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We wish Brooke Welsh tremendous success in her latest mission, with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.
The energetic Blair County woman seemingly has an endless list of interesting ideas to help bolster the popularity – and resulting financial well-being – of the JSO.
We’re all ears.
In her second month as the symphony’s new executive director, Welsh wants to introduce droves of first-timers to the orchestra and its style of music.
Through the years, we’ve heard a similar message from the affable Istvan Jaray, conductor and music director, who has urged locals with words such as “try it, you’ll like it.”
“I don’t want us to serve one portion of the community,” Welsh said last week in an introductory session at The Tribune-Democrat. “Music can touch everyone. There’s been a misperception. Children are very receptive to classical music.”
Bill Locher, president of the symphony board, added that Welsh was brought on board to increase the appearance of the orchestra in the community.
“Brooke will be working with marketing, fundraising and grant writing,” Locher said. “I don’t think the symphony has done as well with that in the past.”
The Tyrone resident certainly brings with her an impressive resume, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music and working and teaching stints with universities and symphony orchestras.
She currently teaches piano at the Music Academy of State College.
“Brooke is going to bring a lot of new ideas and energy,” Locher said. “She has a commitment to be community focused.
“We want to transform the symphony and reach out to new people.”
If the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, one of our region’s true jewels, is to survive tough economic times and continue entertaining us into the future, those goals would seem to be of utmost importance.
Please join us in welcoming Brooke Welsh to our community and give her the courtesy of listening to her plans.
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