After seven years working with Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras to provide music education programs and performance opportunities for young people, Andrew Wickesberg has announced he will be departing from his role as Symphonette Conductor at the end of the 2019-20 Season.
During his tenure, Andrew focused on teaching the musicians in Symphonette to love music and to have fun making it.
“I love thinking of the hundreds of young musicians who have learned that from him,” said Executive Director Lindsey Nova. “One of my favorite things has been sitting with Andrew in new member auditions. I saw time and time again when a child would be nervous and shaking, and within a few minutes using some combination of a joke, perhaps a funny accent or impromptu dance move, he quickly put the student at ease. Andrew brings out the best in students.”
The orchestra’s young musicians, as well as the staff, Board, alumni, and musical partners, will miss Andrew’s musicianship and leadership.
“Andrew has been a passionate advocate for Symphonette and TRYPO since his appointment as its conductor,” said the organization’s Music Director Brian Worsdale. “His enthusiasm for the work he has done to raise the level of this ensemble is evident in every rehearsal he is in with those young people. His artistic partnership and openness made my first year here a great start to my tenure.”
Andrew’s fondest memories of Symphonette are the personalities he has encountered over the years.
“Each student brings a different perspective to Symphonette that I have deeply enjoyed and appreciated as I have gotten to know them,” Andrew said. “I look forward to watching the organization continue to grow and develop. I wish Brian, Lindsey, and the rest of the team, the best, and know that under their leadership, both Symphonette and Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras will flourish.”
Over the next few months, the Board will be conducting a thorough search to find Symphonette’s next conductor. They will prioritize finding a vibrant leader with a true passion for Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras’ mission: providing well-rounded music education programs and performance opportunities for young people to foster lifelong passion, appreciation, and support of music.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank Andrew Wickesberg for his considerable dedication and musical leadership as Symphonette’s conductor,” said Board President Paul Doerksen. “Always sensitive to the musical growth and joy of music-making for all, Andrew is a consummate educator who consistently created engaging rehearsals for ensemble members and superb performances for audience members.”
Applications will be accepted for the Symphonette Conductor position until March 2, 2020. Click here for more details about the job announcement.
Click here for more information about Andrew Wickesberg.
Download a .pdf of the full press release.
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