“When I listen to Russian music, I want to clap and tell everyone I’m Russian because the music makes me proud of my Russian heritage,” said Marshall who has played violin with FBSO since 2004.

Marshall grew up in Bryansk, a town of 500,000 residents about five hours south of Moscow. Although her parents were professional musicians – her father conducted the Russian Folk Orchestra and her mother conducted a children’s choir – they were not the ones who taught her how to play violin or piano. That was learned at music school, which was added to regular schooling at age 6. Marshall says it was customary to attend music school daily, but only after passing an admissions test.

Marshall went on to study music at the Moscow University of Culture before immigrating to the United States in 1998. Today, the 37-year-old wife and mother enjoys spending time with her two daughters, ages 3 and 5. Through a mother’s group and her own endeavors, she regularly imparts her heritage to her children, celebrating Russian music, dance, language and holidays.

One of her daughters’ favorite Russian tunes is Sabre Dance. This popular song, which FBSO will perform on May 19, is an exciting Armenian dance where the dancers display their sabre skills.

“We listen to Sabre Dance a lot in the car and we’ve watched the ballet on YouTube,” said Marshall. “It’s a really wonderful, passionate piece.”

During From Russia with Love, FBSO will perform a composition by one of Marshall’s favorite composers, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.

“Romeo and Juliet is an amazing piece,” said Marshall. “This music has been used in many Russian and American movies and will be recognized by many. This is one of my favorites of all time! It’s very emotional and shows Tchaikovsky’s romanticism at its best.”

Some of the other selections on the upcoming FBSO program are Russian Sailor’s Dance, Dark Eyes and Colas Breugnon Overture, which features some jazzy syncopation.

From Russia with Love begins at 2 p.m. on May 19 at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road in Stafford. Tickets are available at fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642. Reserved seats for adults begin at $12 with discounts for students, seniors 55 and over, military and groups of 10 or more. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but need a reserved ticket.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Take a break from college basketball and experience a slam dunk of rousing sounds as the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra presents March Madness, a concert of the world’s best marches on Saturday, March 23. The concert begins at 7 p.m. in the B.F. Terry High School Graeber Auditorium, 5500 Avenue N in Rosenberg.

FBSO musicians will perform more than a dozen marches written in the 19th and 20th centuries, many made popular in theatre and film. There’s the light and jovial Turkish March from The Ruins of Athens and the delightful Funicula, Funiculi written to commemorate the opening of a cable railcar on Mount Vesuvius.

Concertgoers will want to whistle along to Colonel Bogey March, made popular in the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. They may even chuckle as they think back to the endless parade of children meeting their teacher during March of the Siamese Children, a delightfulmelody from The King and I.

Of course, no concert of marches is complete without works from The March King John Philip Sousa and the great American composer John Williams. FBSO will perform Sousa’s Washington Post and Semper Fidelis and Williams’ Superman march, first introduced in the 1978 film by the same name.

General admission tickets to March Madness are $10 each and are available online at fbso.org, by calling 281.276.9642 or at the door.

The concert opens with the beautiful Karelia Overture by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. This nationalistic piece celebrates the simple but noble spirit of the people of Karelia, a historical province of Finland that is now divided between Finland and Russia.

Also featured is Maurice Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante defunte, a piece that suggests how a princess would have danced a slow processional in the Spanish courts in earlier times. Both the original piano composition and the orchestral version that followed express the enthusiasm Ravel, a French composer, held for Spanish customs.

The first half of the concert concludes with an amazing performance by pianist Christina Strohmann, winner of the 2013 FBSO Young Artist Concerto Competition.

The second half of Orchestral Masterworks is devoted to Edward Elgar’s Variations on an Original Theme for Orchestra, commonly called Enigma Variations. History holds that Elgar began playing a theme on the piano, then altered it slightly to reflect the characteristics of his friends. The resulting composition features 14 people in the variations, starting with Elgar’s wife and ending with a self-portrayal.

