The project targets both performers (as an educational/performance opportunity) and their communities:

The project provides an opportunity for schools of different backgrounds to partner their orchestra programs and prepare a concert program. The participating ensembles are paired-up into 3-4 larger orchestras. At the end of the performance all schools perform a grand finale as one gigantic orchestra with a notable guest conductor. The guest conductor gives the students a clinic. The students are engaged musically, socially, and academically.

Past guest conductors include:

• Mr. Mark Barnard, Composer and Damonte Ranch High School (Reno, NV) Orchestra Director
• Dr. Jim Bates, Otterbein University
• Prof. Doug Droste, Ball State University
• Dr. Jackson Leung, Wright State University
• Dr. Robert Gillespie, The Ohio State University
• Maestro Neal Gittleman, The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
• Prof. Travis Jurgens, Ohio Northern University
• Dr. Patrick Reynolds, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Associate Conductor & University of Dayton faculty

The project brings together the families and friends of NINE communities to enjoy a wonderful concert in a non-competitive environment. It instills pride in the individual communities these schools represent. It provides an unique concert experience for the audience.

The project is run by a committee of participating directors.

1. Spring 2018-Directors met to set a date and location for the event. At this time ideas for a special commission work were brought forwards. The event has been hosted at Centerville High School for many years. However, for the 50th Anniversary grants were obtained for a special performance venue, The Dayton Masonic Center. The venue is historical and beautiful. Truly a once in a lifetime experience for some of our students.
2. Summer 2018- A composer for the commission was secured, Brian Balmages. The venue was locked-in for the October 29 concert date.
3. Mid-August 2018- Directors met to select literature for the orchestra subsets. This year a commemorative t-shirt was designed which will be the uniform for the performance. Details for the clinic with Brian Balmages and the commissioned work “Eat My (Rosin) Dust” were solidified.
4. August through October 2018. Individual schools work on selected literature during class time. The partnered ensembles meet two times to work on their portion of the concert as well as the grand finale music. Information for concert programs is collected and the programs are designed/printed. Stage directions are worked-out. Directors secure field trip permission, Emergency Medical Forms, and transportation for the combined rehearsals as well as the performance.
5. October 29, 2018. Volunteers help set the stage for the performance. Each school arrives at the prescribed time and goes directly to a clinic with the guest conductor on the Grand Finale music. After dress rehearsal students in Orchestra II, III, & IV are seated in the audience, and Orchestra I takes the stage. Directors facilitate the stage rotation and getting students in place for the finale.
6. November 2018. Wrap-up meeting will be held and planning for next year will begin.

Each of the following supporters receive recognition in the concert program for their monetary contribution:

• Ohio Music Education Association District XI
• The Dayton Foundation (an endowment from the Wildman family in honor of founding director, the late John Wildman)
• A donor wishing to remain anonymous paid for the commissioned work.
• Baroque Violin Shop

By receiving financial support, there is typically no cost to the students to participate and only a minimal cost per school. Additionally this allows us to present the concert free of charge. For this year only there will be a minimal fee per student for t-shirts and dinner while onsite. Any student unable to pay will have their cost absorbed at the individual school level.

Of course the biggest impact is on the students participating. Many consider this event the highlight of their year. The ability to work with a renown conductor and educator is impactful on their development as a musician. Some of the school programs are small so this event provides an opportunity to perform with an orchestra with full instrumentation. Coming together in a non-competitive environment inspires the students to learn from each other and promotes fellowship. And of course, bringing this many students together to create music is truly magical.

The audience is amazed by what is accomplished in such a short period of time. And as said above, “the project brings together the families and friends of NINE communities to enjoy a wonderful concert in a non-competitive environment. It instills pride in the individual communities these schools represent. It provides an unique concert experience for the audience.”

Typically there is minimal cost for this event. However as this is the 50th Annual, we have planned some special components which has raised the cost.

For 2018:

• $5000 for a commissioned piece.
• $2500 rental of the Masonic Center
• $2000 t-shirts
• $500-$800 guest conductor
• $100 printing and paper cost

As this is the 50th Annual Evening of Stings event, we commissioned a piece and rented a special location as well as designed a commemorative t-shirt to serve as our uniform for the concert.

Certainly there is growth in the musicians between sight reading the music and staging the performance. Additionally the event is well attended each year. Students report it is a highlight of their year. That we receive monetary support from OMEA as well as area businesses indicates that this is a worthy and import experience for the musicians and communities.

• Start planning at least a year in advance.
• Make sure to communicate to all directors often.
• Secure the guest conductor early and through written contract.
• Succinct stage directions and plans are imperative in keeping the performance moving and all involved safe.