207 N. Carson Street, Carson City.

All interested individuals - including Association members, instrumental and vocal musicians, volunteers, and friends - are invited. The meeting will include a brief review the past year, a preview of the coming season (the 41st), acknowledgment of volunteers, and election of members to the nine-member Board of Trustees. As a bonus, guests will have a tour of the historic Foreman-Roberts House Museum.

The event includes a pot-luck dinner. Main dish and beverages are provided. Attendees may bring an appetizer, side dish, salad, or dessert to share.

For reservations and information, call 775-883-4154 or email carsoncitysymphony@gmail.com.

Photo: Music Director-Conductor David Bugli will discuss the Carson City Symphony's upcoming 41sth season during the Association's membership meeting on Sunday, July 28.

A Note from Gary Schwartz, Director, Carson Chamber Singers,
To Carson Chamber Singers and Other Potential Singers
Posted: Aug. 1, 2024

Good morning, Musicians!

I am very excited to announce our fall concert, "A Night on Broadway." It will include a variety of show tunes from the 20th century, PLUS a medley of songs from Wicked in honor of its 20 years on Broadway and the upcoming film release!

The fall concert dates are Friday, October 18, 2024, at 7pm at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church in south Carson City, and Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 4pm at First United Methodist Church in downtown Carson City. (Our second fall concert will be the annual Holiday Treat concert with the Carson City Symphony, Sunday, December 15, 2024, 4pm at the Bob Boldrick Theatre in the Community Center - program TBD).

Rehearsals are 7-8:30pm Tuesdays beginning August 13 at the LDS Church at 411 N. Saliman Rd., Carson City (near Carson High School). (Our final rehearsal on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, will be at Shepherd of the Sierra, and if needed we'll have a brush-up rehearsal on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, location TBD.)

All are welcome to sing. There is no audition required, and you are not required to attend all the rehearsals.

If you are interested, please fill out the form linked here: https://forms.gle/Vi5vyZEYUFjH8jQS9. (I tried to make it short & easy this time - no logins, no extra questions - please don't skip it.)

Gary Schwartz
Director, Carson Chamber Singers

Carson Chamber Singers to Begin 40th Season
Rehearsals Start Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Media Release - July 31, 2024: Calling singers! The Carson Chamber Singers, a performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, is beginning rehearsals for their 40th season on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Weekly rehearsals are from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the LDS Church, 411 N. Saliman Road in Carson City. Carson Chamber Singers, directed by Western Nevada College (WNC) professor, Dr. Gary Schwartz, is open to singers high-school age and above.

The first concerts of the season, "A Night on Broadway," will be on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, and on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, in Carson City. The concert program features hit songs from a dozen shows, and includes music from "Wicked."

For more information, registration, and rehearsal schedule, contact the Director at ccsingersnv@gmail.com. Participation is free; singers are encouraged to join the Carson City Symphony Association.

Founded in 1985 as an affiliate of the Carson City Symphony Association, the Carson Chamber Singers have sung at several venues in northern Nevada and in California. They have sung with the Reno Philharmonic and perform regularly with the Carson City Symphony.

Carson Chamber Singers is supported in part by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by private donations.

Photo: Director Gary Schwartz shown directing the Carson Chamber Singers in concert at First United Methodist Church last year.

Carson City Symphony to Begin Rehearsals
Wed., Aug. 28, 2024
for Opening Concert of 41st Season

Attention musicians! The Carson City Symphony, conducted by David Bugli, will begin rehearsals for the Forty-First Season Opening Concert on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 6:20 to 8:30 p.m., at the Carson High School band/orchestra room, 1111 N. Saliman Road in Carson City.

The concert, "A Bit of Vienna and Beyond," includes music by Beethoven, Borodin, Schubert, Berlioz, and Kreisler, and features guest violin soloist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio.

The Symphony is a volunteer orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to the 21st centuries. It is open to string players at any time without audition, and to other instrumentalists when positions are available. Current openings are for strings, bassoon, and oboe. Musicians who are interested in joining should contact the Symphony at 775-883-4154 or email carsoncitysymphony@gmail.com.

The concert will be on Sunday, October 20, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. Lobby entertainment begins at 3:00 p.m. For more information, see the Symphony web site: CCSymphony.com.

Photo: Carson City Symphony to begin rehearsals for October concert on Wednesday, August 28.

Registration is Now Open for
Carson City Symphony's Youth Strings and Youth Chorus
After-School Classes Begin September 10, 2024, in Carson City

Update as of 8/28/24: The Symphony Youth Chorus will begin Sept. 25, as opposed to the Sept. 11.

