Join us for the finale in our Johnstown Symphony Orchestra (JSO) Book Talk Series!

In Part Three of our series, JSO Board of Advisors member Lauren Palmar will discuss a volume of romantic love poems written by leading male historical figures entitled “Love Letters of Great Men”.

The talk will focus on how we as humans express love, and how that has changed over the centuries, specifically since the integration of modern technology, cell phones and email. She hopes this topic about love will be well received during the difficult times that we’ve all had this past year and that it will remind us of the importance of human connection and kindness.

Join the discussion easily using the link below. If you’re new to GoToMeeting, use the link to get the app now and be ready when the meeting starts!

If you missed the first two Book Talks, you can watch the recordings now on the Cambria County Library’s YouTube channel.

You can connect to this talk easily from any computer, tablet or smartphone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/521556405

THE JSO’S LEADERSHIP TEAM WORKED WITH NAACP PRESIDENT ALAN CASHAW TO DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS EXIST FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR IN JOHNSTOWN THAT COULD BE MET BY THE SYMPHONY.

Three needs emerged: (1) access/exposure to classical art forms such as symphonic music; (2) positive adult mentoring; and (3) unifying the region through music across racial and economic barriers.

Offering a light-hearted, yet information-rich, experience led by a black community leader not just to students from underserved populations but to the broader public has the potential to be truly impactful. Jeffrey L. Webb, Associate Professor of Music at UPJ and Director of the Johnstown Symphony Chorus, has extensive experience and training in classical music. Click here for bio.

The plan is to present four events, geared to students in grades 9 and above, led by Jeff Webb and supplemented by performances by guest artists including pianist, vocalist, and conductor Michael Warren (click here for bio) and JSO Concertmaster Maureen Conlon-Gutierrez (click here for bio), and Artistic Director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and Music Director of the Newton Symphony Orchestra, Thomas W. Douglas (click here for bio). Under the current global health crisis, JSO is still working to find the best way to move forward, likely in a virtual sphere, which may allow for them to reach even more students than originally planned. They’re also working with local school districts and teachers to reach students who could most benefit from the program (and may not have access to this kind of experience otherwise).

THE JSO’S LEADERSHIP TEAM WORKED WITH NAACP PRESIDENT ALAN CASHAW TO DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS EXIST FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR IN JOHNSTOWN THAT COULD BE MET BY THE SYMPHONY.

Three needs emerged: (1) access/exposure to classical art forms such as symphonic music; (2) positive adult mentoring; and (3) unifying the region through music across racial and economic barriers.

Offering a light-hearted, yet information-rich, experience led by a black community leader not just to students from underserved populations but to the broader public has the potential to be truly impactful. Jeffrey L. Webb, Associate Professor of Music at UPJ and Director of the Johnstown Symphony Chorus, has extensive experience and training in classical music. Click here for bio.

The plan is to present four events, geared to students in grades 9 and above, led by Jeff Webb and supplemented by performances by guest artists including pianist, vocalist, and conductor Michael Warren (click here for bio) and JSO Concertmaster Maureen Conlon-Gutierrez (click here for bio), and Artistic Director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and Music Director of the Newton Symphony Orchestra, Thomas W. Douglas (click here for bio). Under the current global health crisis, JSO is still working to find the best way to move forward, likely in a virtual sphere, which may allow for them to reach even more students than originally planned. They’re also working with local school districts and teachers to reach students who could most benefit from the program (and may not have access to this kind of experience otherwise).

THE PODIUM AND BEYOND: WHAT ELSE DOES A MUSIC DIRECTOR DO?

James speaks about his view of the role of Music Director, from public appearances to relationships in the community, planning, programming music, and more. Note that this final session will include additional topics as proposed by subscription viewers. Submit your requests for topics at any time!

Purchase your tickets HERE.

On March 20 from 7:30-8:30 PM, spring is on the way and we're welcoming it with Sauvignon Blanc.

Purchase the series HERE.

Join Johnstown Symphony Orchestra's Brad Holuta--a member of both their cello section and their board of trustees-- as he discusses one of his favorite books, "Rich Man’s Secret" by Ken Roberts.

This is the second presentation in a three-part series, featuring members of the JSO sharing their love of books with the community.

You can connect to this talk easily from any computer, tablet or smartphone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/521556405

THE JSO’S LEADERSHIP TEAM WORKED WITH NAACP PRESIDENT ALAN CASHAW TO DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS EXIST FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR IN JOHNSTOWN THAT COULD BE MET BY THE SYMPHONY.

Three needs emerged: (1) access/exposure to classical art forms such as symphonic music; (2) positive adult mentoring; and (3) unifying the region through music across racial and economic barriers.

Offering a light-hearted, yet information-rich, experience led by a black community leader not just to students from underserved populations but to the broader public has the potential to be truly impactful. Jeffrey L. Webb, Associate Professor of Music at UPJ and Director of the Johnstown Symphony Chorus, has extensive experience and training in classical music. Click here for bio.

The plan is to present four events, geared to students in grades 9 and above, led by Jeff Webb and supplemented by performances by guest artists including pianist, vocalist, and conductor Michael Warren (click here for bio) and JSO Concertmaster Maureen Conlon-Gutierrez (click here for bio), and Artistic Director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and Music Director of the Newton Symphony Orchestra, Thomas W. Douglas (click here for bio). Under the current global health crisis, JSO is still working to find the best way to move forward, likely in a virtual sphere, which may allow for them to reach even more students than originally planned. They’re also working with local school districts and teachers to reach students who could most benefit from the program (and may not have access to this kind of experience otherwise).

APPROACHING THE PODIUM: TRAINING AS A CONDUCTOR

In this episode, Maestro Blachly will speak about his training, from orchestral experience to music theory to leadership courses, from transposition and score reading to serving as an assistant conductor and attending rehearsals of other conductors, from Claudio Abbado to Riccardo Muti, Sir Simon Rattle to Marin Alsop.

Purchase your tickets HERE.

Join Johnstown Symphony Orchestra Maestro James Blachly as he discusses one of his favorite books, The Great Fires by Jack Gilbert.

This presentation is the first in a three-part series in collaboration with the Cambria County Public Library that will feature members of the JSO sharing their love of books with the community.

To find out more, CLICK HERE.

On January 23 from 7:30-8:30 PM, we learn about Washington State Merlot. Perfect for a cold winter evening!

Purchase the series HERE.

“HOW DOES IT GO?” BRINGING MUSIC TO LIFE, FROM DOTS ON A PAGE TO SOUND IN THE WORLD

Some people read before bed. Maestro Blachly takes a score with him to read while on a walk, on the train, at the gym, and even to bed. How does a conductor read a full score, with up to 33 different lines of music all happening at the same time? And how does one then interpret that music, to develop a sense of conviction about how the music should sound? In the second half of the program, Maestro Blachly will speak about the art of rehearsing and preparing for a performance, possibly the most complex of a conductor’s roles. How does a professional orchestra prepare complex music in a limited amount of time? How does a conductor work efficiently to prepare, while shaping a shared interpretation?

Purchase your tickets HERE.

CONDUCTING AS ALL-ENCOMPASSING

Whoever you are, whatever you’ve done, whatever you have felt and experienced: this will all become part of your conducting. In this episode, Maestro Blachly speaks about his life both within music and beyond, and how that influences his conducting and his understanding of music. Get ready to learn some new things about our beloved Music Director!

Purchase your tickets HERE.

Get ready for a virtual holiday celebration with your Johnstown Symphony Chorus, launching at 12 noon on December 15!