November 5, 1998

Bach and brownies for orchestra fundraiser

By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
     
      It was a night of brownies and Bach, cider and Strauss.
      At the West Symphony Strings' Dessert Fundraiser last Thursday at Traverse City West Senior High School, concert goers were treated to an array of luscious desserts and apple cider before the music began.
      Luring nearly 100 people with the combination, the group raised approximately $700 for their trip to a string clinic next weekend at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.
      Already performing in their third concert of the year, the 25-member string section played a broad array of music, from the modern movie themes of composer Henry Mancini and the 'Titanic' theme to classics from Bach and Strauss. Members of the section appreciated the musical challenge and depth of the concert.
      "I like playing in the symphony because it gives me a chance to perform in a group that is above me," said Beth Knott, a sophomore who is in the orchestra's second violins section. "You are reaching for something higher than yourself."
      Knott has been playing the violin in since junior high, working with West High School Music Director Catherine Sivits the whole time. Like other members, she practices daily on her own time plus plays an hour a day at school. Before a concert, there is a three-hour rehearsal and an all-day rehearsal the day of the concert.
      "Being in the symphony is a big commitment," Knott said. "You learn a lot."
      The symphony strings had help from two groups for their fundraiser. The food at the fundraiser was created, arranged and served by students in the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District's Culinary Arts program.
      Also, parent volunteers from the Traverse City Music Boosters helped promote the event and half a dozen members were on hand to take tickets.
      "We want to be available to support the teachers in any way we can to promote music in the schools," said Kathy Breithaupt, president of the Traverse City Music Boosters, a parents group that supports all music programs in Traverse City Area Public Schools. "My kids are in the vocal programs but it is important to be totally supportive of all music programs - band, orchestra and voice."
      East Bay Township resident Bill Engle was on hand Thursday night to helpout. Engle has been volunteering with the Traverse City Music boosters for about a year. While he does not have any children himself, he volunteers with the boosters because he believes very strongly in the music programs.
      "I was president of the band in high school and played in college," said Engle, who owns a computer consulting business. "I never got over it, my love of music. I like what music does for children."
      Dianne Klop takes her support for music one step further than most. The music coordinator secretary for the Traverse City West High School's music department also plays in the second violins with the symphony. Klop took up her violin again eight years ago after decades of not playing when, after moving to a small house in Traverse City, her husband asked her to either start playing the violin or get rid of it.
      After playing for the Benzie Symphonette for a few years, Klop began sitting in with the symphony orchestra occasionally five years ago while working at Traverse City Central High School. Last year, with the new school opening and the move mid-year, she played with the West symphony only during the second semester. This year, she spends every lunch hour practicing with the group.
      "My goal this year is to be there every day and for every concert," said Klop, an Interlochen resident who has been playing the violin since fifth grade. "It is really a challenge for me because I have to practice every night to keep up with these kids. We have a fantastic group of string kids this year and a lot of talent, no weak spots."