Draft:Mason Orchestral Society
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Comment: Concert programs are not reliable, independent sources and the gargantuan list of soloists is really not required or helpful. Theroadislong (talk) 21:11, 19 January 2026 (UTC)
The Mason Orchestral Society is an American non-profit community orchestra organization based in Mason, Michigan, which administers the Mason Symphony Orchestra, the Mason Philharmonic, and the Mason Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players. These ensembles perform concerts in the Greater Lansing Michigan area, typically 4 to 8 per year for all ensembles.
History
[edit]In 1975, seven students were looking for an orchestra to play in and their parents supported their desire. They met at Mason Junior High School on Monday nights. The original seven students were the siblings Philip Gerrish, Debra Gerrish, Elizabeth Gerrish, plus Tracy Hankins, Dan Cotton, Heather Roost, and Janice Strait.[1] Mason, Michigan had an orchestra in the 1940s, but it folded due to lack of an instructor or conductor. This was the rebirth of interest in the area. After the seven students went to four Mason elementary schools to do a concert and demonstration, they gained enough interest to start up officially.[2]
On February 3, 1976 the orchestra officially filed Articles of Incorporation to be a non-profit. They established a board of directors with the roles of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, committee chairman/woman, instrument keeper, and resident agent.[3] These roles have expanded to include concert manager, personnel manager, webmaster, fundraising, publicity, scholarship, orchestra liaison, trustees, historian, education, newsletter, annual meeting, and concert planning. Many of the expanded roles also have been committees.[4]
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Their first concert was in June 1976 with Sandra Gerrish directing. There were 16 members at that time ranging from age 7 to 77. The organization originally had string teachers for private and group lessons. They also owned eighteen instruments they could provide to the students/members.[5]
The 50th anniversary of the Mason Orchestral Society was celebrated at the May 4, 2025 concert, with founders John and Sandra Gerrish in attendance. The Gerrish children, now adults, sat in with the orchestra. WKAR-FM aired a feature about the 50th anniversary concert.[6]
As of 2025, the orchestra has over 60 members in the combined orchestras.[6]
The orchestras in the organization have modified their names slightly over the years.
| Youth Centered Orchestra Names | Adult Centered Orchestra Names | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Junior Orchestra | October 1980-May 2002 | Mason Community Orchestra | June 1976-June 2008 |
| Mason Youth Orchestra | October 2002-May 2008 | ||
| Mason Philharmonic | October 2008-Present | Mason Symphony Orchestra | October 2008-Present |
Mission Statement
[edit]The purpose of the Society shall be to cultivate music appreciation in the Mason Community, especially programs of an orchestral nature, and to provide an opportunity for individuals to participate in an orchestra.[7]
Premieres
[edit]Works that have been premiered by the Mason Orchestra Society
| Composer | Title | Premiere Date |
|---|---|---|
| James Phelps | Alleluiah | World Premiere, May 9, 2008 |
| Daniel Tressel | “Light on the Horizon” | World Premiere, commissioned by the Mason Orchestral Society for Its 33rd Season, May 6, 2009 |
| Dino Constantinides | “Concertino - Mountains of Epirus” | Michigan Premiere, November 20, 2015 |
| Adolphus Hailstock | Two Romances for Viola & Orchestra | Michigan Premiere, December 4, 2021 |
| Hilary Purrington | “Extraordinary Flora” | Michigan Premiere, November 12, 2022 |
| Carl Heinrich Hubler | Concertino for 4 Horns & Orchestra | Michigan Premiere, May 13, 2023 |
