Monday, September 06, 1999
Volunteer symphony committed to community
West Chester group to perform 'Sentimental Journey' today
BY JENNY CALLISON
Enquirer Contributor
UNION TOWNSHIP — Members of the West Chester Symphony consider each performance a gift to their community, a gift created by their enthusiasm and commitment.
Today, the orchestra will present a swing concert, “Sentimental Journey.”
Founders Jim Blevins, Tom Paredo and Susan Schirmer arranged publicity, raised money and searched for affordable places to perform.
Forging ties
“In three years, we've developed an organization with a $10,000 operating budget,” said Mr. Paredo, a cellist and the group's treasurer. “Our money comes from sponsorships of our concerts and from goodwill donations at the concerts. We also did a direct mail fund-raiser through the chamber of commerce.”
In a community characterized by rapid growth and a transient population, the symphony has forged ties among its members and enjoyed enthusiastic local audiences.
“The West Chester Symphony gives some identity to the area,” said Ms. Schirmer, who serves as music director for the ensemble.
“I play in other "community' orchestras in the area,” said Mr. Blevins, a bassist. “Those orchestras are typically not made up of community residents, but musicians who play for pay, migrating from group to group.”
Mr. Paredo said the West Chester Symphony members are volunteers, and that makes it easier to ask community businesses for finan cial support. “It doesn't take much arm-twisting. They know that their money goes to the community.”
It also enables people of all ages to make music together. Ms. Schirmer said that the musicians' skill levels vary; some had not touched an instrument in 20 years.
Chandler Ress, 16, is a member of the orchestra's string section. A junior at Lakota West High School, he has played the violin for five years.
Growing enthusiasm
Fay May of Sharonville saw a newspaper article about the symphony and joined last year.
“I have been playing violin since I was 7 or 8,” said Ms. May, 68. “At 9, my parents bought me a full-size violin, which I still play.”
Ms. May was enthusiastic about her experience in the West Chester Symphony.
“I can't tell you what it does for me. It gives me incentive to practice every day. It's a great opportunity to be with musicians.”
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Volunteer symphony committed to community
