Instrumentalists Tune In, Find Spots In Community Orchestras, Groups

Yesterday in the Arts Alive section we introduced you to a vast lineup of regional choruses, most of them just waiting for you to join them in everything from Handel's "Messiah" to international music of China and Wales.

Today, it's the turn of the instrumentalists. Whether you play the bass or the bagpipes, there's likely to be a spot for you somewhere among the region's community orchestras and instrumental groups. And if your back-to-school plans include dusting off that beloved instrument, here are a few places to turn.

Bainbridge Orchestra, Roger Nelson, Bainbridge Performing Arts Center, 200 Madison N., Bainbridge Island, 1-800-378-8569. A community orchestra for the Kitsap Peninsula, this group varies in size from 25 to 45, and rehearses Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Bainbridge Performing Arts Cultural Center. The first concert is a children's event Sept. 24, incorporating Bainbridge youth; other concerts are Nov. 12, Feb. 11 and May 13. Call Dave Durfee, president, for audition information at 206-692-4664.

Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, led by R. Joseph Scott, 455-4171: The Eastside's premiere symphony, this group maintains a busy schedule with a chamber orchestra drawn from the core Philharmonic ranks, as well as a full orchestral season and some special-event concerts (P.D.Q. Bach, alias Peter Schickele, is on the agenda). The Philharmonic is currently auditioning strings for a few volunteer positions, by appointment at the above number. Rehearsals begin Sept. 15 and are Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Mondays added nearer to concert dates, in Interlake High School, 16245 N.E. 24th St., Bellevue. The first chamber concert is Sept. 18; the first orchestral programs are scheduled for Oct. 4 and 6, in Westminster Chapel of Bellevue.

Cascade Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1961, led by Roupen Shakarian (778-4688, 726-0328). This popular Edmonds/Lynnwood-area community orchestra is now in its 33rd season, with such guest artists as flutist Pamela Pressley and violinist Walter Schwede among the featured soloists in the four subscription concerts (all held in Puget Sound Christian College, 410 Fourth Ave. in Edmonds, beginning Oct. 24). Auditions may currently be scheduled for a few violin and viola positions; call 726-0328 for appointments. Rehearsals are Mondays from 7:30-10 p.m. in Mountlake Terrace High School.

Elliott Bay Pipe Band, bagpipes and drums, formed 1991, ages 14-55, 226-1270; Paul Stewart, business manager, 15807 S.E. 184th St., Renton 98058. This traditional Scottish pipe band teaches as well as performs. Anybody can come to watch and learn. Drmmers start on a practice pad and gradually move up to competition level; pipers learn from pipe major Rod Weeks and a few other exceptional pipers who also give lessons, starting on a practice chanter and graduating to full pipes. The group has a September break and resumes practicing in October, at a time to be set, in Glendale Evangelical Lutheran Church of Burien, 13455 Second Ave. S.W. At present there are about a dozen pipers, and approximately 10 drummers (on three different kinds of drums). The pipe band is working to raise money for matching uniforms.

Everett Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1935, led by Paul-Elliott Cobbs, 1-206-259-0382. An 80-member community symphony, rehearsing Wednesdays at a location to be announced. Auditions are required, but specific vacancies have not yet been determined; qualified new players are always welcome. The orchestra is looking for a new executive director beginning this season, with concert activity scheduled to get under way Oct. 14 (an 8 p.m. program in the Everett Civic Auditorium featuring the Silsbee Piano Trio in Beethoven's Triple Concerto); the orchestra also performs Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" in December with the Olympic Ballet.

Federal Way Philharmonic, founded in 1963, led by A. Brian Davenport; Diana Nielsen, general manager, 838-0565. The resident symphony of Federal Way, this one is a 75-member paid orchestra (not volunteer) which opens its 10th season with a champagne pops program Sept. 24 and 25 featuring soprano Julie Kae Sigars and repertoire from "Aladdin" to "Finlandia." Subsequent programs feature pianist Gary Gelfgat, Seattle Symphony trumpeter Rick Pressley and pianist Mark Salman; there's a "classic Christmas" program and a young artists' concert as well. The group is reassembling for the fall season; to find out specifics about vacancies and auditions, call 838-0565. Rehearsals are held in the two weeks prior to each program, typically Mondays and Wednesdays in McKnight Middle School of Renton.

Hildman Strings, founded in 1984, led by Janice Hildman Gockel for Music Center of the Northwest, 783-2798. A community string orchestra that meets weekly (Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m.), at Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N. Hildman Strings presents three concerts of standard literature each season and a holiday concert in December. No auditions are required; about 30-40 members. The Music Center also has opportunities for less experienced string players and wind players, such as the Northwest Clarinet Choir, which meets Mondays at 7:30-9 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 5515 Phinney Ave. N. (no auditions required).

