New Associate Conductor in place for Owensboro Symphony Orchestra

Music Director Nicolas Palmer has selected Tom Stites as the new Associate Conductor for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra."Tom's long career as a successful high school music director at Science Hill High School, combined with his time as associate conductor and music director of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, makes him a natural choice for our organization." says Maestro Palmer.

As the Coordinator of Fine Arts in the Owensboro Public Schools, Tom has the responsibility of working with twenty-seven arts teachers in a variety of disciplines. He has also taken over the position of director of the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra. "This gives me the chance on Monday nights to get back on the podium and have a great experience with talented students from across our region." says Tom Stites.

Building bridges between the great talent in the OSO and our school system is a great benefit for the children in Owensboro. Plans to dramatically increase the private lesson program at the Symphony Academy will bring together committed students, outstanding teachers, and the support of the OSO to make a difference in our town.

Tom comments: "I look forward to working with Nick Palmer, the musicians of the OSO, and the local arts community to build an even stronger musical environment for Owensboro.

Academy offers private lessons

Students wishing to sign up for Owensboro Symphony Academy private lessons should contact David Goodwin via e-mail at davidgoodwin@theoso.com.

The academy offers private instruction for:

• All orchestral instruments
• Strings (violin, viola, cello and double bass)
• Suzuki (beginning violin and cello lessons are available)
• Woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon)
• Brass (French horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba)
• Percussion (drums and timpani)
• Voice lessons
• Choral and orchestral conducting
• Music Theory
• Guitar and organ (available only if enough students show interest)