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Main Street Symphony
Did you once play a string instrument?
Or do you play and wish for a group to join?
Welcome to our Main Street Symphony!
This string orchestra is open to amateur string players who love music and love
making music. There is no audition. Just come to a rehearsal, take
out your instrument and join the fun. Be prepared to laugh and have a
great time. We rehearse on Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Rehearsals are held in the Performance Center at Huthmaker Violins.
The goal of the orchestra is bring together adult
musicians of all backgrounds from beginning musicians to musicians who may be
coming back to their instrument.
In 1995, Dixie's dream was to
sponsor an adult amateur orchestra for the many musicians we saw on a daily
basis in our shop. The biggest problem was finding a space where they
could rehearse. When we bought our new building, we created the
Lynam-Huthmaker Music Center and a rehearsal hall for the orchestra. After
the "Name the Orchestra" contest was held, the lofty title was suggested by
several people and the Main Street Symphony was born!
For the last three years, the orchestra continues
to grow with new members and exciting musical compositions.
Conducted by Dana Lowe, the group gives three
concerts a year and rehearses on Sunday nights in the Music Center. There are no
auditions and no fee to join our group. The only requirement is a love of music.
Dana Lowe is a professional 'cellist with the
Gwinnett Philharmic Orchestra and the orchestra director for Mill Creek High
School. She has conducted award-winning orchestras from Indiana to
Georgia. She holds performance degrees from Louisiana State University
where she became friends with Anna Huthmaker and, later, an 'adopted' Huthmaker.
We are honored that she is the conductor of the
Main Street Symphony.
The goal of the orchestra is bring together adult
musicians of all backgrounds from beginning musicians to musicians who may be
coming back to their instrument.
On the May 20 Pops Concert, several members
included these remarks on the program:
"I love learning and playing with the orchestra!
Thank you for bringing us together. We truly appreciate the opportunity
and your dedication to our continued growth." Windy Levesque,
violinist
"Main Street Symphony is a source of my sanity,
catharsis, and growth. On a secular lever, it has brought me a great bunch
of friends, a good deal of musicial knowledge & a not too shabby Sunday
evening routine." Kristy Chun, your favorite realtor, violinist
"I enjoy watching people who are already musicians
inside perfect the skills to express that music to others. Music is an art
of expression. Only when you can share it with others can you truly
experience it yourself." Carey Carlan, violinist, 'cellist
"After 35 years of not touching the violin, I took it
up again but soon became unsatisfied by myself. Just when I was ready to
give it up again, the Huthmakers created this wonderful orchestra. There are a
few things more satisfying than making music with others. I also got a
chance to play a duet with the orchestra (first time!) and conduct (first
time!). Dixie and Buddy and Anna: you are incredible human beings.
Thanks." Jim Hilton, violinist
"I started playing the 'cello at age 49! I can't
believe I love this so much. Playing in the orchestra is an awesome
experience and I thank you every day for the opportunity. I look forward
to Sunday rehearsals and relish being a part of such an incredible group.
THANK YOU HUTHMAKERS! You don't know how much this means to me."
Nancy Mack, 'cellist
"Dixie: Thanks for making the MSSO possible. It
feels like a family band." Doug Olsen, violinist
I moved to the Atlanta aread two years ago from
Pensacola, Florida. We had a fantastic youth strings program of which I
feel fortunate to have been a part. However, after the high school years,
participation in an orchestra is over in Pensacola unless you are good enough
and have the time to be a member of the Symphony. Imagine my surprise when
I was making some sales calls and stumbled across the Huthmaker Violin Shop.
On a whim, I stopped in to ask whether they were aware of any groups of amateurs
that played together on a regular basis. 'How about downstairs every
Sunday night at 7:00 p.m.? was Dixie's response as she handed me a flyer for the
Main Street Symphony. I feel so blessed to be a part of this little group
of music lovers. Many thanks to the Huthmaker family, Dana our
enthusiastic conductor, and all my friends in the Main Street Symphony."
Paul Clowe, violinist
"As busy as life gets, it is wonderful to know
that every week I will have an opportunity to make music with friends. It
is a beautiful gift. Thank you." Monica Ransom, violinist
"Dixie, thank you so much for giving me this wonderful
opportunity. Working with these musicians is a great pleasure I look
forward to each week. You have provided a beautiful and meaningful
addition to the community." Dana Lowe, conductor
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