The Willamette Valley Symphony accomplishes its activities under the direction of Music Director/Conductor and Executive Director, Sean Paul Mills, D.M.A. The WVS develops and implements its concert season after Maestro Mills and the Players Committee discuss and weigh the various options available to the organization for the coming season. This process requires detailed research and discussion regarding repertoire selection, soloist recruitment and hiring, auditioning of performers, scheduling and running of rehearsals and performances, presentation of pre-concert discussions, creation and implementation of outreach and educational programs, distribution of appropriate media-related materials (display advertising, PSAs, press releases), purchasing of music- and non-music-related supplies, creation and maintenance of organization's databases, development of fund-raising activities, creation and maintenance of the WVS’ website, development of strong bonds within the local communities and with other local and regional performing arts organizations, participation on committees and in community outreach programs hosted by other organizations, and other similar activities.

We are always looking for new members! Not everyone who contributes does so as a musician; many talents and abilities are necessary in an orchestra's organization. Please feel free to contact our Music Director, Sean Paul Mills, at willamettevalleysymphony@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us.

Anticipated musician openings for the 2010-2011 season include: violin 1 and 2, viola

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A Musing

(contributed by an orchestra member)

 

After Orchestra Practice

 

I am old,

Many years away from the seriousness of technical musical skills;

Old fingers,

Pretending to control the dictates of the classical literature,

 

I am always holding down the urge (when faced with a flat key)

To play the open strings full force,

The clean sound of the fifth blasting into the complicated harmonic niceties

Of the composer's well-written chord.

 

I appreciate the discipline.

 

But I am beyond perfection,

Can play one note in four with gusto

(hoping no one will notice).

Happiness can but add my old soul to this energy.

 

Humor makes it work;

The conductor knows how to laugh,

Encouraging all our maladies with

"Good!" and "Very Good!"

(when we know what a mess we've made).

 

The old masters may not be pleased;

But we are having fun,

And try our best to

Honor every one.

For this effort all are equal,

a musical gift for all the people!