Media Release - July 24, 2024: Registration is open for Carson City Symphony's after-school string instrument instruction and youth chorus programs. Classes will begin in September at five locations in Carson City. Tuition is free, donations and Symphony Association memberships are welcome. These programs are for Carson City area public-, private-, and home-school students, and classes are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Symphony Youth Strings provides beginning violin lessons for students grades 2 to 5; a beginning cello program, and ensemble/orchestra experience for string students in all grades. Symphony Youth Chorus provides group singing experience for ages 4 and up.

Enrollment is limited to provide maximum individual instruction in a small group setting. The instructors request that strings students do not rent or purchase instruments until after the first class. Some scholarships are available for instruments. To register, and for more information, contact the Symphony's Education Director, Micah Dunn, at micahdunn@gmail.com.

Beginning Violin lessons for elementary school students are held after school on Tuesdays at Empire Elementary School, 1260 Monte Rosa Drive, beginning on September 10, 2024, and on Thursdays at Bordewich Bray Elementary School, 110 Thompson Street, beginning on September 12. Grades 2 and 3 classes meet after school until 4:15 p.m.; Grades 4 and 5 classes meet 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. Students may enroll for class at either location.

Beginning Cello lessons with Priscilla Hawkins are held on Tuesdays at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King Street, beginning on September 10, time to be determined. For registration and more information, contact cello instructor Priscilla Hawkins at 248-904-6013 or phawkins@dcn.org.

Allegro String Ensemble is for students who have had previous experience on violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp. Classes meet on Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., beginning September 12, 2024, at St. Paul's Lutheran Family Church, 1201 N. Saliman Rd.

STRAZZ, an alternative-styles chamber orchestra for more advanced string players, is open to high school students, and to middle school string students by invitation. It meets on Thursdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., beginning September 12, 2024, at St. Paul's Lutheran Family Church, 1201 N. Saliman Rd.

Symphony Youth Chorus is for students age 4 and up. Classes meet on Wednesdays, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m., beginning September 11 September 25 at St. Paul's Lutheran Family Church, 1201 N. Saliman Rd. For registration and more information, contact youth chorus director Nancy Jones at 775-400-1436 or nancyjones@fastmail.com.

All students will have the opportunity to perform in Symphony Youth Strings and Chorus concerts on December 12, 2024, and April 24, 2025, at the Carson City Community Center.

Carson City Symphony's Youth programs are funded in part by grants from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; from Carson City; and by private donations.

Upper photo: Symphony Youth Strings students in concert with instructor Melinda Reynolds, December 2023 in Carson City
Lower photo: Symphony Youth Chorus with director Nancy Jones, July 4, 2024, in Genoa

Consort Canzona Early Music Instrumental Ensemble to Begin
Fall Rehearsals in Carson City
Monday, Sept. 16, 2024

Consort Canzona, an early music performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, begins fall rehearsals on Sept. 16, 2024. It rehearses on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in Carson City. The ensemble plays music from the Renaissance through the Baroque periods and some more recent selections. A holiday performance is planned. The group has openings for experienced recorder players.

Participation is free; donations and Symphony Association memberships are welcome. For details, contact Lucy DuPertuis at 505-275-3514, email duperhiker@yahoo.com, or call the Symphony Association at 775-883-4154.

Carson City Symphony Association performing groups are supported in part by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by private donations. For information about Carson City Symphony Association performances and educational activities, see CCSymphony.com

Photo: Consort Canzona musicians in concert at Shepherd of the Sierra in May 2024.

Carson Chamber Singers to Present "A Night on Broadway"
Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 - at Shepherd of the Sierra (already performed)
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 - at First United Methodist Church

The Carson Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Gary Schwartz, kicks off its 40th season this October with a pair of "A Night on Broadway" concerts on Friday, October 18, 2024, and Saturday, October 26, 2024. These concerts celebrate the history of Broadway and heritage of music from Tin Pan Alley to contemporary Broadway. The narrator is Rita Geil.

The Fridy, October 18, concert will be at 7:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, 3680 N. Highway 395, Carson City. The event is free; donations are welcome. (Already performed.)

The Saturday, October 26, concert will be at 4:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 200 North Division St., Carson City, NV. General admission tickets to the Oct. 26 concert are $18 each. Discount tickets for seniors (age 62 plus), students, and members of the Carson City Symphony Association are $15. Youth age 18 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available online at CCSymphony.com, on Facebook.com/CarsonCitySymphony, and at the door.

Founded in 1985 as a performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, the Carson Chamber Singers is open to singers high-school age and above. They perform in five or more concerts each year. They have sung with the Reno Philharmonic and sing regularly with the Carson City Symphony. They have performed at several venues in northern Nevada and as far west as Sacramento. Participation is free.