“Although FBSO concerts always include classical music, this is the first one since I became music director in 2008 that features all classical music,” said Agüero. “Orchestral Masterworks is a wonderful opportunity for our audience to listen to, and enjoy, music they might not know. The program will also provide a great challenge for our players! They have asked for a program like this so I’m excited to finally program for their needs.” 

Adult tickets are $12 and $17. Discounts are available for seniors 55 and over, students, military and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.  

Applications for FBSO’s 13th Annual Young Artist Concerto Competition are now available online and must be postmarked by Monday, Dec. 31.

The competition, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at Sherman Clay Piano in Houston, is open to Texas residents who are 18 years of age and younger.

Contestants must perform, from memory, one movement from a concerto or a work from the standard repertoire for solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment that lasts no longer than 12 minutes.

“The Fort Bend Symphony is committed to fostering student musicians,” said Janet Larke, chairperson for the competition. “We are constantly amazed at the high standard of musical talent displayed by these students and our audiences are always impressed by the outstanding performances of these young musicians.”

In addition to performing with FBSO at its February concert, the winner receives a $500 scholarship.

For more information, visit www.fbso.org/Concerto.html.

Also featured are the remarkably talented junior and senior division winners of the Houston Music Teachers Association Concerto Competition who will perform piano concertos with accompaniment from FBSO.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand to spread holiday cheer and pose for photographs. Concert-goers can also visit the Christmas Boutique featuring handcrafted items made by orchestra members.

For the best seats, purchase tickets early at fbso.org or call 281.276.9642. Reserved seats for adults begin at $12 with discounts for students, seniors 55 and over, military and groups of 10 or more. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but need a reserved ticket.

The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Rd in Stafford.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters student musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition that includes a cash prize for the winner and the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra.

Hauntcert features popular music like Phantom of the Opera, The Devil Went Down to Georgia and Thriller, as well as “ghostly” classics like Night on Bald Mountain, Firebird and Funeral March of a Marionette, which is also known as the Alfred Hitchcock theme.Concert-goers of all ages are sure to be spellbound by the magic of the Invisible Conductor and delighted by the costumed orchestra.

Children, as well as adults, are invited to dress in their best Halloween attire for this special concert. During intermission a costume contest will be held with prizes awarded for creativity in these four categories: Ages 6 and under, ages 7 to 12, ages 13 and up, and group/family.

“The debut of this concert was a huge hit in 2010,” said Music Director Dr. Héctor Agüero. “It’s a fun time as FBSO musicians dress up in costume and we perform ghoulishly great music and mix in some magic.”

Tickets to Hauntcert begin at just $12 for adults, while children 12 and under attend free, when accompanied by an adult. Discounts are available for students, seniors 55 and over, military and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.   

The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Rd in Stafford.

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Fort Bend Symphony musicians Charity James and Katherine Leskin are dressed and ready for the symphony’s Halloween-themed Hauntcert concert that features boo-tiful music and some magical surprises.

About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters student musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition that includes a cash prize for the winner and the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra.

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra has been bringing classical music to the Fort Bend area for 21 years. It produces approximately six concerts a year, performing in the wonderful Stafford Centre, Sugar Land Town Square, and other venues. The musicians and staff are committed to making classical music available and accessible to all ages, fulfilling its mission, “Bringing Culture to Your Doorstep!”

We are looking for enthusiastic, energetic people to fill these positions:

Recruiting and Retention Coordinator: Help the FBSO find volunteer musicians who love to play!

Social Media Coordinator: Shout out the wonderful things happening at the FBSO through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms.

Marketing and Media Assistant: Learn the basics of non-profit marketing campaigns while helping craft a strong brand image in the surrounding area.

Box Office Assistant: Learn to efficiently manage and run a box office before each performance, and help our dedicated patrons with their ticket purchases.

Customer Service Associate: Learn how to create and run fundraising events by helping with our Christmas Market and Silent Auction, as well as learn how to help patrons with their subscription questions.

Development Associate: Learn the intricacies of non-profit development by helping with donors, fundraising events, and mailings. Also, learn to write grants and create opportunities for other major donor events.