Imperials Music and Youth Organization: Founded in 1966, this community music organization is an umbrella group sheltering orchestras, concert bands, choruses, jazz and chamber ensembles for 8,000 young people. The programs are offered through various schools in locales from Kent and Federal Way to Bellevue and Central Seattle. Students may register for ensembles through Oct. 1 (call 228-4506, where you also can find out about regional information meetings Sept. 26-29).

Musicians Emeritus Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1977, conducted by Ronald Ryder; president Grace Peterson, 542-8449. Created as a senior-citizen symphony by the late and legendary Dr. Stanley Chapple, this 40-member orchestra has dropped the age restriction, and focuses on community service (as many as 30 free concerts annually by the orchestra and its subgroups). No auditions are required; strings and trumpets are currently sought. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., starting Sept. 6 in University Congregational Church, where many concerts also are held (starting Nov. 13).

Northwest Sinfonietta, Tacoma, 383-5344, 756-8653. A relatively new Tacoma chamber orchestra conducted by Christophe Chagnard, with Kathryn Habedank as artistic director, this ensemble has no openings at present, but substitute players are always needed and "inquiries about the orchestra are always welcome" (383-5344). Rehearsals are held at variable times in the Pantages Theatre and Rialto Theatre, in downtown Tacoma; the first concert of the season is Nov. 5 in the Rialto, featuring flutist Darrin Thaves, and there are four others (including a Dec. 12 Christmas celebration).

Orchestra Seattle, George Shangrow; 682-5208, 447-5000. Dan Peterson, manager. This orchestra, now in its 26th concert season under the direction of George Shangrow (who also founded the Seattle Chamber Singers, with whom Orchestra Seattle often performs), will perform works from Handel's "Messiah" to the Third Symphony of Gorecki in this season's concerts. The orchestra is currently auditioning string players (call 682-5208 for appointments). Rehearsals are held 7:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays at a site to be announced

Philharmonia Northwest, founded as Thalia Chamber Symphony in 1976; led by Roupen Shakarian; Karen Janes, 392-7694. The community orchestra is auditioning the concertmaster position, as well as a few strings and winds, to perform under the baton of Roupen Shakarian (who also conducts the Cascade Symphony Orchestra); the Philharmonia is a "Beethoven-sized" chamber group that specializes in historical performance styles, but performs repertoire through the 20th century as well; concerts start Oct. 30 (with a program featuring Mary Kantor, clarinet, and Ann Kosanovic-Brown, bassoon, in Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, 15343 25th Ave. N.E.). For audition appointments, call the above number. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7:15-9:45 p.m., in North Seattle Community College.

Rain City Symphony, Jo-Ann Christen, 282-5471. Community orchestra of about 50 members; no auditions are required, but regular attendance is. Rehearsals begin at the end of September in Nathan Hale High School (administered through the night school), Wednesday evenings (7:30-9:30 p.m.); join by showing up or by phoning Christen. All ability levels and ages welcome, especially young people.

Rainier Symphony, conducted by Joseph Pollard White. 781-5618 voice mail; manager Philo Bell, 630-3781; White 325-3627. The community orchestra for the Auburn/Green River area, this 15-year-old orchestra of approximately 80 musicians (both professional and volunteer) is currently auditioning for new members, especially strings (call 781-5618 for appointments). Rehearsals are held at Auburn High School on Tuesdays (7-9:30 p.m.), and performances are in the adjacent Auburn Performing Arts Center. The four-concert season, which opens Oct. 15 with a concert featuring pianist Geisa Dutra, also offers the world premiere of Len Bassham's oboe concerto on Nov. 26.

Seattle Chinese Orchestra: Founded in 1986, this is the only orchestra of its kind in the Northwest, and is an outgrowth of a folk-music group started by Warren Chang. Conductor is Huang Zhenfen 820-1928; there are 32 members playing bowed, plucked, wind and percussion instruments. The orchestra performs traditional, folk and modern Chinese music, as well as international selections. The group is seeking members who can play Chinese musical instruments or the cello; there also is a youth ensemble, the Washington Chinese Youth Orchestra, to introduce children to the music.

Seattle Classic Guitar Society, Wynn Morrant, 282-9966. The society, open to all classic guitarists, presents members' concerts and internationally noted touring artists (William Kanengeiser is returning this November under their auspices). To audition for the semi-professional members' concerts, call president Wynn Morrant at the above number. In March, the society will host a major competition for Northwest guitarists in conjunction with the Northwest Guitar Festival; first prize is $1,200.

Seattle Flute Society Choir, founded in 1982; led by Nancy Miles, 633-2644. This group, which varies in size from 8 to 25 members, meets the first and third Sunday evenings of each month, beginning in October (5:30-7 p.m. in the University of Washington School of Music, Room 223). Membership is open to any Seattle Flute Society member; no auditions are required, just the ability to play the flute (at least up to high G).

