Meridian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating Our 14th Season with the Next Exit Series
Schedule Tickets Symphony Patrons Contribute Rehearsals Links Contact
 
 

About the Meridian Symphony Orchestra

HISTORY

The Meridian Symphony Orchestra (MSO) began in March 1990, under the direction of Anna Grey, as a string ensemble of 25 members drawn from all walks of life. The MSO assisted with the development of Meridian School District orchestra programs, which provided lessons and training orchestras for elementary and junior high school students. In 1995, the Meridian School District initiated a school orchestra curriculum.

In 1995, Richard Roller assumed the artistic leadership of the organization and established the current four-concert season. Under his leadership, the orchestra grew to over seventy members, ages ranging from 15 to 86.

Current Artistic Director, Tom Phelps, joined the MSO in 2003. In addition to having taught music in public schools for many years, Tom is an accomplished musician and conductor.

The MSO is dedicated to providing quality entertainment in a family-friendly, educationally focused atmosphere, providing a supportive environment for our musicians and increasing the arts in the Meridian area for the education and enjoyment of all ages. Since its founding, we have held to Anna Grey's belief that "We can become a great influence for good in the lives of all who live here."

CONDUCTOR AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Tom Phelps

Tom Phelps

An Idaho native, Tom Phelps is a graduate of Idaho State University with bachelor's and master's degrees in music. He holds a Ph.D in music from the University of Utah. An accomplished performer, conductor and teacher of music in the public schools for many years, Tom has performed locally with the Treasure Valley Concert Band, the Kings of Swing, Opera Idaho, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and has played clarinet, flute and occasionally saxophone with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra.

CONCERTMASTER
Melody Mitchell

Growing up in a musical family, Melody Mitchell has played the violin since age 5. In high school, she studied with Lee Wilkins of the D'Angelo School of Music in Erie, PA. Melody attended Boise State University where she earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Accountancy with a minor in Music. She studied with Professor Craig Purdy and played in the Boise State Community Orchestra. After working as a CPA for 3 years she has "retired" and is currently a stay at home mom.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee

David Stolhand, President
Lee Roby, Vice President of Operations
Teri Sackman, Vice President of Marketing
Richard Bowring, Secretary
Steve Van der Ploeg, Treasurer
Tom Phelps, Artistic Director

Directors

Michelle Clark
Melody Mitchell
Bob Newell
Becky Schrepple
Ken Suchy
Wendell Welch
Dave Wynkoop

Volunteers

Shelly Hiner, Concert Promotion
Lorie Scherer, Historian

Contact Us for information on becoming involved in the MSO.

 

ORCHESTRA

Violin I

Melody Mitchell, Concertmaster
Barbara Beck
Kendra Clark
Cathy Durfey
Adrian Godfrey
Jeanette Hindman
Rachel Hubler
Katie Ingram
Jennifer Jakobson
Nanette Jensen
David Stolhand
Joyce Tilzey
Steve Van der Ploeg

Violin II

Becky Schrepple, Principal
Michelle Clark
Sally Felton
Jennifer Kim
Kelley Lyle
Cassie McCrea
Melissa Reche'
Verla Rose
John Roussopulos
Kay Waller

Viola

Kathy Hawkley, Principal
Linda Anthony
April Harrison
Rylee McClellan
Alycin Ozimkiewicz
Susan Pliler
Robert Pori
Diane Shelton
Katie Webster

Cello

Lorie Scherer, Principal
Terry Berger
Richard Bowring
Janelle Brown
Martin Karaba
Solange Lemenager
Keri McDermott
Becky Nelson
Charlayne Wall
Dave Wynkoop

Bass

Ken Suchy, Principal
Sam Harvey
Grant Huglin
Josh Saak
Phil Verrinder

Flute

Jennifer Rhees
Karla Brown

Piccolo

Susan Russell

Oboe

Beth Meade
Jessica Johnson

English Horn

 

Clarinet

Barbara Darcy
Laurel Muenchausen

Bass Clarinet

Paul Darcy

Bassoon

Dawn Davis
Christopher DeKastle

Horn

Steve Sherer
Dennis Sower
Michelle Youngquist
Fred Hebert

Trumpet

Tammy Fritz
Lew Ulrey
Ed Beisly

Trombone

Wendell Welch
Bob Newell
Lee Roby

Tuba

Ron Apperson

Percussion

Ben Jeppsen
Heather Jeppsen
Cookie Rice
Jerry Rice

Piano

Nanette Jensen
Becky Nelson