Full job descriptions can be found at www.fbso.org/interns. This is a part-time volunteer internship, so the schedule will be determined with consultation between the supervising area manager, internship coordinator, and the intern. These internship positions are appointments for the full 2012-13 season (running from August 2012 through July 2013), and all interns are required to attend and help during all of the concerts scheduled throughout the Season. This internship is unpaid, and does not constitute the promise of future work.

How to apply: Choose one or two positions that interest you the most. Attach a resume and a cover letter detailing why you would make a great addition to the FBSO family in the one or two positions that you have chosen, and email it to internships@fbso.org by September 15, 2012. In the meantime, check out our website www.fbso.org for more information about the organization!

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra will perform a free, outdoor concert as part of the annual M.D. Anderson Pink Lighting event at Sugar Land Town Square on Saturday, Sept. 29 beginning at 7 p.m.

The concert features “Stars and Stripes Forever” and a salute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Also on the program are some Disney tunes and other fun music that the entire family will enjoy. The concert is hosted by Square Land Town Square.

Attendees should bring lawn chairs and wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra opens its 21st anniversary season on Sunday, Oct. 28 at the Stafford Centre. FBSO is under the musical direction of Dr. Héctor Agüero. More information about the upcoming season is at fbso.org.

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The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra will again perform a free concert in Sugar Land Town Square to bring awareness to breast cancer.

About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters student musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition that includes a cash prize for the winner and the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra.

• FBSO Conductor's baton, opportunity to conduct the Star Spangled Banner, and conducting lesson with Hector
• FBSO Dinner with the Maestro - Enjoy an evening of conversation with FBSO Music Director Dr. Hector Aguero and his wife, Laura.  Two guests will be treated to a delicious meal with the Maestro.
• Now We're Cooking! - FBSO Assistant Conductor Dr. Dominique Røyem and two guests will experience a cooking class together - Well Done Cooking Classes cutting board included as a souvenir
• FBSO Bravissimo Box - 4 box seats and season-long advertisement in FBSO Program
• The "Bidder's Waltz" - a piece written by Composer-in-Residence, Dr. Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd.  This piece will be dedicated to the name of the winning bidder (or a person of their choosing).  What a unique gift idea! 

 SILENT AUCTION:

