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Show ST. GEORGE www.thespectrum.com — The Spectrum NEIGHBORHOODS For the week of December 5, 2008 — 17 Southwest Symphony s Caldwell attains 20 years as maestro For St. George Neighborhoods ST. GEORGE — Twenty years ago this season, maestro Gary Caldwell took the baton of Southern Utah's Southwest Symphony Orchestra (SWSO) and began what colleagues describe as two decades of high notes. St. George City Council Member Gail Bunker serves as the City Council Arts Commission representative as well as on numerous arts councils at local and state levels. She has been apart of Dixie State College's Cultural Arts department since the mid-1980s and manages the Celebrity Concert Series. “Without a doubt, the Southwest Symphony is at the top of our cultural organizations, Bunker said, citing Caldwell’s talent, drive and caring people skills for bringing the group to its current high level. “His talents run the gamut of true musicianship; she said. “He has done a terrific job with all instru- BATTERY e Continued from pg. 10 reused. Recycling batteries is good environmental policy and saves natural resources. Everyone uses _batteries. Whether that be in your cellular or cordless phone, camcorder, power tools, portable electronic products or even your car — batteries are used daily. However, rarely do those batteries get recycled when they are dead. Local business owners are welcome to stop into Batteries Plus in Washington and receive a free 5 gallon bucket to take and fill with batteries from their business. This is an ongoing program for businesses to take advantage of free of charge to help reduce ments from strings, brass and percussion to composition, interpretation and conducting. Even more (of an impact) than his talents and abilities is his people skills and caring for others.’ Ferron Holt is Washington County School District's Fine Arts Director and a founding member of SWSO. Holt said that from the point the organization’s board offered the maestro position to Caldwell, “we have progressed steadily ever since: Still playing with the symphony, Holt has observed Caldwell’s musical management style up close. “He has improved the quality of the individual sections in the symphony, the musicality, and held us to the ‘fire; so to speak, on bringing us toa new level of performance’ The term maestro is an Italian word meaning, master. In a community orches, tra, it also means: teacher, planner, uniter, driver, leader, mentor and, in the end, comrade. Heading up a community disposal of spent batteries in landfills as well as keep the community clean! “So many people throw away their old batteries without knowing they have the ability to recycle it or even re-charge it? said Greg Hyatt, owner of the Washington Batteries Plus. “We can always recycle batteries, but during the week of Dec. 8, we will recycle the batteries for free to help promote recycling awareness within the Southern Utah community’ In addition to Battery Recycling Week, Batteries Plus of Washington participates in multiple safety/environmental programs, including the 9-Volt Giveaway — a community event geared toward replacing smoke alarm batteries in the home. ¥ BY JULIE HUNTER Christopher Onstott/ St. George Neighborhoods Southwest rehearsal. Symphony Maestro Gary Caldwell directs a orchestra is a complex task. As volunteer group, the organization attracts players with a wide range of abilities, all of whom have jobs, families and other elements of a full life in competition with their symphony time. Caldwell understands these factors well, having juggled them himself for the past 20 years. He is the director of bands for DSC; he conducts pit orchestra for the college’s theater department and, in the summer months, he leads the Tuacahn theater orchestra. To top it off, the youngest of his four children was born in Caldwell’s third season as Maestro. E.A.S.T. Program “It's easier now, he said, referring to the months that require him to spend more nights in planning, rehearsals and concerts than at home. “It was stressful at times though, especially the early years when the kids were little, but I have a wonderful wife who is incredibly supportive.” With dedication comes rewards and Caldwell cites many. “It's very fulfilling” he said. “It’s hard work, but it’s very fulfilling. We have a wide range of players in our group and we all come together for the music. There is a truly great camaraderie in our orchestra.’ Each season, one of Caldwell’s greatest challenges is bridging that gap of player ability while still presenting a level of performance that satisfies the greater group. This, too, is not without its rewards. “I have grown because of them,’ Caldwell said of the group that now numbers nearly 80 players. “Without them, I wouldn't. have enjoyed the growth I have had as a conductor’ Driving 20 seasons of better and better performances, though, is only part of the mission. Every season SWSO introduces school children to the orchestra. “We just finished bringing in groups of elementary school kids to the Cox for a selection of material? Caldwell said of a fall program with the school district. After a short session of samplings of pieces ranging from “Beethoven's Fifth Symphony” to “Phantom of the Opera; many kids, for the first time in their lives will make the connection between a tune they heard as a cell phone ring tone or in a cartoon and full -symphony orchestra. “There's just nothing like symphonic sound,’ Caldwell said, describing his dedication to ensuring children be -exposed to symphony music. “That level of musieSee MAESTRO on pg. 18 “HAIL HARRY eel PTLE SERVICE oust Because you want to be the best you can be! The Fastest treadmill ini the state aan of 31 mph 4 aa wy gio’) UPC 1490 E. Foremaster Dr. Ste # 110. For more information call: 435-668-9159 F.unctional A.thlietic S. ed T.rainin rlicr see eerie ~ |