Juneau Symphony facts for kids

The Juneau Symphony is a group of talented musicians who play classical music together in Juneau, Alaska. It's a "semi-professional" orchestra, meaning many musicians are skilled volunteers, and some are paid. They bring beautiful music to the people of Juneau and other nearby communities.

The Symphony's Story

The Juneau Symphony started in 1962. A high school music teacher named Cliff Berge and his wife, Gladys, created it. They wanted local musicians in Juneau to have a place to play classical music.

Early Days and Name Changes

At first, the group was called the Juneau Symphonette. Their very first concert featured music by Wagner. They played it at the 20th Century Theater in downtown Juneau. Over time, the group changed its name. It was called the Juneau Little Symphony before finally becoming the Juneau Symphony. They have been performing concerts ever since!

In 1976, the Juneau Symphony formed its first board of directors. This group helps guide the symphony. In 1981, they officially became a non-profit organization. This means they focus on their mission, not on making money.

Musicians and Collaborations

The Juneau Symphony mostly uses local musicians. About 70 players are needed for a full orchestra. Sometimes, musicians from other parts of Alaska or the Pacific Northwest join in. This helps make the orchestra even stronger.

The Symphony often works with other local arts groups. These include the Juneau Lyric Opera and Perseverance Theater. They also play with International Folk Dancers and the Juneau Oratorio Choir.

Special Concerts and Tours

Since 1980, the Symphony has held a special Children's Concert. This concert often features the winner of their yearly youth concerto competition. Young musicians get a chance to perform with the orchestra.

The Symphony has performed for important events. In 1987, they played at the ceremony for Alaska Governor Steve Cowper. Former Governor Jay Hammond even narrated a piece in 1997. Most main concerts happen at the Juneau-Douglas High School Auditorium.

The Symphony also supports a student symphony. They organize a "Showcase" series too. This series features smaller groups of local musicians playing chamber music. When they have enough money, the orchestra tours Southeast Alaska. They first toured in 1967. They have also played in towns like Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

Conductors Lead the Way

For its first 20 years, the Juneau Symphony had volunteer conductors. These included Cliff Berge, Lawton Hull, and Jane Stewart.

In 1983, the Symphony got its first paid conductor, Mel Flood. He was also a teacher at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS). He taught music and conducted the Symphony. Mel Flood led the orchestra for 17 years.

In 1999, Kyle Wiley Pickett became the new conductor. He was also the Music Director for the Redding Symphony in California. Pickett is a very skilled musician. He has a special degree from Peabody Conservatory. He conducts many types of music, from symphonies to operas.

Pickett's Time with the Symphony

In Juneau, Kyle Wiley Pickett led the orchestra in many famous classical pieces. These included Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Holst’s The Planets. He invited many talented soloists to play with the orchestra. These soloists played concertos by famous composers like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. He also featured local musicians as soloists. Winners of the student concerto competition also got to perform.

Pickett also started the Juneau Symphony Chorus. This chorus adds voices to big works like Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. He also began a yearly summer Pops concert series. These concerts feature popular music from movies and musicals. Before concerts, he held "Concert Conversations." Here, people could learn more about the music they were about to hear.

In 2013, Maestro Pickett took on new roles with other symphonies. He announced he would leave the Juneau Symphony after the 2013/14 season. The search for a new conductor began.

Today's Symphony

The Juneau Symphony has grown a lot recently. They now have a part-time administrator who helps run things. The orchestra has over 80 musicians! They also have a big student symphony program with different levels.

The Symphony now advertises its concerts outside of Juneau. They want to reach a wider audience in the region. They also bring in guest musicians from Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. This helps fill any gaps in their orchestra's instruments or talent.

See also

• Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
• Music of Alaska