• Green Mountain Coffee Roasters $25 Gift Certificate
• Baby gift basket
• Fishing tackle box
• Picnic cooler gift basket
• 3 Gift Certificates for Well Done Cooking Classes
• 4 tickets to Johnny Cash tribute concert at the Stafford Centre
• Panera Bread "Bread for a Year"
• Enchanted Garden garden statue
• Enchanted Garden $50 Gift Certificate
• The Spa At Canyon Oaks Gift Certificate for a massage and facial (Waco)
• Churrasco's of Sugar Land Brunch for 4
• Special Olympics Greater Houston Gift Basket
• 2 tickets to Sun. Jun. 17, 2012, 2:00 p.m. performance by the Houston Ballet of "Romeo and Juliet".  Orchestra seats, Section B, Row I, Seats 13 & 14.
• Sterling McCall Lexus Lexus Sweet Escape Weekend (drive Lexus of choice for weekend); Lexus Golf Package: Round of golf for 2 at Sugar Creek Country Club, Callaway Golf Bag, Box of Titleist Prov VI golf balls, small cooler with Lexus goodies (two thermo cups, Lexus heart key chain, Lexus pen)
• Sandy McGee's Restaurant $20 Gift Certificate
• Lone Star Pet Lodges certificate for 3 days of boarding
• Lone Star Pet Lodges certificate for $25 applied to Training
• Lone Star Pet Lodges certificate for $50 off grooming
• Zoe's Kitchen Sugar Land Gift Basket: 1 pint of Pimento Cheese; 1 pint of Potato Salad; 1 pint of Pasta Salad; 1 pint of Hummus; 1 pint of Chicken Salad; 1 bottle of Greek Dressing; 1 bottle of Spicy Shake; 1 piece of Yaya's Chocolate Cake; 1 Chocolate Chip Cookie; 1 Oatmeal Raisin Cookie; 2 Refillable Sports Cups
• Chick-fil-A Sugar Land and First Colony Mall Gift Basket
• Heavenly DeeLites Slow Cooker Package
• Heavenly DeeLites Slow Cooker Package
• Heavenly DeeLites Tower of Fudge
• Heavenly DeeLites Cowboys hotpad, coasters, oven mitt
• Heavenly DeeLites Texans hotpad, coasters, oven mitt
• Glitz & Glam Girls UT Basket
• Glitz & Glam Girls Texas A&M Basket
• Pampered Chef Gift Basket
• Commemorative 20th anniversary quilted wall hanging
• 2 FBSO Custom Aprons
• Framed print of all season posters
• Autographed, framed 20th anniversary poster
• Musical Note Christmas Ornaments
• Piano Forte Nightclub picture
• Oriental framed instrument
• Small Piano stool
• Treble Clef stone-like wall hanging
• Violin metal wall planter
• Animal print home décor
• Danny the dog, kids books, socks basket
• 2 dozen customized cookies by The Cookie Girl
• Houston Zoo Family Zoo Membership
• Daniel Riffe Black Smithing 1 foot tall treble clef sculpture
• 2 cooking classes by Mother Teresa's Fine Foods
• Marchese Sausage Company Gift Basket
• The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, Inc. Gift Basket
• Shirley Connell Creative Memories Scrapbooking Basket
• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• 2 gift cards for an Intro Week (1 week of unlimited yoga) valued at $25 each to Bikram Hot Yoga in Missouri City
• "Fun in the Sun with Mary Kay" Gift Basket - Mary Kay Sunscreen spf 30; Mary Kay After Sun Replenishing Gel; Mary Kay Lip Protector spf 15; Floppy Hat, Beach bag, sunglasses and a couple of puzzle books
• A Tropical Haven Gift Certificate for spray tanning or facial
• Fadi's Mediterranean Grill $50 Gift Card
• Fadi's Mediterranean Grill $50 Gift card
• TJMaxx/Marshalls/HomeGoods $50 Gift Card
• Framed Cross stitch picture
• FBSO anniversary music cross stitch picture
• Basket of hand-made glass fired candle holders with votives
• Pair of Maui Jim sunglasses
• Perry's Grill Lunch for 4
• Perry's Grill Dinner for 4
• Black-eyed Pea - Missouri City $100 Gift Card
• Bear Creek Golf Club Foursome of golf at Bear Creek Golf Club (Arnold Palmer Course)
• Two Senior Club Memberships for Bear Creek Golf Club (Arnold Palmer Course)
• The Water Ice Factory Home of Original Philly Italian Ices Two barrels of Italian Ices
• Painting with a Twist - Sugar Land (waiting on details)
• Raising Cane Gift Basket
• Painting with a Twist Sugar Land

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• Julia Kay Laskowski
• Julia Kay Laskowski

Julia Kay Laskowski, a Houston celebrity, has performed with every prominent theater in Houston, including the two premier Broadway theaters, Theater Under the Stars and the Alley Theatre.

She sang the title role in Always. . . Patsy Cline for 18 months – the longest-running musical ever in Houston and again in Iowa and at the Texas Repertory Theater in North Houston.

Laskowski is a graduate of California Institute of the Arts, where she began her career as an opera singer. Her operatic experience includes Micaela, Queen of the Night, Zerbinetta, Donna Elvira, Anina and Rosina.

She is also famous for her impeccable comedic talent. Just ask anyone who was lucky enough to catch her performance of Zombina in the musical comedy, “Zombies from the Beyond”. She also played the title role of Miss Lulu in an off-Broadway production in New York. Currently,  she is performing her original musical Country Gravy and Other Obsessions, with her partner Patti Rabaza, and touring Italy for concerts and vocal seminars in August 2011.

