About the Meridian Symphony Orchestra

HISTORY

The Meridian Symphony Orchestra (MSO) began in March 1990, under the direction of Anna Gray, 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 Gray'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

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
Jenny Jones

Jenny Jones, a native of Washington, holds a Bachelor's degree in Violin Performance from La Sierra University in Southern California where she studied with Lyndon Johnston Taylor and a Master's degree in Violin Pedagogy from Boise State University studying with Craig Purdy. Jenny has been Concertmaster of the of the Meridian Symphony Orchestra since 2005 with a two year sabbatical to work on her masters degree. She is also the Principal Second Violinist of the Boise Baroque Orchestra. Jenny has soloed with orchestras in Washington, California, and Idaho including the Meridian Symphony, and the BSU orchestra. She also teaches Suzuki violin lessons in her home studio to about 35 people each week ranging in age from 3 to 55 years old. She and her husband have two elementary-aged children.

ASSOCIATE 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
Richard Bowring, Secretary
Ken Suchy, Treasurer
Tom Phelps, Artistic Director

Directors

Jenny Jones
Bob Newell
Susan Russell
Becky Schrepple
Steve Sherer
Wendell Welch
Dave Wynkoop

Volunteers

Shelly Hiner, Concert Promotion
Lorie Scherer, Historian

Contact Us for information on becoming involved in the MSO.