For information about joining the choral group, call the Symphony Association at 775-883-4154, or see CCSymphony.com/ccsingers.htm. Carson City Symphony Association concerts are supported in part by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, grants from Carson City, and by private donations.

Photo: Chamber Singers performing in First United Methodist Church last October.
Poster art: A Night on Broadway (art courtesy of Hal Leonard music publisher)

Carson City Symphony to Open 41st Season with Concert on
Sunday, October 20, 2024

The Carson City Symphony begins its forty-first season with a concert called "A Bit of Vienna and Beyond." The concert will be on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. This will be the 226th Carson City Symphony concert under the baton of Conductor and Music Director David Bugli. Joining the orchestra as violin soloist is Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, recently retired from the University of Nevada, Reno music faculty. She will be performing Franz Schubert's "Konzertstück for Violin and Orchestra" and Fritz Kreisler's "Caprice viennois" and "Tamborin chinese." Concertmaster and Assistant Conductor Brian Fox will conduct the two Kreisler pieces.

The concert will also include Beethoven's "Coriolan" Overture, Alexander Borodin's "In the Steppes of Central Asia," and Hector Berlioz "Corsair" Overture.

Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 18 and under. Tickets are on sale online and at the door. "Flex" tickets at discounted prices are/were also available from the website. Your receipt is your ticket.

Described as a "violinist who most often takes your breath away" by Gramophone Magazine, Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio enjoys a varied performing and recording career as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader. She has performed as a chamber musician on the foremost stages of the U.S., as well as in Canada, Estonia, Sweden, Ghana, Italy, Peru, Chile, and Mexico. Professor Emerita at the University of Nevada, Reno, she is also Artistic Director Emerita of Cactus Pear Music Festival, which she founded in 1997 while serving as Concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony. Former First Assistant Principal Second Violin of The Cleveland Orchestra under Christoph von Dohnanyi, she toured and recorded internationally with this ensemble for eight seasons. Ms. Sant'Ambrogio has a discography of over seventy-five orchestral and chamber music CDs and serves as Concertmaster of the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra and Artistic Director of Chamber Music Reno, Inc. This is her third appearance with the Carson City Symphony.

Pre-show entertainment by the Carson Middle School Advanced Orchestra begins at 3:00 p.m. in the lobby. A Meet-the-Soloist concert preview with Conductor David Bugli, soloist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, and Assistant Conductor/Concertmaster Brian Fox begins at 3:15 p.m. in the Bob Crowell Board Room.

Carson City Symphony is a community orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to the 21st centuries. The 2024-25 concert season is supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City, and by private donations. The concert preview is supported by Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For information, see CCSymphony.com or call (775) 883-4154.

Photo: Violin soloist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio will perform with Carson City Symphony on Oct. 20, 2024.

Carson City Symphony Assoc. Presents "Cello Fest"
Sat., Nov. 16, 2024

The Carson City Symphony Assoc. presents "Cello Fest: On and Off the Page with Sera Smolen" on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Eagle Valley Middle School, 4151 E. 5th St. Carson City, NV. This one-day workshop is an opportunity for cellists of all ages and experience levels to work on chamber music and improvisation. Bring your cello, bow, and end pin holder, and join the fun!

Registration costs $25, and it includes lunch. To register, click on the "REGISTER" link below.

Dr. Sera Smolen loves teaching cellists from age 3 up. In her cello program at Opus Ithaca, she combines traditional cello study with improvisation, composition and world musics, inviting guest artists to contribute to our program. Some projects she has done are practice marathons, winter workshops, composers projects and "Dances from Around the World."

Smolen received her PhD in music education from the Union Institute in 2000. Her Doctoral thesis, titled Moons of Osiris is inspired by her longstanding research into string pedagogy in Waldorf education. Smolen has a deep understanding of how to present improvisation parallel with repertoire study. She is a frequent guest clinician in Europe, the US and Canada for workshops and teacher training seminars covering pedagogies of improvisation and composition for string players. She has taught at Mansfield University, Alfred University, the Kanack School in Rochester NY, and Hobart and William Smith College. Visit Sera's website for the teaching calendar, free resources, articles, ideas, and more: http://www.serasmolen.com/.

For further information about the workshop, call Priscilla Hawkins at 248-904-6013 or email her at phawkins@dcn.org.

Carson City Symphony Association concerts and other activities are supported in part by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, grants from Carson City, and by private donations. This workshop is also funded by a special grant from ACMP - Associated Chamber Music Players.

To REGISTER click HERE to use our convenient online registration form. You may pay your $25 registration fee from the form. (If you need to pay your registration separately - for example, if you filled out a paper form and mailed it in - you may make your payment by clicking the separate payment link here.)