Among the works FBSO will perform include “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Richard Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin,” “Emperor Waltz” by Johann Strauss, “Hungarian March” by Hector Berlioz and “Irish Tune” by Percy Grainger. Christopher Henselman, a 16-year-old pianist who has twice performed at Carnegie Hall, will be a featured guest artist as the winner of FBSO’s 2012 Young Artist Concerto Competition.

Also in town for the celebration is Canadian composer Dr. Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd, FBSO’s conductor-in-residence. Planning surprises for FBSO patrons after the concert are three musicians who joined the orchestra during its inaugural season in 1992: Sandy Chapman, Marilyn Conger and Becky Walker.

Reserved adult tickets for Far Away Places are available for $10 and $15. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but need a reserved ticket. Discounts are available for seniors, students and military, as well as groups of 10 or more.

Tickets may be ordered at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.

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Accompanying Photo: FBSO_FarAwayPlaces.jpg
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra musicians prepare to transport concertgoers around the world during their February 19 Far Away Places concert. Standing on the platform of the historical 1879 rail car at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum are Andrea Cope, percussion, and Fangming Zhu, violin. At ground level are Katherine Leskin, cello, and Ashley Clift, clarinet. Serving as conductor is FBSO patron Tom Chapman.

About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters student musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition that includes a cash prize for the winner and the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Christopher Henselman, a 16-year-old pianist and Austin, Texas resident, was recently named the Grand Prize Winner of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 12th Annual Young Artist Concerto Competition. Cellist Andrew Shiau and violinist Melissa Du, students in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, received honorable mentions.

Henselman will be a featured guest artist as the Fort Bend Symphony presents Far Away Places, a concert featuring music from around the world, on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. He will perform the first movement of Prokofieff’s “Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16.”

Reserved adult tickets are $10 and $15. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but need a reserved ticket. Discounts are available for seniors, students, military and groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be ordered at fbso.org and 281.276.9642, or purchased at the Stafford Centre box office on the day of the performance. The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road in Stafford, Texas.

Henselman, a runner-up in FBSO’s 2009 concert competition, has won a host of international, state and regional awards. As a winner in the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition (New York City) at ages 9 and 10, he performed twice in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall with works by Bach, Shostakovich, Debussy and Toch.

The third-year student at Austin’s Veritas Academy has earned multiple prizes in the United States Open Music Competition in California, the United States International Duo Piano Competition in Colorado and the Debose National Piano Competition in Louisiana.  

Shiau, a junior at Jersey Village High School, has won concerto competitions sponsored by the Houston Youth Symphony, Clear Lake Symphony and Houston Civic Symphony. He is a three-time honoree of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Orchestra.

Du began her violin studies at the age of 6. The Cypress Falls High School sophomore has been named to the TMEA All-State Symphony Orchestra and Houston Youth Symphony. She also has wins in concerto competitions sponsored by the Clear Lake and Houston Civic Symphonies.

The all-day FBSO Concerto Competition, supported by piano dealer Sherman Clay, attracted dozens of talented musicians, 18 and younger, from across the state.

Commenting on the high standards and outstanding talent exhibited by the young artists, FBSO competition chairperson Janet Larke said, “Classical music, with these young champions, is very obviously alive and well!”

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters student musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition that includes a cash prize for the winner and the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra.

Thompson joined the Sugar Land Community Orchestra, as FBSO was originally called, in 1994 after a call for musicians went out. One year later she auditioned and won an appointment to the prestigious role of concertmistress.
What the average concertgoer sees on stage versus what Thompson does off stage is probably equivalent to one line of a musical score. Yes, she tunes the orchestra. She also exchanges the customary handshake with Music Director Dr. Héctor Agüero to signal his thanks to the entire orchestra and the mutual respect and cooperation they share. She also performs violin solos, but these are just a fraction of her contributions.