| Aaron Longuski | Lullaby for String Quartet | World Premiere, August 6, 2023 |
| Jay Krush | Concerto for Bass Trombone | Michigan Premiere of Orchestral Version, December 9, 2023 |
| Peter Gerard Rozich | "Just Because I Love You" | World Premiere, December 10, 2023 |
| Stephanie Ann Boyd | “Ondine” | Michigan Premiere, May 11, 2024 |
| Dylan Mack & Dilek Engin Stolarchuk | Tema & Varyasyon (Themes & Variations)(2023-2024) | World Premiere, May 11, 2024 |
| Franz Anton Dimer | Sextet for Clarinet, 2 Horns & Strings | Michigan Premiere, August 10, 2024 |
| Michael Goodman | “Fluctuation” | World Premiere Orchestral Version, May 3, 2025 |
| Hans von Koessler | Suite for 3 Cellos | Michigan Premiere, August 16, 2025 |
Soloists
[edit]Soloists who have appeared with the Mason Orchestral Society
| Name(s) | Solo | Concert Date |
|---|---|---|
| Barbara Damasevitz, violin
Kenneth Richmond, piano |
Vivaldi: Concerto in G Major: Allegro | June 13, 1976 |
| Richard Pease, oboe
Valynda Wells, oboe |
Vivaldi: Concerto in D minor | May 21, 1979 |
| Richard Pease, guitar | Godla: Concerto Primo | May 21, 1979 |
| Sharon Prebble, flute | Mozart: Flute Concerto No.2 in D Major | May 19, 1984 |
| Dick Long, trumpet | Vangelis: Chariots of Fire | December 1984 |
| Mathew Guild, tenor | Handel: Messiah, Scene 3
10. Recitative - For Behold Darkness Shall Cover the Earth 11. The People That Walked In Darkness Have Seen A Great Light |
December 1984 |
| Barbara Hiranpradist, violin
Deborah Gerrish, viola |
Stamitz: Symphonie Concertante | May 18, 1986 |
| Connie Wies, flute
Arlene Allan, flute Barbara Shull, violin |
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Mvmt I | May 29, 1987 |
| Arlene Allan, flute
Kay Rinker O’Neil, flute Gaile Griffore, flute |
Devienne: Allegro poco Agitati | May 17, 1991 |
| Todd Vogel, guitar | Vivaldi: Concerto in Re’Maggiore | December 13, 1991 |
| Arlene Allan, flute
Kay Rinker O’Neil, flute Gaile Griffore, flute |
Kuhlau: Kuhlau Trio for Flutes, Op. 13 | December 11, 1992 |
| Todd Vogel, banjo
Bernie Hartley, banjo |
Smith: “The Inlaws” originally from Dueling Banjos | March 25, 1994 |
| Kay Rinker O’Neil, flute
Gaile Griffore, flute |
Doppler: La Sonnambula | December 16, 1994 |
| Jason Rees, clarinet
Kay Rinker O’Neil, flute Bruce Szarka, violin |
Hirsch: Concerto Gross | March 24, 1995 |
| William Rinker, trumpet | Handel: A Handel Celebration
II. Song of Jupiter |
May 20, 1995 |
| Kay Rinker O’Neil, flute
Gaile Griffore, flute |
Doppler: Valse di Bravura, Op.33 | December 15, 1995 |
| Kay Rinker O’Neil, piccolo
Gaile Griffore, piccolo |
Purcell: Bell and Ceremonial Music | May 10, 1996 |
| Debra DeBoe, soprano | Handel: The Messiah | December 13, 1996 |
| Kay Rinker O’Neil, flute
Gaile Griffore, flute Kelly Yoakam, harp |
Berlioz: Trio of the Young Ishmaelites | December 13, 1996 |
| Kay Rinker O’Neil, piccolo
Gaile Griffore, flute Marie Blair, piano |
Hugues: Grand Concerto Fantasy, Op.5 | December 12, 1997 |
| Kay Rinker O’Neil, flute
Gaile Griffore, flute Judy Kabodian, piano |
Doppler, Francis & Charles: Fantaisie | December 11, 1998 |
| Eva Urban, violin
Shirley Robertson, oboe |
Bach: Double Concerto for Oboe and Violin in C Minor
I. Allegro |
May 7, 1999 |
| Tricia Betts, bassoon | Besozzi: Sonata
I. Allergo |
March 4, 2001 |
| Larissa Stenzel, cello | Vivaldi: Concerto for Violoncello and String Orchestra in D minor, Op. 26 No. 9 (RV 407)
I. Allergo non molto |
March 4, 2001 |
| Kay Rinker O’Neil, flute | Saint-Saëns: Odelette for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 162 | May 4, 2001 |
| Alexis Dawdy (Wright), violin | Monti: Czardas | May 17, 2002 |
| Leah Richmond-Rakerd, viola | Telemann: Konzert G-dur | November 1, 2002 |
| Kay Rinker-O’Neil, flute
Gaile Griffore, flute Yilin You, piano |
Doppler: Andante & Rondo, Op.25 | May 9, 2003 |
| Benjamin Joella, double bass | Bottesini: Concerto B Minor for Double Bass and Orchestra | December 14, 2003 |
| Samara Valla, soprano | Rogers & Hammerstein: You’ll Never Walk Alone from the musical Carousel
Flaherty: Your Daddy’s Son, from the musical Ragtime Rogers & Hammerstein: The Sound of Music from the musical Sound of Music |
March 7, 2004 |
| John Eldridge, violin | Khachaturian: Masquerade Suite from the incident music to Lermontov’s Play | March 6, 2005 |
| Miguel Rojas, cello | Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op.33 | March 6, 2005 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Grandjany: Le bon petit roi d’Yvetot
Kirchoff: Aria and Rigaudon |
May 1, 2005 |
| Lindsay Kesselman, soprano | Gounod: “Je Veux Vivre” from Romeo and Juliet
Puccini: O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicchi |
March 12, 2006 |
| Lindsay Kesselman, soprano
Matthew Tuell, tenor |
Verdi: “Signor ne principe” from Rigoletto | March 12, 2006 |
| Matthew Tuell, tenor | Verdi: “Parmi Veder” from Rigoletto | March 12, 2006 |
| Jonathan Holden, clarinet | von Weber: Fantasia and Rondo from the Quintet for Clarinet and Strings | March 12, 2006 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Grandjany: Aria in Classic Style for Harp and String Orchestra | May 12, 2006 |
| Laura Beth Nanes, soprano | Mozart: “Porgi, amor” from “The Marriage of Figaro”
Giordano: “La mamma morta” from Andrea Chenier Bizet: Carmen Suite No. 2, Mvmt III “C’est de contrebandiers-Je dis, que rien ne m’epouvante” |
March 4, 2007 |
| Chris Dana, violin | Ungar: Ashokan Farewell | June 12, 2008 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp
Kay Rinker-O’Neil, flute |
Mozart: Concerto for Flute and Harp | March 2, 2008 |
| Molly Kay Rebeck, cello | Boccherini: Concerto in Bb for Cello | March 2, 2008 |
| Kelli Salisbury, oboe | Marcello: Concert in D minor for Oboe | March 2, 2008 |
| Beau Benson, guitar | Benson: Concerto in C minor for Guitar | March 2, 2008 |
| Michael Dulac, organ | Handel: Concerto for Organ No. 13 “The Cuckoo and the Nightingale” | December 12, 2008 |
| Mark Davies, baritone voice | Mahler: Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of the Wayfarer) | March 1, 2009 |
| Ricardo Villerreal, vocals
Cindy Lyons-Miller, vocals |
Berlin: White Christmas | November 22, 2009 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Debussy: Danses pour Harpe Chromatique avec instruments à cordes | December 13, 2009 |
| Callum Hall, cello | Bruch: Kol Nidrei | April 30, 2010 |
| John Cummings, trumpet
Ross Hoksbergen, trumpet |
Vivaldi: Concerto for 2 Trumpets | April 30, 2010 |
| Fangye Sun, violin | Bruch: Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46 | May 14, 2010 |
| Lyndra Tingley, violin | Ungar: Ashokan Farewell | June 6, 2010 |
| Mike Steele, French horn | Strauss: Concerto No. 1 for Horn in Eb Major | December 16, 2011 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Glière: Concerto for Harp in Eb Major | March 9, 2012 |
| Carolyn Howard, tuba | Vaughan Williams: Concerto for Tuba in F minor | December 14, 2012 |
| Joel Schut, violin | Ravel: Tzigane, rapsodie de concert for Violin and Orchestra | December 13, 2013 |
| Adrian Sanchez, baritone
Carole Marvin, soprano Leo Sell, baritone |
Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45 | March 23, 2014 |
| Brittney Brewster (Sprague), violin | Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor | May 9, 2014 |
| Kelly Krohn, voice | Martin/Blane: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas | December 12, 2014 |
| Yuri Gandelsman, viola | H. Casadesus: Viola Concerto in the Style of J.C. Bach | March 22, 2015 |
| Takeshi Abo, violin | Bruch: Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46 | October 23, 2015 |
| Walter Verdehr, violin | Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 4 | November 20, 2015 |
| Suren Bagratuni, cello | Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 | March 18, 2016 |
