Submitted by Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO)
After thirteen years and two moves, Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO), a youth symphony organization, is soon to be moving again, but where? SOGO will be without rehearsal space on Sunday afternoons beginning in September.
In the early days of SOGO, we rehearsed in schools, but the growing cost of facility rental forced us to look elsewhere. In 2008 we formed a wonderful relationship with the First Christian Church in downtown Olympia. It was a perfect fit for SOGO, and a boost in usage for the church’s historic building. However, due to First Christian’s recent program expansions, we have been informed that they are no longer able to accommodate SOGO’s rehearsal needs.
“I have been involved with SOGO since its beginning in 2000. I have had three children go through the program. As president, and more importantly as a parent, I see the value that SOGO brings to our community. I know, firsthand, what music does for kids and the community at large. As culturally rich as Olympia is, I’m sure there must be a space…a place where SOGO can continue making beautiful music,” shares Colleen Welch, SOGO President.
SOGO rehearses for about 28 Sunday afternoons, 2-7:30 p.m. from September to May. The 140 SOGO musicians gather to rehearse for three series concerts, the Community Messiah Sing Along in the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, and Olympia’s Arts Walk in the spring. Musicians with two years’ experience through early college perform in one of three orchestras, Debut (elementary), Academy (middle school and early high school) and Conservatory (high school and college).
Different than the public school experience, SOGO musicians, representing over 30 schools from four counties, have a weekly full orchestral experience, including strings, winds, brass, and percussion. Members
receive professional conducting and coaching, music theory and history and experience playing in small ensembles.
“I love playing in SOGO. It is challenging and it provides me more musical opportunities outside of my public school experience,” shares Keadrin, a cello player in the orchestra.
A real unfortunate situation, once again, to find ourselves in, we are asking the community for their help. The unique needs of the organization include two large rehearsal spaces with enough room for an orchestra of 50 – 80 young musicians. In addition, to accommodate the coaching staff there would need to be 12 small rooms to rehearse 4-12 students each. Tuition fees and board fundraising cover the program costs, including rehearsal venue rental.
“SOGO has become a community treasure. We find ourselves with a great need and we are asking that same community for help.” Greg Allison, Artistic Director