“The concertmistress role is the most important role one can assume in an orchestra second only to the conductor,” said Agüero.
One reason is because custom calls for the concertmistress to serve as assistant conductor if the conductor is unable to fulfill this role. Thompson, whose full-time job is teaching math and technology to middle and high school students, said she wouldn’t dream of doing this in a concert, particularly since FBSO has an assistant conductor. She might, however, consider conducting a rehearsal.
Agüero said as concertmistress, Thompson serves a vital role in leading the string section and working with him to find solutions to any issues that might arise during concert preparation. “Sina has the final say on all aspects of bowings and anything string specific,” he said.

Bowing is the art and science of making sure string players stroke their bows in the same direction for both artistic and musical impact. While there are certainly logical ways for string players to move their bows, the direction the bow is played can affect the sound.

“If I use an up-bow it creates a crescendo,” explains Thompson of the increasingly louder sound. “If there are an odd number of pickup notes, we want to play the downbeat of the first full measure as a down-bow.  There’s also the visual element.”
Although Thompson would love to sit with all principal string players and go through the bowing, as an all-volunteer orchestra there just isn’t time. Instead she discusses and sets the bowings in rehearsals.
For Agüero the musical partnership he shares with Thompson makes his work easier. “Sina is very good at anticipating what I’m about to tell the strings and orchestra,” he said.

In addition to being a talented musician who sets bowings and shows string players how to technically execute Agüero’s instructions, Thompson possesses a charming and steady personality that makes her a natural leader. It is this role that has endeared her to her fellow musicians and makes her so valuable to FBSO.

“I affectionately call her ‘oh, wise one’,” said FBSO Board President Amy Billasch. “Because Sina has been with the orchestra for 17 years and served as president for eight of them, I know she has the historical and leadership background to give me sound guidance.”

Both Billasch and Agüero are quick to describe Thompson as the backbone of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra.
During FBSO’s search for a new music director in 2006-07, Thompson was a vital member of the search committee, helping interview candidates, speaking with members and processing their feedback about potential conductors. Over the years, she has attended nearly every audition by prospective members, as well as the challenges between musicians for their chair placement within a section. This equips her to offer advice, if needed. She has also been known to counsel musicians who are not meeting the obligations that they agreed to when they joined the orchestra.
“Sina is a good leader and she’s always fair,” said violinist Sandy Chapman who has shared a music stand with Thompson for the past 17 seasons.

Chapman also notes that Thompson has given a lot of herself to FBSO and was responsible for writing a grant for many years that secured funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. FBSO received $10,000 yearly for six years until recent cuts in the federal budget. 

Under Thompson’s tenure as FBSO board president, FBSO started a Young Artist Concerto Competition. Now in its 11th season, the competition fosters student musicians by awarding them a cash prize and the opportunity to perform with the symphony during a live concert.

“I’m just happy Sina believes in the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and has given so much of her time to it,” said Agüero.

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After our long hot summer, enjoy “Frosty the Snowman” and “Let it Snow!” Other seasonal favorites include “March of the Toys” and selections from “The Nutcracker.” Of course, no holiday concert is complete without Leroy Anderson’s classic “Sleigh Ride,” which was actually written during the heat wave of August 1946. Santa Claus will also be on hand distributing candy and holiday cheer.

Purchase tickets early to this popular concert by visiting www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642. As always, children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but they need a reserved ticket.

The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Rd in Stafford, Texas.

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Accompanying Image: FBSO_DeckTheHalls.jpg
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra members Kathryn Herod, French horn, and Lonny Yu, trombone, surround themselves with holiday trimmings at Tattle Tales Interiors & Gifts in preparation for FBSO’s December 4 Deck the Halls concert. (Photo by Coleman Locke)

About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – As the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra opens its 20th anniversary Season of Surprises on October 16, look for audience giveaways and the world premiere of “Fanfare: Texas Surprise.” The season opener, aptly titled In An English Garden, begins at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre and features selections by British composers like Edwin Elgar, William Walton and The Beatles.

FBSO and its music director, Dr. Hector Aguero, commissioned Canadian composer Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd to write the fanfare in celebration of the orchestra’s 20th anniversary season and Pishny-Floyd’s 70th birthday.