| Susan Ha, piano | Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 | May 14, 2016 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez | October 21, 2016 |
| Oleg Bezuglov, violin | Saint-Saëns: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso | December 9, 2016 |
| Lois Geertz, violin
Amanda Wilton, viola |
Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Minor, K. 364 | February 10, 2017 |
| Schyler Sheltrown, soprano
Gillian Cotter, mezzo-soprano John Riesen, tenor Joseph Baunoch, bass |
Mozart: Requiem in D minor, K.626 | March 16, 2018 |
| Gregory Beaver, cello | Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme | October 19, 2018 |
| Ralph Votapek, piano | Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” | March 29, 2019 |
| Michael Dulac, organ | Rheinberger: Organ Concerto No. 1 | December 14, 2019 |
| Sarah Elizabeth Wallace, soprano | Smith: The Star Spangled Banner | November 8, 2021 |
| Karel Abo, violin | Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major, Op.77
Kondo: Fantasie de Zelda |
November 13, 2022 |
| Stephan Stolarchuk, bass trombone | Krush: Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra | December 9, 2023 |
| Bryan Guarnuccio, flute | Hüe: Fantaisie for Flute & Orchestra | November 23, 2024 |
| Onur Alakavuklar, guitar | Rodrigo: “Concierto de Aranjuez” for Guitar & Orchestra | March 1, 2025 |
| Emily Douglass, soprano | Cilea: “lo son l’umbile ancella” from : “Adriana Lecouvreur”
Puccini: “In quelle trine mobile” from “Manon Lescaut” Dvořák: “Song to the Moon” from “Rusalka” |
November 22, 2025 |
Outreach
[edit]The Mason Orchestral Society, as a non-profit, entirely lives on donations, fundraising, grants, sponsors, and partnerships.They do outreach within Mason, Michigan and the greater Lansing, Michigan area. They provide scholarships, opportunities to perform solos, compositions, or conduct. Brian Arnold Scholarship - This scholarship was established in 1992, in honor of the orchestras’ second director. He unfortunately passed due to illness at a young age. Auditions are held every year (only exception in 2021 due to covid-19) for young people aged 18 and under to compete for scholarships to spend on lessons, instruments, music camps, and continued music education. In 1999 and 2001, Brian’s daughter, violinist Kristin Arnold, was awarded the scholarship.[7]
Children’s Concerts - This was an event that was done annually between 1993-1999 to raise money for youth scholarships.[8]
Library Concert - This event was to promote reading by participating in Family Day at the Michigan Library and Historical Center.[9]
Mason Symphony Chamber Players - This group has performed informal programs at assisted living facilities and churches in the Lansing Area.[10]
Pat Clark Concerto Competition - The competition is in honor of Pat Clark who was a Trustee from 1992-2012 and a major contributor. This competition is open to students who are aged 13-18 and who live or take lessons in the mid-Michigan area. The winner receives $500 and has the opportunity to perform their solo with the Mason Symphony.[11]
| Year | Name | Solo |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Richard Liu, cello | Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op.85 |
| 2019 | Eric Yu, piano | Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue |
| 2020 | Eric Yun, violin | Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto |
| 2023 | Arianne Kim, cello | Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 |
| 2024 | Alec Jachalke, bassoon | David: Bassoon Concertino |
| 2025 | Nami Yan, violin | Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 |
Sounds of Summer - This is a summer concert series that takes place at the Lake Lansing Community Band Shell. This series helps raise money to maintain the bandshell for future generations.[12]
Thursday Night Live! - This is a summer concert series that supports the Mason Chamber of Commerce. It takes place on the lawn, in front of the historical Ingham County Courthouse, in Mason, Michigan.[13]
