Backstage Pass

A BENEFIT PERFORMANCE of the SGLS and Friends backstage pass will be a casual, relaxed setting where you can come and go as you please; eat and drink as you wish; explore the new Wyandotte Art Center; and interact with the musicians as they perform. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in the midst of music while it’s happening; see and
hear what the musicians see and hear; or watch a conductor work his craft, this is for you!

Wyandotte Regional Art Center
81 Chestnut Street
Wyandotte, MI 48192
Saturday, March 27, 2010 • 5pm – 10pm

Throughout the evening SGLS and friends will perform a wide range of music from classical to jazz, in a variety of ensemble settings including full orchestra. From intimate to grand, there will be something for everyone.
There will be opportunities to win incredible prizes by participating in a Silent Auction/Raffle – proceeds will benefit SGLS.

STAGE ACCESS AND PRICING

GUEST – $30

• Admission and general seating
• Food and beverages (cash bar available)

SPECIAL GUEST – $50

• Admission and general seating
• Food and beverages
• 2 alcoholic beverage tickets
• 1 etched souvenir glass (choice of wine OR pub glass)

V.I.P. – $100 (all access)

• Admission and RESERVED TABLE seating
• Food and OPEN bar
• 1 etched souvenir glass (choice of wine OR pub glass)
• Photo opportunity with Charles Greenwell
• Souvenir color print.

Stage Access

Guest $30.00 Special Guest $50.00 V.I.P. Guest $100.00

All orders will be confirmed by phone.

If you have any questions about tickets, contact Debby Mitek at (734) 671-8343 or
for information on sponsorship opportunities contact, Mari Frost at (734) 671-8651.

THANK YOU!
The SGLS is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
Check with your tax advisor to determine whether you can claim such a deduction.

Backstage Pass Flyer

Star Voyager – April 18, 2010 @ 3:00PM

Come take a musical voyage into space with the SGLS. Featuring music from the silver screen as well as the concert hall, your ears and eyes (via image projections of space) will be transported to the final frontier. Use the Force. Be at this one!

• Johann Strauss Jr: Music of the Spheres
• Horner: Theme from Cocoon
• Horner: Theme from Apollo 13
• Conti: Theme from the Right Stuff
• Holst: The Planets (Mercury & Jupiter)
• Williams: Suite from Star Wars

The Beginning of the Orchestra

This is the story of a musical adventure, the development of the Allen Park Symphony. The idea was suggested in the Spring of ‘54. As active members of Woodmere Methodist Church and neighbors of S.W. Detroit, Harold Gloyd and I were friends. Impressed with the fine annual music festivals at Woodmere, under my direction, Harold approached me on the idea of organizing and conducting a small orchestra in Allen Park. The purpose of such a venture was to serve as leisure time musical activity for non-professional musicians. Thus, the Kraynaks in the process of moving to Allen Park, were imbued with the idea of developing the musical future of the new community.

Arthur Stephan and I were studying conducting at Wayne University and performed numerous musical engagements together. We began to give serious thought to starting an orchestra in the modern community of 35,000, Allen Park., then a village. Ideas grew eventually in terms of expanding to thoughts of a 50 piece symphony. Inquires brought to attention that orchestras had been started in adjoining cities, but had failed through lack of organization and apathy of an uninformed public. Further studies found that Grosse Pointe and Plymouth were succeeding in maintaining symphony orchestras. Interviews with Wayne Dunlap, Conductor at Plymouth, and Helen Thompson, Executive Secretary of the American Symphony Orchestra League, aided in solving the problem.

Thus the decision to go ahead was made. Relinquishing any notions of conducting to Arthur Stephan, I turned my attention to starting a sponsoring organization as Chairman of the Founding Committee. Constant reference to the book, “The Community Symphony Orchestra”, from the American Symphony League, aided us in the job of gaining some community support and in a few months we called a meeting at the Allen Park Presbyterian Church. We started our first meeting fundless, but with many ideas.

During the next ten week, lengthy meetings of the Board were held every Sunday evening with numerous committee meetings weekday nights. We worked to adopt a basic structure in which to operate; establish policies and by-laws; organize committees; recruit players; solicit financial backing; etc.

So, the big hurdle was overcome. The years following were filled with other challenges. These were met by many dedicated people who have aided and benefited by their Symphony and Association. We have a symphony orchestra that has been far reaching in scope in other states and countries. Each year we draw deserved attention from the musical world.

We, as members of the Allen Park Symphony Orchestra Association can be justly proud of this kind of personal effort and if its contributions to our own community.
Respectfully submitted
Edward Paul Kraynak, Founding Chairman
October 11, 1964

A Message from Maestro Greenwell

If you were a previous donor or subscriber to the SGLS, let me first say “Thank
You”. This past economically challenged year has been difficult for everyone, but the people of Downriver continue to come through and keep this cultural jewel of an
orchestra afloat. Our programming and artistic integrity continue to grow while the financial support from our community remains, even as cutbacks are taking place. The Board of Directors sees a bright future for the SGLS, although other orchestras are closing their doors. As corporate and government grants diminish, the Board thought it prudent to reduce scope of the season to be fiscally responsible. If our donor support remains high, we will be able to return to an expanded season next year.

While our upcoming season is smaller than in years past, it is one of excitement. Whether a returning subscriber or a new listener, there is something here for everyone.
We begin in November with a special treat, Jorja Fleezanis. Jorja is the former concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra and now on the faculty of the Jacobs School at Indiana University. She will play two works, by Bach and Chausson. We will also perform Peter and the Wolf. This musical tale will delight young concert goers as well as seasoned audience members.

In December we bring the true feeling of Christmas to Downriver with the Candlelight Christmas Carol Concert. This intimate evening setting at St James Episcopal Church, Grosse Ile, is a sing-along of familiar carols followed by a Wassail fellowship. This will be a special night indeed.

The New Year brings new possibilities.

We launch our much anticipated “Downriver Idol” with auditions in January and a performance of the finalists at our February
This is an opportunity for amateur musicians to show their talent and to perform with the SGLS. More information about this program will be
available on our website www.sgls.org.

Our final concert takes us to the far reaches of space. Featuring music by Holst, Williams, Strauss, and Horner, we take a trip through the stars while delighting
our ears and eyes, with visuals from the Hubbell Telescope. A special NASA guest has been invited to attend as well.

I am certain that you will enjoy our time together in concert, and hope to see you
throughout our 55th Season.

Mo. Charles Greenwell