June 2023
San Luis Obispo Symphony’s Newsletter

HIGH NOTES
SLO Chamber Expo
The Symphony participated in the SLO Chamber Expo at the Madonna Inn Expo Center on May 17, 2023. The theme of this years expo was magic and our booth had a Harry Potter theme. It was such a pleasure to connect with other non-profits and businesses in our community. Thank you to Covelop for sponsoring our booth at the event!

Parties With A Purpose
Parties With a Purpose (PWP) are a fun way for hosts and guests to support the program fundraising goals of the Symphony. To host a parties with a purpose please email [email protected].
An Evening with the President and the Maestro
The hosts, Board President Jim Walker and Maestro Andrew Sewell, began the evening with craft cocktails, hors-d’oeuvres, and a recital with May concert saxophone soloist Anthony Yi and Symphony English Horn musician Heidi Butterfield Yi. This sophisticated evening continued with fine dining, candlelight, scrumptious wine, and abundant laughter. Chefs Kathryn Walker and Jim Walker created A Grand Tour, an international nine course culinary experience with wine pairings for six fortunate and thrilled guests.

Cinco De Mayo
Guests celebrated Cinco de Mayo at the home of long time Symphony supporter and former board president Cindy Marie Absey. Fiesta hostess Cindy Marie served a delicious Mexican themed buffet accompanied by Mexican adult beverages with neighbor Shannon Smith tending bar. Guitarist Vince Como provided an evening of exceptional music for the enjoyment of the twenty-four guests.

The Ultimate PAC Tour Behind the Curtain
Clif Swanson, former Symphony Music Director, Bass Player, and member of the PAC design Team, and Jane Swanson former Symphony French Horn player, hosted a one of a kind backstage tour of the Performing Arts Center.
Clif said “It was great to be able to share with 16 Symphony supporters who had been at the PAC many times but did not understand how sophisticated it is . . . one member of the group commented that she would never see the PAC the same way and it added greatly to her appreciation of the various kind of events it handles so effortlessly.”
Highlights included Symphony board member Stefan Podell trying out the various sounds on the Forbes pipe organ, and touring the Green Room dedicated to silent movie star and former North County resident Colleen Moore.

Orchestra Notes
Musician Sponsorships
The SLO Symphony’s musicians are talented members of our community. A great way to show your appreciation for their hard work and to honor their accomplishments is to become a musician sponsor. Every month this summer we are going to highlight different musician’s who you can sponsor! Visit our website to view our sponsorship guide and find page 9 to learn more! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please email [email protected].
Jayden Perez
My name is Jayden Perez and I am currently in my third year at Cal Poly, studying music with an emphasis in playing the viola. I started playing viola in the public school system in Visalia, California when I was ten and realized I wanted to pursue music when I was encouraged to take lessons by my orchestra teacher in High School. I have been blessed by the countless opportunities that Cal Poly’s music program has provided me, leading to playing with the SLO Symphony and other local orchestras. They have all provided the opportunity for me to really grow and be surrounded by wonderful musicians!

Nancy Smee

Music Education Notes
- Christopher Woodruff, Concert Orchestra
- Tanya Streder, Academy Strings
- Al Streder, Symphonic Winds
- Grace Seng, Preparatory Strings

High Notes Humor



