By Amelia Ivory
I am writing to wish my Tulsa family and friends a warm hello from the Pärnu Music Festival in Pärnu, Estonia where I am spending the better part of two weeks sitting in on world-class rehearsals and performances under the direction of the Järvi family conductors- Neeme, Paavo, and Kriistjian. Before coming to Estonia, I spent five days in Verbier, Switzerland at the top of the Alps listening to what was suggested to be the “Best Youth Orchestra in the World”, and an even more sublime professional chamber Orchestra comprised of an international all-star roster of players. I am extraordinarily grateful for this opportunity to see some of the world’s finest.
I have spent a third of my life serving on the Orchestra Faculty with Union Public School. A position I loved and a calling I tried to answer. My colleagues and students are my family so it seems hard to believe that I might consider leaving my position, but in the past month, I made a decision to take a left turn in my career path and will not be returning to Union in the same capacity when the school year starts in August. This was an extremely difficult decision to make, and I would not have done it if I weren’t being called to advocate for my string teacher colleagues and the students we serve in a different way. I have accepted a new full-time position with the Tulsa Youth Symphony as a Program Enrichment Coordinator. I am highly motivated to make a difference for young musicians in the Tulsa area. I became a professional musician because of the many performance opportunities I had while navigating my musical path in Green Country.
I am determined to create a pathway for young Tulsa musicians to have an opportunity to stand atop the Swiss Alps if that is what they want. But I know that I cannot do this alone. If I have had anything emblazoned on me while I have been traveling, it is that a COMMUNITY thrives. I have seen first-hand the impact of music training, lifting up our youth and giving them direction, which is unimaginably needed after the battles and struggles of the last couple of years. Music can bring us together in a way that nothing else can. This is exemplified by the hard work and diligence of our young musicians when they perform. This is why I am dedicated to creating as many new and incredible performance opportunities for our students, both TYS members and non, so that we may lift up our youth and shine a light on the path that will take them as far as they want to go. All the while rooting them on and reminding them that they CAN do this and that their city is standing behind them, just as mine has. We just need to encourage them to Move with Us.
I would like to take a moment to extend an all-call of support from our village, that Richard Wagner, Pete Peterson, and the entire TYS Team and I may carry the torch, or dare I say baton, of Maestro Ron Wheeler’s legacy. Support comes in many forms, whether it be through the giving of time, money, ideas, or support. As the new Tulsa Youth Symphony Program Enrichment Coordinator, I would love to hear from you and any innovative ideas you may have on how we can connect, create community, and help the youth of Tulsa achieve all of their dreams, even if it is on top of the Swiss Alps. I welcome you to e-mail me at amelia.ivory@tulsayouthsymphony.org to share your ideas, and ways that I might be of service. Additionally, if you feel so inclined, a financial donation certainly would put some wind behind my sails, as I begin this journey, or even simply sharing this post. I would be entirely grateful for your assistance as you see fit as I know we are invariably stronger together. Please, Move With Us.
Lastly, I have been blessed with many people who have helped me, and this thank you doesn’t begin to express my gratitude, but I hope to try. First and foremost, I must say thank you to the Rotary Club of Tulsa and the Crescendo Music Award Grant Committee for making my trip to Europe possible, and to Greg Spears with Spears Travel for making all of my travel arrangements. I must also thank Karen Harmon for hosting a conducting workshop with the Tulsa Honors Orchestra and Maestro David Barg who became my conducting mentor (who will be hosting another workshop in Tulsa in November for anyone interested in finding themselves on the podium), and his dear friend Gilad Karni who allowed me to have a sneak peek into the height of European music culture. There are many more people to thank including all the people who helped shape me into the person I am: my educators and colleagues Pete, Paula, Janet, Patti, Terri, Catalina, Rachel, Matt, Diane, and Kelley, as well as the multitude of Tulsa’s finest musicians and teachers I get to work amongst. Last but not least, I must thank my family for their endless support and encouragement, Russ, Marilyn, Alicia, Brent, and Killian.