MYSO of Atlanta Passes the Baton, Dr. Marilyn Seelman Retires After Two Decades
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 07, 2014 -- Following the MYSO (Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestras of Atlanta) Spring Concert, 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 17th at the Salvation Army Worship Center, after serving for two decades as MYSO’s Music Director and Symphony Conductor, Dr. Marilyn Seelman will be handing over the baton to Chris Thibdeau, MYSO’s new Music Director and Symphony Conductor effective for the 2014/2015 Season.
“As a founding member of this progressive, influential and highly regarded youth orchestra program, I am confident, as I pass the mantle of MYSO Music Director and Symphony Conductor on, that my successor, as a highly accomplished musician, esteemed conductor, and experienced youth orchestra leader, will enhance MYSO’s tradition of excellence,” said Dr. Seelman of Chris Thibdeau. She continued, “I am so proud of MYSO and know that, under the musical direction of Mr. Thibdeau, it will continue to grow and prosper.”
“I’m excited and honored beyond words to have been selected to succeed Dr. Seelman. I am looking forward to building on MYSO’s tremendous legacy, continuing to grow its capabilities and furthering the music education and development of Atlanta and the Southeast’s most talented youth musicians,” said Chris Thibdeau.
“We are grateful that our exhaustive search, which included candidates from three continents, has concluded with such success. We are proud to bring Chris to the podium at MYSO, as he is gifted, personable, thoughtful, highly accomplished and still growing. We’re excited to see his career and MYSO grow to new heights as Chris becomes MYSO’s Music Director,” said Jacques Murphy, MYSO Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Murphy added, “We will miss Dr. Seelman greatly, yet respect her desire to move forward to new challenges. She has served Atlanta’s youth musician community with truly extraordinary commitment and dedication, and has made MYSO what it is today. We are forever grateful to her.”
Speaking on behalf of MYSO youth musicians, MYSO Principal Cellist, Ian Chen, a senior at Brookwood High School, “we are looking forward to Mr. Thibdeau directing us and continuing our tradition as one of Atlanta’s most competitive and vital youth symphony opportunities.”
Mr. Thibdeau, a cellist, completed his undergraduate work at the Eastman School of Music in Cello Performance, Rochester, NY, and then completed his graduate work in conducting at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Relocating to Atlanta two years ago, Mr. Thibdeau quickly grew his personal studio for private instruction and was named Conductor of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Chamber Music Festival, Atlanta Music Project Orchestra, and Associate Conductor of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.
Prior to moving to Atlanta, he had conducting positions in New York, Kentucky and Ohio. He currently also holds several faculty assignments including Clayton State College, and Cobb County Schools.
Perhaps the clinching moment for Mr. Thibdeau in gaining the MYSO appointment, when asked in his interview what is most important that he do for MYSO Youth Musicians, he simply, genuinely and spontaneously said, “To inspire a lifelong love of music.”
MYSO’s upcoming Spring Concert is Saturday, May 17th, 2:00 PM, at the Salvation Army Worship Center, 2090 North Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30329. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.mysoatlanta.com. The concert is open to the public.
The Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestras of Atlanta, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3)non-profit organization. Recognized as Atlanta’s most traveled youth orchestra, MYSO has performed across the United States, including at Carnegie Hall and the Super Bowl XXXIV Halftime Show, as well as in Asia, Europe and South America.
The primary goal of MYSO of Atlanta is to instill a life-long love for music in its members. MYSO of Atlanta is committed to developing the educational opportunities of Atlanta’s talented young musicians. We continue to expand the music programs available to MYSO students by providing intensive symphonic rehearsals, public performances, sectional coaching, chamber music ensemble training and travel opportunities, as well as awarding scholarships for continuing music education.
Karen Hunt, MYSO of Atlanta, http://www.mysoatlanta.com, +1 404-545-2310, [email protected]
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