THE ROBERT T. RALSTON CHAIR

The family of Robert T. Ralston has chosen to endow the MSO Principal Horn Chair in memory of Bob, a musician who had a hand in teaching hundreds of Midland students and adults to play and love music.
Robert Taylor Ralston, 82, died on June 5, 2009, in Midland, after a short battle with cancer. During his long tenure in Midland, he directed the Midland High School Orchestra, headed Midland Public Schools’ music program, conducted the Chemical City Band, founded and directed the Midland Community Orchestra, played in the Midland Symphony Orchestra and taught brass students in his private studio. 

Memorial gifts can be offered to the Midland Symphony Orchestra to help endow the MSO Principal Horn Chair in Bob's name. By contributing to the endowment, you can honor Bob in perpetuity by naming this chair in the section he performed with for many years. With your support, "The Robert T. Ralston Chair" will appear on the Midland Symphony Orchestra personnel page for seasons to come.

Checks can be made payable to:
The Robert T. Ralston Chair - MCFTA
and sent to:
Midland Symphony Orchestra
1801 W. St. Andrews Rd.
Midland, MI 48640.

Learn more about Robert Ralston

TUNES FOR TOTS
Sponsored by
Midland Symphony League & MOMS Club of Midland

Tunes for Tots provides music education activities for pre-school age children and supports interaction between children in the same age group. Join musicians from the Midland Symphony Orchestra in a fun introduction to musical instruments and music for children ages four and younger. The programs are just a sample of MSO educational events created to bring good music to community members of all ages.
Learn more

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MUSIC APPRECIATION SERIES
Maestra Antonia Joy Wilson and classical music connoisseur and discographer Etcyl Blair present an indepth look at repertoire to be performed at upcoming MSO performances.

2009-2010 Season Dates
October 14, 2009 @ 7:30 p.m.
January 20, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.
May 5, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.

For more information contact the MSO office at 631-5930, ext. 1600 or e-mail Alysha Anders.

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MSO SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

The Clara Highhill Memorial Scholarship
The Clara Highhill Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of a longtime Midland Symphony League volunteer. Eligible students must be in the 10th or 11th grade and either a resident of Midland County or studying with a Midland County teacher. In addition to an application form, students submit recommendations from both school and private music teachers and an audition recording. The selection process also includes review of both recorded and live audition performances.

Congratulations to the 2009 Highhill Scholarship winners:
Kevin Bays ($400)
John Hopfensperger ($400)
Billy Poulos ($400)

Apply for the 2010 Highhill Scholarship
The Midland Symphony League will be accepting applications next season for its annual Clara Highhill Memorial Scholarship for instrumental music students. The total prize money of $1,200 will be awarded to a student (or students) in grade 10 or 11. Applicants must be Midland County residents or studying with a Midland County teacher.

In addition to an application form, students submit recommendations from both school and private music teachers and an audition recording. The selection process also includes review of both recorded and live audition performances. Application deadline TBA.

Kendall/Pelton Musician of the Year Award
Nominations from the public are open for the 2009 Kendall/Pelton Musician of the Year Award. The award is given annually to a person (or persons) who has made a great contribution to music in Midland, and whose life has musically affected and encouraged people of all ages.

The award was established in memory of Harold S. Kendall and Grace and Earl Pelton, musicians who were instrumental in organizing musical activities in the Midland community that still flourish today. Midland Symphony Orchestra has been presenting this award since 1959. This year's award will be presented at the MSO’s December 5 evening performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, at Midland Center for the Arts. Candidates can be nominated by letters of recommendation from area residents and must be postmarked by November 14, 2009, and addressed to: Musician of the Year, Attn: Midland Symphony Orchestra, 1801 W. St. Andrews, Midland, MI 48640. For more information, including a list of past participants, contact Alysha Anders at 631-5930, ext. 1600 or email anders@mcfta.org.

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MIDLAND COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

The Midland Community Orchestra was founded in the fall of 1991 by Robert Ralston, Vernon Stenger, and the late Lawrence Guenther. This effort is to be commended. This all-volunteer orchestra has succeeded in what it set out to do: Provide an arena for area musicians to get together, practice, and perform - simply out of their love of music. The Midland Community Orchestra has given more than 35 free concerts during the past 13 seasons and has featured many local and area soloists and vocal groups, along with several guest conductors.

About 55 musicians participated in the first concert, given on February 9, 1992. This concert was directed by Robert Ralston, who retired in April 2007 and was succeeded by Timothy Frank. Assistant conductors have been Paul Schultz and Lois Palen.

The Orchestra is under the umbrella of the Midland Symphony Orchestra Advisory Board, with special start-up support from the Midland Foundation. In addition, there has been support from Midland Public Schools for rehearsal space and use of their music libraries. Donations from various individuals, music folders from Camp's Music and an anonymous donor have been appreciated over the years. The Orchestra continues to perform three free concerts per year.

Mission
As the original founders intended, the purpose for the Midland Community Orchestra remains the same: “To provide an arena for area musicians to get together, practice, and perform - simply out of their love of music.”

How to Join
The Midland Community Orchestra is an all-voluntary group of individuals that is comprised of advanced students, music veterans, and accomplished professionals. Please feel free to contact any our members for more information or you may introduce yourself to our conductor, Wendy Hohmeyer, through email: whohmeyer@chartermi.net.


Admission: FREE

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MIDLAND SYMPHONY LEAGUE
"Working to Keep our Symphony Sound"

The Midland Symphony League is a volunteer organization dedicated to the support of the Midland Symphony Orchestra through educational, promotional, and fund-raising activities. The men and women of the Symphony League play an important volunteer role in Midland Symphony Orchestra operations.

Midland Symphony League Membership – Join Today!
Your membership includes the League membership directory, our quarterly newsletter "Take Note" plus invitations to exclusive private parties and special receptions with MSO guest artists. Hear great music, get involved in the projects of special interest to you, or simply gather with friends in support of the Orchestra, including our "Meet & Greet" events with MSO guest artists.

Membership
Single: $20 | Couple: $30

Enjoy these benefits!
• Advance notification of all symphony events
• Special member invitation to bring guests to dress rehearsals of the Symphony
• Members may invite students to attend rehearsals, with supervision.
• Support the League activities and meet new friends.
• Support and encourage continued musical excellence in our community.
• Usher at MSO and Community Orchestra concerts
• Volunteer where needed
• Access to the Volunteer Room at the MCFTA
• Receptions with Guest Artist
• Oriental Rug pre-sale

A complete membership directory will be distributed to all registered members. For more information contact the MSO office at 631-5930, ext. 1600 or e-mail Alysha Anders.

SYMPHONY LEAGUE OFFICERS

President Vice President Treasurer Recorder

Julie Nunn Cheryl Weeks-Rosten Pat Zimmerman Sue Clemmer

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