From Executive Director
Bess Rodgers
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I Am Home
September 10, 2011
My name is Bess Rodgers, and I have the privilege of being the new Executive Director for the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra (NDSO). I was introduced to the (NDSO) this past summer, at one of the most brilliant concerts I have ever attended. I love music, especially classical. In high school, I was in the chorus and played oboe and piano, but since then I have to admit that my life has not been centered on music. A performer I am not, but an avid listener, I have always been. So when Dave Baxter, the Symphony's founding father and current President, invited me to attend the concert, I was thrilled. My childcare for the evening fell through, so I ended up bringing my 3 month old. As soon as I walked into the Rhinebeck High School's auditorium, my son, husband and I were transformed and transfixed to another universe. The music, the energy and the dancing blew me away. It was like nothing I have ever experienced. Sitting in the seats of the audience with my loved ones, I had entered another world. I watched as dancers interpreted what I was feeling inside. There was ballroom dancing, swing dancing, and even Irish river dancing. The explosion of energy brought my son and I to tears; he was a little startled by the ever-increasing crescendos and I was touched to the very bottom of my soul. The performers, both young and old, held me at full alert. The conductor excitedly aroused my attention and provided descriptions for what I was feeling. It had become a moment I will never forget. I was sharing my love for music with my son for the very first time. I could feel the energy of the crowd, their enthusiasm, their ever increasing happiness with each passing note. I become just as happy. Music has become more to me than notes and sounds. I found the soundtrack of my life. I was home.
September 10, 2011
My name is Bess Rodgers, and I have the privilege of being the new Executive Director for the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra (NDSO). I was introduced to the (NDSO) this past summer, at one of the most brilliant concerts I have ever attended. I love music, especially classical. In high school, I was in the chorus and played oboe and piano, but since then I have to admit that my life has not been centered on music. A performer I am not, but an avid listener, I have always been. So when Dave Baxter, the Symphony's founding father and current President, invited me to attend the concert, I was thrilled. My childcare for the evening fell through, so I ended up bringing my 3 month old. As soon as I walked into the Rhinebeck High School's auditorium, my son, husband and I were transformed and transfixed to another universe. The music, the energy and the dancing blew me away. It was like nothing I have ever experienced. Sitting in the seats of the audience with my loved ones, I had entered another world. I watched as dancers interpreted what I was feeling inside. There was ballroom dancing, swing dancing, and even Irish river dancing. The explosion of energy brought my son and I to tears; he was a little startled by the ever-increasing crescendos and I was touched to the very bottom of my soul. The performers, both young and old, held me at full alert. The conductor excitedly aroused my attention and provided descriptions for what I was feeling. It had become a moment I will never forget. I was sharing my love for music with my son for the very first time. I could feel the energy of the crowd, their enthusiasm, their ever increasing happiness with each passing note. I become just as happy. Music has become more to me than notes and sounds. I found the soundtrack of my life. I was home.
Their Dreams Become My Dreams
10/22/2011
I went to my first full Board meeting for the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra. I had been too many board meetings in throughout my career, and have even conducted many of them myself, but I have never been to a meeting where so many people were so committed, so energetic, and so deeply enthusiastic for the cause. These were volunteers from the community that seemed as focused and efficient as any paid staff personnel I have ever worked with. As I sat there, among this group of incredibly friendly individuals, I finally understood what it really looked liked like to follow a dream. These are not people that concern themselves with the impossible. I mean, they manage an entire orchestra on a shoestring budget. These are people that simply ask “what can I do to help.” I am truly honored to be part of this dynamic group and consider myself privileged to be working for them. Their dreams have become my dreams. And I am so excited to see where their vision will take us.
10/22/2011
I went to my first full Board meeting for the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra. I had been too many board meetings in throughout my career, and have even conducted many of them myself, but I have never been to a meeting where so many people were so committed, so energetic, and so deeply enthusiastic for the cause. These were volunteers from the community that seemed as focused and efficient as any paid staff personnel I have ever worked with. As I sat there, among this group of incredibly friendly individuals, I finally understood what it really looked liked like to follow a dream. These are not people that concern themselves with the impossible. I mean, they manage an entire orchestra on a shoestring budget. These are people that simply ask “what can I do to help.” I am truly honored to be part of this dynamic group and consider myself privileged to be working for them. Their dreams have become my dreams. And I am so excited to see where their vision will take us.
What A Joy To Perform
November 4, 2011
Here is a guest blog from one of our talented musicians: What a joy to perform with the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra! Each concert, whether it's a classic program, opera gala, or pops concert is lovingly and thoughtfully put together by our conductor Kathy Beckmann and our faithful board of directors. Our orchestra is made up of the very finest performer/educators in the region and we truly enjoy taking our audience back in time to experience the great masterpieces of music. Come and join us at NDSO for an inspiring and exciting evening of the world's great music. Dr. Joel Evans Principal oboe, Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra
November 4, 2011
Here is a guest blog from one of our talented musicians: What a joy to perform with the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra! Each concert, whether it's a classic program, opera gala, or pops concert is lovingly and thoughtfully put together by our conductor Kathy Beckmann and our faithful board of directors. Our orchestra is made up of the very finest performer/educators in the region and we truly enjoy taking our audience back in time to experience the great masterpieces of music. Come and join us at NDSO for an inspiring and exciting evening of the world's great music. Dr. Joel Evans Principal oboe, Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra