×

‘Simply Strings’ offered music, education

WRAPPING UP THE 2017 SEASON — The Ohio Valley Music Guild presented the last of three annual programs on Nov. 19 at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville at its annual membership event and “Simply Strings” performance by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra String Quintet.Guild representatives include, from left, President Judi Gaynor, board member Barbara Jean Losey, event Chair Debbie Elias, board member Dottie Bossert and Marie-Helene Wilson, first vice president. -- Janice Kiaski

“Please enjoy the show!”

That was printed on one of the initial pages of the program book for the Ohio Valley Music Guild’s “Simply Strings” event held Nov. 19 at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville, but the suggestion seemed hardly necessary.

It was easy to enjoy the guild’s third and final program of 2017, this one combining the organization’s annual membership meeting.

Between the lovely decorations, food, music and company, what wasn’t there to appreciate in the days leading up to Thanksgiving?

The evening of “cocktails, dinner and harmonic compositions” involved the planning of guild members Debbie Elias, event chair and second vice president, and her committee that included Judi Gaynor, president; Toni Jean Dondzila, assistant treasurer; and board members Carlotta Jordan and Joe Buchmelter.

The program was part entertainment, part education as the five musicians — Jennifer Gerhard, Maureen Conlon Gutierrez, Ashley Freeburn, Jeffrey T. Magnone Sr. and Elisha Kohanski — performed a mix of classical, light classical, pops, Broadway, opera and film music.

But they also talked briefly about the instruments they play and the pieces they were playing.

The end of their performance afforded an opportunity for the attentive audience to ask them questions, of which there were plenty.

The business side of the evening included nominations from the floor for officers to lead the guild and the announcement by Joseph Irvine-Groves, secretary, about who the 2017 scholarship recipient is. Her name is Shianne Cunningham, an Edison High School graduate and third-year music student at the University of Akron.

On a personal note, I appreciated all the “note-worthy” comments on my outfit, which I couldn’t resist wearing, although I admit I thought it was a bit corny at first. But anything about the Wheeling Symphony is extra special to me as my maternal grandfather was a charter member who played the violin as did my mother.

The guild welcomes new members with $20 being the annual fee, although other donor membership levels are available, from $50 on up. Questions can be directed to Lil Ferguson, membership chair, at (740) 264-2232. Checks can be made payable to the Ohio Valley Music Guild and mailed to the guild at P.O. Box 2158, Wintersville OH 43953.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today