Seattle Mandolin Orchestra, founded in 1984; Don Setterberg, 932-7910, director is Alan Jacobson, 746-2117. An enthusiastic and friendly group with a wide age span, the mandolin devotees rehearse at Mount St. Vincent Retirement Home, 4831 35th Ave. S.W., Sundays at 10 a.m. At present there are about 12-15 members, looking for qualified newcomers (no auditions required), playing all the members of the instrument's family: first and second mandolin, mandola, mandocello and mandobass, in classics and ethnic music. The first performance of the season is in October at the Festa Italiana at the Seattle Center.

Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1944, led by Nico Snel; 623-7983. The community orchestra's 51st season opens at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 in Meany Theater. The orchestra also presents "Peter and Wolf" in January, with KING-FM's Tom Dahlstrom narrating, as well as the annual Don Bushell Competition winner and the laureates of the Seattle Young Artists Festival. The orchestra is always looking for qualified players; for details about auditions and rehearsals, call the above number.

Seattle Recorder Society, led by Peter Seibert, 329-2774. Meet first Friday of each month, 7:30 p.m. October through May, Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, Northeast 100th Street at 32nd Avenue Northeast, open to all comers - recorders, viols, historical winds, general historical instruments. Instruction and group playing; groups subdivide according to ability. Season concludes with Members Night program; there's also a medieval evening led by Margriet Tindemans, one evening of 20th-century recorder music, and the rest is general renaissance and baroque repertoire. The atmosphere is friendly and comfortable for amateurs as well as seasoned players. The society also presents the Port Townsend Early Music Workshop in alternate summers, returning in 1995.

Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, led by Jonathan Shames; 362-2300. The region's premiere youth orchestra, this one really is four orchestras in one (the senior concert group plus three training ensembles), offering intensive training for young instrumentalists each Saturday morning in the University of Washington Music Building. The new conductor this year is Jonathan Shames; he will preside over three concert programs and also over the summer's Marrowstone Music Festival, presented annually at Fort Worden near Port Townsend. Auditions for the Youth Symphony and its training groups will be held Sept. 6-13 at the UW Music Building; for precise information and scheduling, call the office. The first concert of the season for the senior orchestra is Nov. 20 in the Opera House.

Tacoma Symphony, led by Harvey Felder; executive director Carlene Garner; 272-7264. Felder, resident conductor of the St. Louis Symphony, is the new music director of the 75-member Tacoma Symphony, which presents five season concerts and a summer series, as well as a new-music series. All positions are paid. Auditions will be held Saturday; call the office for appointments. Rehearsals are held at the Pantages Theatre, in evenings two weeks prior to concerts (the first one is Sept. 30, featuring pianist Jeffrey Biegel in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2; tickets at 591-5894).

Thalia Symphony, founded in 1949, led by Dr. Eric Hansen; board president Susan Cady, 523-0261, 881-7544. This community chamber orchestra rehearses diverse orchestral repertoire at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, starting Sept. 8, in Beegle Hall at Seattle Pacific University. For information on membership, call Cady.

Vashon/Maury Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Dell Wade, 526-5913. A core group of 20 strings, and also some winds as needed, performing varied repertoire, often with Vashon soloists and local composers. On Dec. 4, Wade's new Magnificat will be premiered in a joint concert with the Island Singers; some undiscovered Shostakovich songs will be performed in May. No auditions; beginners through professionals are welcome (especially violins and violas). Rehearsals are 7:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays in Vashon Presbyterian Church, downtown Vashon.

Washington Association of Community Bands: This organization has a large number of member bands, few of which require auditions, and most of which are great fun for wind players: American Legion Band (357-7370, rehearsing Thursdays), Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band (call 783-7639, rehearsing Tuesdays), Boeing Concert Band (282-5471; open to non-Boeing employees, rehearsing Tuesdays), Cornucopia Concert Band (329-8752, rehearsing Thursdays), Tacoma Concert Band (564-4954, rehearsing Wednesdays), Shoreline Concert Band (546-4524, rehearsing Mondays), Seattle Letter Carrier Band (365-2659, rehearsing Mondays), Renton Parks Community Band (255-9309, rehearsing Thursdays), Puget Sound Music Society Band (565-2783, rehearsing Mondays), Pierce County Community Band (964-6572, rehearsing Tuesdays), Highline Community Concert Band (242-1260, rehearsing Mondays), Federal Way Symphonic Band (241-4724, rehearsing Thursdays), Washington Wind Ensemble (586-7015, rehearsing Mondays), Bellevue Community Band (357-7370, rehearsing Tuesdays).