APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — For the first time in more than a year, the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra is preparing for its upcoming season. Rehearsals are starting up once again this weekend.
Ronna Swift is a 55-year veteran to the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra. She’s a former music teacher and plays double bass. But when she thinks about t he last 14 months, there wasn’t a lot of of strumming coming from that bass.
“My bass sat there and I looked at it longingly and I played it once in awhile,” said Swift.
Now her and 35 others are back together for their first weekend of practice.
“I just finished my vaccinations and I’m starting to get back around,” said Swift. “To make music with other people it’s much more fun for me than just playing at home.”
It’s a similar feeling that brings a smile to Director Kevin Sütterlin’s face. That you can see, even underneath the mask.
“It’s of course what we live for, as musicians to make music and express ourselves from music,” said Sütterlin It’s very meaningful and kind of emotional.”
The orchestra is making it work by following what many are now used to by masking and social distancing.
Then other things, that only an orchestra would have to consider.
“Every 40 minutes we take a 12 minute ventilation break,” said Sütterlin.
The group is also missing a few instruments you may have seen in the past. Such as bass trombone, which Eric Larsen usually plays.
“Singing and wind and brass instruments obviously have other considerations because of blowing through the instruments and air flow and things of that nature,” said Larsen. “So one of the things we’re doing and other groups are doing is starting with smaller ensembles.”
As for what to expect during performances, the upcoming season will be a tribute to everything the Fox Valley and world have been through during the pandemic.
“It’s going to be a celebration of the people in our community,” said Sütterlin. “It’s a celebration of science, celebration of human resilience.”
The Symphony’s first performance back at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center will be in November.
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Fox Cities P.A.C Box Office at 920-730-3760.
Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra subscribers can also renew their seats by calling the ticket office at (920) 730-3760 or by mail at 400 west College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911. The renewal deadline is May 31, 2021.
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