Williamston Summer Concert Series - This is a summer concert series performed at the American Legion Memorial Bandshell in McCormick Park in Williamston, Michigan. It brings attention and visitors to the Williamston social district.[14]
Conductors
[edit]| Name | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Mason Junior Orchestra | |
| Sandra Gerrish* | 1975-1977 |
| Brian Arnold* | 1977-1982 |
| Barbara Hiranpradist* | 1982-1987 |
| Mary Leinweber | 1990-1993 |
| John Dewey | 1994-1995 |
| Joanne Scott (McCloskey)* | 1988-1991 |
| Mary Leinweber | 1991-1993 |
| John Dewey | 1994-1995 |
| Virginia Heller | 1995-2001 |
| Mason Youth Orchestra | |
| Christopher Ryan Hill | 2002-2003 |
| Laura Joella | 2003-2005 |
| Nathaniel Parker* | 2005-2007 |
| David Schultz* | 2007-2008 |
| Mason Philharmonic | |
| David Schultz* | 2008-2009 |
| Beau Benson* | 2009-2010 |
| Lyndra Tingley | 2010-2013 |
| Johnathan McNurlen | 2013-2014 |
| Brittney Brewster (Sprague) | 2014-2016 |
| Catalina Barraza | 2016-2021 |
| Dilek Engin Stolarchuk | 2021-Present |
| Name | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Mason Community Orchestra | |
| Sandra Gerrish* | 1975-1977 |
| Brian Arnold* | 1977-1984 |
| Barbara Hiranpradist* | 1985-1987 |
| Joanne Scott (McCloskey)* | 1988-1998 |
| Glenn Klassen | 1998-2001 |
| Chi-Chung Ho | 2001-2003 |
| Laura Joella | 2003-2005 |
| Dirk Oliver Meyer | 2005-2006 |
| Nathaniel Parker* | 2006-2007 |
| BettyAnne Gottlieb | 2007 |
| Beau Benson* | 2007-2008 |
| Mason Symphony Orchestra | |
| Beau Benson* | 2008-2010 |
| Timothy Krohn | 2010-2014 |
| Suren Petrosyan | 2015-2019 |
| David Schultz* | 2019-Present |
*Conducted both the youth and symphony orchestras.
Awards
[edit]2014 - Special Recognition Mason Area Chamber of Commerce[15]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Mason Orchestra group plans Sunday concert". Ingham County News. June 9, 1976 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ "Re-birth of Orchestra Underway in Mason". Ingham County News. October 1975 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ Mulvany, James E, Hankins, Bill F., and Cotton, James P. “Mason Orchestra Society Articles of Incorporation, Non-Profit Domestic Corporations Articles of Incorporation.” Form CAS-113 (Rev 2-81). Mason, Michigan: State of Michigan, January 27, 1976 - via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives
- ↑ Mason Orchestral Society. "Mason Orchestral Society Bylaws". 2013 - via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives
- ↑ "The Mason Orchestra Society Presents: A Musical Afternoon". Concert Program. June 13, 1976. pp.1–3 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- 1 2 Pohl, Scott (2025-05-01). "Mason Orchestral Society celebrates 50 years of music". WKAR Public Media. Retrieved 2026-01-07.
- 1 2 "31st Anniversary Brian Arnold Scholarship Concert & Silent Auction". Concert Program. March 4, 2007. p. 11– via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Programs from 1993-1999 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ Mason Orchestral Society. Library Concert Program from April 1, 1995 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Poster from August 10, 2024 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Program from May 17, 2013 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Program from June 13, 2008 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ "Courthouse Music Series starts June 6". Ingham County Community News. June 2013 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Program from June 14, 2012 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- ↑ "Mason's Excellence: Mason Area Chamber of Commerce honors community builders". Ingham County Community News. January 12, 2014 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
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