Lakeport >> The Lake County Symphony of today is very different from the modest orchestra that made its debut nearly 39 years ago, in December of 1978. First there’s the size to consider. In four decades, the symphony has swelled to 70 members, making it one of the largest small community orchestras around. Then there’s the rehearsal space. For years the organization didn’t have one. They jumped from school gymnasiums to church rec rooms until finally partnering with the Soper Reese Theatre and finding a permanent home. The current director, John Parkinson, didn’t come on board until two years after the symphony formed. Even the name itself has changed from the original title of Clear Lake Performing Arts.
But amid so much flux, a few things have remained the same. Namely, the handful of original charter members who still actively play with the symphony. Local music teacher Andi Skelton is one such musician. And if there’s anyone who can attest to the growth of the organization, it’s her. “John Parkinson has built up the symphony since he’s been here all these years,” she said. “He’s made it into a really professional symphony.”
The director’s influence, as well as the symphony’s high caliber performances, are the biggest factors when it comes to attracting musicians to join their ranks. And enticing others to be a part of the group is important, because while the Lake County Symphony may be large, only about half of the musicians are local residents. Out of town players make up the other half, coming from all over Northern California, from San Francisco to Eureka. Without those traveling musicians, the symphony wouldn’t be able to boast about its size.
The symphony does rehearse weekly, but never with a full orchestra, since many of the musicians are too far away to attend. Only during their concerts, which take place four times a year, does the full symphony sit down and play together.
Fortunately, they’re accustomed to this situation, and they never go into a performance blind. Skelton makes sure of it. She puts together packets for all the musicians, which include marked sheet music, so players know when the conductor slows down and speeds up, and notes to keep the bows moving in synchronicity.
She also includes a recorded CD. “Then they can practice at home like they’re playing with an orchestra,” Skelton added.
This Sunday marks the beginning of the Lake County Symphony’s 39th season. They’ll be putting on a fall concert at the Soper Reese Theatre featuring their favorite classical pieces: Overture to Rosamunde by Franz Schubert, the Ruy Blas by Felix Mendelssohn, the Academic Festival Overture by Johannes Brahms, and the Symphony in C Major by Ludwig von Beethoven.
Although the concert begins at 3 p.m., there’s an open rehearsal at 11 a.m. on Sunday, and it’ll be the first time the full orchestra will have the opportunity to practice these pieces together. “It’s so cool for us locals,” Skelton said. “We practice every week, but some of the parts are missing. When we get together during that 11:00 rehearsal, it’s fun. 60 people playing together and counting together and watching the same conductor, it’s kind of awesome.”
As is usual, the Lake County Youth Orchestra will be opening Sunday’s concert with two classical pieces: J.S. Bach’s Badinerie from his Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Major and Allegro Vivace or “The Hunt” by W.A. Mozart.
The Lake County Symphony always invites the youth orchestra to open for them, as a way of supporting kids in music. “Hopefully they’ll be the future members of our symphony,” Skelton said.
Tickets for Sunday’s concert are $25 for general admission and $30 for reserved seating, and Symphony Association members receive a $5 discount. They can be purchased online at www.soperreesetheatre.com or by phone at 263-0577. The 11 a.m. rehearsal is free of charge to kids under 18 and $5 for adults. The Soper Reese Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
