In retrospection of this past Sunday\u2019s concert at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center where local singers Jake Wilder and Mary Ann Falk sang the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein with the Toledo Symphony, I began to think of how this facility has affected local talent.\u00a0 First, let me just say how very proud I was of Jake and Mary Ann!\u00a0 And from the audience reaction, one could feel the love and admiration for their performance.\u00a0 The symphony played well, the concert was programmed well, and Rodgers & Hammerstein composed well, but it was truly an afternoon for Jake and Mary Ann.<\/p>\n
In thinking back over the years since our opening in 2007, many local performers have been highlighted.\u00a0 Obviously the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me has most often been our professional concerts performed by professional musicians; however, we have also been honored to present opportunities to locals that have been quite memorable.<\/p>\n
I think back on how we have been able to use some local talent to back up performers like Marie Osmond, The Four Lads, and Franc D\u2019Ambrosio (Phantom of the Opera).\u00a0 And our talent was just as good as what could have been brought in from outside.\u00a0 I also think of the number of students who performed with the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldier\u2019s Chorus, the Air Force Band of Flight, River City Brass Band, Dallas Brass, Rodney Mack and the Philadelphia Big Brass, Point of Grace \u2026 and even Elvis himself!<\/p>\n
Then I think of the number of workshops and clinics that local students have benefitted from: Franc D\u2019Ambrosio, Thomas Pandolfi, the American Spiritual Ensemble, Dallas Brass, Alpin Hong, Toledo Ballet Theatre\u2019s Nutcracker<\/i>, and on and on.\u00a0 I say on and on because we will continue to look for new ways to nurture local talent — and especially young student talent.\u00a0As we look at next season, we see more great opportunities for local talent to be involved on stage.\u00a0 I just have to believe that people feel like a million bucks performing on the Central Insurance Stage in the Niswonger.<\/p>\n
When the Van Wert County Foundation began the position of performing arts coordinator, and even before the Niswonger was created, one of my goals in this position was to create special opportunities for young people to perform and learn.\u00a0 The Foundation has always been a huge supporter of the youth in our area through scholarships and grants for meaningful projects.\u00a0 We at The Foundation continue to nurture youths in many ways. I am blessed to be able to do it through the arts.\u00a0The Niswonger Performing Arts Center has just amplified what we do in a very professional way.<\/p>\n
Well, I hope you all saw the listing of concerts for the Fountain Park Summer Music Series.\u00a0We are very excited to get outside and enjoy beautiful weather and good music.\u00a0Don\u2019t forget to contact our office with the name of your non-profit organization if you are interested in serving food at one of our Van Wert County Foundation-sponsored concerts in Fountain Park. \u00a0You have until April 1 to have your name included in the lottery.<\/p>\n