Behind the Music: The S.O. Podcast

Episode 10 - Samantha Clark, Principal Viola

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

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

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

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Episode 9 - Dean Glace, Principal Trumpet

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

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

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Ep. 8 - Lillian Garcia, 

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

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

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

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Episode 7 - Emilee & Clara Johnson, harp & violin

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

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

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

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Episode 6 - Drew Hamrick, cello

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Know Your S.O. - Episode 3 - Erin Yardley

I'm joined by our principal French Horn, Erin Yardley. Join us for this third episode in our new series, "Know Your S.O."! 

Hear about Erin's roots in the wine country of California, how she found her way to Summerville, and her career in instrument repair. Also, ever wonder why its called the French Horn? Wait no more - that answer and much more coming up!  

Erin will also demonstrates the possibilities and range of her instrument by performing a few different pieces for us, including the famous 1st movement of the Third French Horn Concerto by W.A. Mozart, and parts of the 2nd movement of the Horn Concerto by Reinhold Gliere. 

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Know Your S.O. - Episode 2 - Sarah Teuscher

Today, I'm joined by our principal oboe Sarah, who is also a former president of our Musician's board, and a current S.O. board member. Join us for this second episode in our new series, "Know Your S.O."! 

Check out today's episode to hear about how Sarah found her way to Summerville, how she started playing the oboe, her experiences with an Alphorn, and playing the Oregon Trail. Also, stick around to the very end to hear the answer to that eternal question "Why does the oboe give the tuning pitch for an orchestra at the beginning of a performance/rehearsal?" 

Right before that, Sarah demonstrates the possibilities and range of her instrument by performing a few different pieces for us, including the famous Vade-Mecum studies for oboe. She will also perform the "Pan" movement from Britten's "Six Metamorphoses after Ovid", and the final movement from Mozart's Serenade No. 12. 

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Know Your S.O. - Episode 1 - Andrew Price

I'm joined by our principal bass, president of the Musician's board, and current board member, Andrew Price, for this very first podcast in our new series, "Know Your S.O."! 

Today, we'll talk about how Andrew got to Summerville, how he started playing the bass, some of his favorite composers for the bass, failed attempts at the bassoon, his career in teaching, and even his favorite Summerville spot! (Spoiler: The Icehouse) 

Stay tuned at the very end, as Andrew demonstrates the possibilities and range of his instrument by performing three different pieces for us: the Allemande from J.S. Bach's "Cello Suite No. 4", Francois Rabbath's "Iberique Peninsulaire", and Alan Walker's "Faded." 

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