As we designed the 2008-09 season for the La Porte County Symphony, we were keenly aware that the concept of "fabric" was central to the theme and overall plan.  From the season poster and program concerts to the receptions and pre-concert lectures, all were planned to bring the orchestra closer to the community it serves.  The hope was to continue to make the orchestra something that is interwoven into the daily fabric of the community.

In performing works such as "Ellis Island," "Liberty for All," or the world premiere of "Under the Bo Tree," the orchestra was stretched musically, local actors were stretched dramatically, and the audiences were stretched and captivated by the convergence of talent through many different media.
Planning a season is exciting and daunting at the same time.  There are many expectations placed on the musicians, staff and community from our Board of Directors and the Music Director.  Each year there is a sense of renewed hope that the orchestra will truly touch lives and make a difference. Although the future is always unknown at the beginning of the season, I have come to learn and appreciate that, by the end of the season, new and unexpected benefits emerge from the programs we have presented and the connections we have made.  That certainly held true this year.

We had a great theme this year.  Who could foresee how warm and comforting a "Made in the USA" theme would be during the sudden and unpredictably harsh economic times.  The orchestra gave the community many reasons to celebrate and be proud of its citizens.  The Community Festival Concert brought together so many different communities, embodying many different fabrics in our lives.  These fabrics were all held together by a common thread - the passion for life.  Dancers, singers, a storyteller, audience members and a symphony orchestra all shared a oneness in time and space as we savored the talent surrounding us in a true community festival.

The subscription season concluded with a new artistic trio involving two theater companies and a symphony orchestra.  The effort showcased a wide variety of talent, music and a broad sampling from the life of Broadway.   Using a unique stage setup and a multitude of vocal configurations, the orchestra presented a highly entertaining evening of song.
Close on the heels of another outstanding Hoosier STAR we are reminded of the unique place this orchestra holds in making dreams come true and fostering new relationships.  The relationships built through Hoosier STAR have opened the eyes of many community members to the precious gem we are entrusted to keep polished and shining brightly at all times - a symphony orchestra.  It is easy for us to take for granted many aspects of our symphonic life and to forget that the mere existence of it is something quite miraculous. 

Let us keep the gem shining at all times.  We must polish it regularly in order to keep its luster pure.  We should not be afraid to place it on pubic display for everyone to see and enjoy, but we should be cautious not to place it in harm's way.  Cooperation rather than isolation should be the norm and every facet of our organization should know that together we create one heck of a community jewel.  We have carefully crafted this gem and its worth is priceless in the eyes of many. 

I look forward to creating a new sparkle of hope and pride in our community as we celebrate a season past and wait with anticipation for the season to come.

Most cordially,

Philip Bauman, Music Director/Conductor