A special web page has been set up for this event: click HERE.

Photo: cello teacher and performer Sera Smolen

Symphony Youth Strings, Symphony Youth Chorus,
and Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players
present "Music with Friends" Concert
Thurs., Dec. 12, 2024

Carson City Symphony's Youth Strings ensembles, Youth Chorus, and Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players (NQR) adult intermediate string ensemble, will perform a "Music with Friends" concert on Thursday, December 12, 2024, 6:30 p.m., at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street. This family friendly concert is open to all, and admission is free.

Performances are by students from Pre-K through high school age and adults, including beginning violins and cellos; the Allegro and STRAZZ youth strings ensembles; youth chorus; and the adult string ensemble. The program includes traditional, folk, fiddle, and classical selections. Instructors and conductors are Suzanne McGarraugh, Micah Dunn, Nancy Jones, Nancy Scott, Melinda Reynolds, Jaden Caraway, and Priscilla Hawkins.

Symphony Youth Strings and Symphony Youth Chorus are Carson City Symphony Association's tuition-free, after-school program for young musicians. The Symphony's Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players is open to all adult intermediate-level string players. These programs are supported, in part, by public funds through grants from Nevada Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts, Nevada Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities, Carson City, and by private donations.

For more information about the educational programs, see CCSymphony.com or call Micah Dunn at 775-741-6544.

Photo: Symphony Youth Strings will perform at the Community Center on December 12.

Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers present
The 41st annual "Holiday Treat" Concert
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024

It's a Holiday Treat for all - a feast of seasonal and holiday entertainment in many styles! The Annual Holiday Treat Concert will return this year on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street. The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli and Assistant Director Brian Fox, will be joined by the Carson Chamber Singers, conducted by Choral Director Gary Schwartz, and the Victorian Dancers, choreographed by Tiffany Alm.

The combined symphony and chorus will open the concert with Leroy Anderson's familiar "A Christmas Festival." The dancers will swirl and twirl to the music of Johann Strauss Jr. and rag time innovator Joseph F. Lamb. And there will be more holiday music, both old and new, to entertain you.

Musicians will entertain concert-goers at 3:00 p.m. in the lobby.

Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 18 and under. Tickets are on sale online at CCSymphony.com or at the door. Blood donors at Vitalant's Carson City Donor Center from December 7 through December 14 may receive a complimentary ticket to the concert.

Carson City Symphony is a community orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to the 21st centuries in six concerts each year. The Carson Chamber Singers, perform three or more concerts with the Symphony and additional independent concert programs each year.

The 2024-25 concert season is supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City Cultural Commission, Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and by private donations.

For information, see CCSymphony.com or call (775) 883-4154.

Photo: Victorian Dancers will perform on Holiday Treat concert December 15, 2024.

Carson City Symphony Association Announces
Ninth Annual Scholarship for Music Education

Media Release - Nov. 2, 2024: The Carson City Symphony Association announces the ninth annual instrumental music scholarship for Carson City students age 5 to 17. The scholarship was established by a generous gift from Jennifer and John Webley in memory of Rosemary Nebesky, former board member and friend of the Carson City Symphony Association.

The Carson City Symphony Association announces the ninth annual instrumental music scholarship for Carson City students age 5 to 17. The scholarship was established by a generous gift from Jennifer and John Webley in memory of Rosemary Nebesky, former board member and friend of the Carson City Symphony Association.

The award of $250 to $1,000 is to further the student's music education. It can be used for lessons, workshop, music camp, master class, or other educational opportunity. To qualify, the student must live in Carson City, attend school in Carson City, or study with a music teacher in Carson City.

Funds will be paid to the teacher or program, not to the individual applicant. If the award includes travel expenses, it will be paid on reimbursement basis.

Applicants must be enrolled in their school instrumental music program unless the student is home-schooled or their school does not have an instrumental music program. A waiver of this requirement can be requested with written explanation signed by the school instrumental music instructor. Students may reapply each year, but no more than two scholarships will be awarded to any individual.

The application form in English and Spanish can be downloaded from the Symphony website, CCSymphony.com (see links below), and may be available from school music teachers. Completed applications and supporting documents will be accepted by the Symphony at P.O. Box 2001, Carson City, NV 89702-2001, and must be received by Monday, November 18, 2024.

Click HERE to download application form in English.

Haga clic AQUÍ para descargar el formulario de solicitud en español. (Click HERE to download application form in Spanish.)

For more information, contact the Symphony at 775-883-4154.

Photo: Rosemary Nebesky at age 16 with cello. Scholarship will be awarded in her memory.