Pops in the Park

People Editor

The Sierra Philharmonic League's 23rd annual Pops in the Park was a "great event," according to league president Bill Bandes, who was happy to have the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra's main conductor Barry Jekowsky conducting.

"I had lots of positive comments. Some mentioned that they especially liked the choice of music, and thought that having Barry Jekowsky was a plus," said Bandes.

The event took place on July 4 at the Orchard House in Genoa this year since the usual venue, the Mormon Station State Historic Park, is under renovation. Pops included performances by various musicians including the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, the Celtic singing group, Gáirín, the Reno Silver Dollar Chorus with barbershop-style music and strolling violinists from Carson Valley Violin School.

Bandes said that Gáirín will probably return next year, but the Reno Silver Dollar Chorus will be in competition at that time.

Incoming Sierra Philharmonic League President Bob Verzello said he had never seen so many volunteers as there were this year.

"In my years with SPL, I've never seen so many volunteers converge on Pops in the Park as I did this year," said Verzello. "It's a great tribute to everyone involved.

"Over the past few months, there have been a lot of SPL 'heroes' who made it all happen with many hundreds of hours of work. I hope to be able to express appreciation for their efforts in person during the months ahead."

The program included a violin solo of "Schindler's List" by Andrew McIntosh, who received a $1,000 scholarship from the league following his performance.

"At the Fourth of July Pops in the Park, Andrew McIntosh had just performed the haunting violin solo from "Schindler's List" with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra," said Jane Johnson in an e-mail. "With many in the audience standing, the Sierra Philharmonic League presented Andrew with a $1,000 scholarship as he prepares to attend the California Institute of the Arts for a dual master's degree in violin and viola.

"A native of Gardnerville, Andrew studied violin as a child at the Carson Valley Violin School and with Carol Seebach in Carson City before moving on to work with Phillip Ruder at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he just completed a bachelor's degree in music. Funds for the scholarship were provided by a generous grant for music education from the Smallwood Foundation."