Pishny-Floyd has served FBSO’s composer-in-residence since 2006. The prolific composer has had his works performed in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Israel and on CBS. A doctoral graduate of the Eastman School of Music and an associate of the Canadian Music Centre, he has written more than 700 works in his lifetime.

In addition to the fanfare, In An English Garden features Walton’s “Crown Imperial,” Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1” and a medley of 14 popular songs by The Beatles entitled “All You Need is Love.” Also performing are the extraordinarily talented junior and senior division winners of the Houston Music Teachers Association/Houston Young Artist Concert Concerto Competition.

Adult tickets for In An English Garden are available for $10 and $15. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but need a reserved ticket. Discounts are available for seniors, students and military, as well as groups of 10 or more.

Tickets may be ordered at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.

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Accompanying Image: FBSO_EnglishGardenConcert_Web.jpg
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra members capture the mood of their 20th season opener, In An English Garden, set for October 16 at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. From left, Diana Quam, violin; Rufus Chaney, French horn; Joe Mack, bass; and Marilyn Conger, clarinet and a founding member of FBSO.  (Photo by Coleman Locke)

About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra will perform a free, outdoor concert as part of the second annual M.D. Anderson Pink Lighting event at Sugar Land Town Square on Saturday, Oct. 1 beginning at 7 p.m.

The concert features patriotic music and a salute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as selections from FBSO’s upcoming 20th anniversary season of surprises. The concert is sponsored by Square Land Town Square.

Attendees should bring lawn chairs and wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness month.

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra opens its 20th anniversary regular season on Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Stafford Centre. FBSO is under the musical direction of Dr. Héctor Agüero. More information about the upcoming season is at www.fbso.org.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

The 20th anniversary subscription series includes an exciting collection of concerts filled with audience requests:

In An English Garden on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011
Featuring music of Elgar, Walton, and the Beatles

Deck the Halls on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011
Featuring holiday favorites

Far Away Places on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012
Featuring music from around the world

On Broadway on Sunday, May 20, 2012
Featuring favorite Broadway hits

All concerts are held at 2 p.m. at the lovely 1,100-seat Stafford Centre located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Road in Stafford. Parking is free.

Season Ticket Information
Season subscriptions to the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 2011-2012 four-concert series are priced at $40, $60 and $100 and are available at fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642. Discounts are provided for seniors over 55, military with I.D., and students. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but must have reserved seats.

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The Hildebrandt Family
Mayor Leonard Scarcella
The Stafford Centre
The Ogletree Family
Becky Walker
Kaplan Test Preparation
Regina and Coleman Locke
Mr. & Mrs. G. Godfrey and Family
Rosalind Dworkin
CZ Luxe
A Little Ol’Factory
Julius & Beverly Baumann
Representative Charlie Howard
Hal Cooke
Opera in the Heights
The University of Houston Moore’s School of Music
Tejas Restaurant
Pho Nguyen Restaurant
Starbucks
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Teacher Heaven
Urban Kneads
Customized Massages
Diana Quam
Cynthia Whitty
John Gearhart
Huai-Mei Chiang
Robert, Amy, and Austin Billasch
Nancy Bowen
Fangming Zhu
Ashley and Ryan Clift
Dominique RØyem
Hector and Laura Agüero

Thank you to all our wonderful donors and volunteers for their support!

Concert-goers are sure to enjoy selections from a variety of cinematic genres including Star Wars, E.T., Bridge Over the River Kwai, James Bond 007 and many others. In addition to Star Wars, FBSO will perform a generous number of compositions by John Williams, one of the film industry’s best known composers.

In addition, 16-year-old Nina Sandberg, co-winner of the FBSO’s 10th Annual Young Artist Concerto Competition, will perform the 3rd movement of the Saint-Saens Violin Concerto No. 3.

Reserved seating is only $10 and $15 for adults. Children 12 and under are free with a reserved ticket. The standard discounts for seniors, students and military apply.

Tickets are available at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.