Triple Play: Symphony of the Mountains’ Events

Music amounts to more than something nice that plays on the radio. Just ask Zane Myers, the executive director of Symphony of the Mountains (SOTM).
“Music here in Southern Appalachia is in our blood,” Myers said.
Indeed, blood, sweat and notes will spill on stage when SOTM offers a show on April 4 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, Tenn.
The next day, same place, SOTM’s Youth Orchestra and String Ensemble plans to show that someday they too belong in the Kingsport-based organization’s lead orchestra.
Then, on April 25 at the Country Club of Bristol in Bristol, Tenn., SOTM will host a lavish gala to raise funds and thus continue their mix of entertainment and education.
“The gala is a six-course, black-tie optional dinner with wine pairings,” Myers said. “We have chefs from around the region, and each will prepare a course.”
Dine, wine and then bid and perhaps win.
“There will be a silent auction,” Myers said. “We have a two-night stay at [a hotel in New York City] across from Carnegie Hall. You can win lunch with New York Times best-selling author Adriana Trigiani.”
The point? They strive to ensure that SOTM continues to entertain and educate with its stellar stable of musicians. With each of them, child and adult, music offers insight into whom we all are.
“We use music when we celebrate; we use it when we grieve,” Myers said. “There are all kinds of academic benefits for kids. It gives them discipline, particularly for at-risk kids. It teaches them social skills.”
And creativity.
That creativity will point to pieces composed long ago by Bach, Haydn and Mozart. For those who think, “Why, I do not know their music,” think again, Myers said.
“The Mozart piece, ‘Symphony No. 40,’ is probably one of his most recognized pieces,” Myers said enthusiastically. “You’ve heard it in all of the ‘Bugs Bunny’ cartoons. Even if you are not a classical music buff, you’ve heard it.”
Boy, how patrons will hear the music this weekend. Popular music bands typically amount to four to five and sometimes six musicians. That does not come close to filling an orchestra and chorus.
“We will have the Milligan College chorus and the Voices of the Mountains on stage to sing Haydn’s ‘Lord Nelson Mass,’ ” Myers said of the April 4 program. “We’ll have about 90 in the chorus and about 40 musicians.”
Mercy.
“It’s a force,” he said. “People will leave the show humming the tunes.”
That’s April 4 and the adults. Then, come back in the afternoon of April 5 for riveting performances from the kids. Get this. The youth orchestra marks its 49th year this year.
“These kids knock our socks off,” Myers said. “There are 55 kids, from Greeneville to Marion. They are incredible.”
Incredible describes an experience of hearing classical music performed live at the symphonic level. It sounds what soaring through the constellations must feel like.
“A symphony orchestra and music played by human beings is a special thing. As an audience, you are part of that,” Myers said. “You can’t replicate that by listening to it on the radio.”
Out of the radio and on the stage of the Paramount. Its hues of gold and red and general grandeur fits symphonic music like stars in nature’s night sky.
“It’s a beautiful room,” Myers said. “This music and that room are kind of meant for each other. It’s elegant music in an elegant room.”

IF YOU GO
Who: Symphony of the Mountains
When: April 4, 8 p.m.
Where: Paramount Center for the Arts, 518 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: $21 for adults, $10 for students
Info: (423) 274-8920
Web and video: http://www.symphonyofthemountains.org

AND
Who: Symphony of the Mountains Youth Orchestra and String Ensemble
When: April 5, 3 p.m.
Where: Paramount Center for the Arts, 518 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: Free
Info: (423) 274-8920

LATER
What: An Evening of Musical and Epicurean Delights: A fundraising gala for Symphonty of the Mountains
When: April 25, 6 p.m.
Where: Country Club of Bristol, 6045 Old Jonesboro Road, Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: $125 per person, $900 for a corporate table of eight people
Info: (423) 392-8423
Web: http://www.countryclubofbristol.com

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .