Hello Friends!
June is here! The days are long, the nights are warm and the kids are out of school. It’s a time for swimming, barbecues and, as always, music!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Mid-Columbia Symphony’s 82nd season is ready to get underway, and we can’t wait to share it with you! From beloved classics to exciting new discoveries and the chance to hear each of our Music Director finalists in concert, this season is shaping up to be one you won’t want to miss. Single tickets and season subscriptions are on sale now, so secure your seats and be part of the journey as we write the next chapter of the MCS story.
Click here to reserve your seats for this exciting season!
MCS AROUND TOWN
We may be a little biased, but we think we have one of the best communities anywhere. One of our favorite parts of being the Mid-Columbia Symphony is getting to share music and connect with so many wonderful people throughout the Tri-Cities. This summer, we’ll be stepping out from behind our music stands and into the community, and we hope you’ll come see us! Stop by our booth at the Richland Farmers Market on June 19 and Art in the Park on July 24 & 25. We’d love to chat about music, answer your questions, hear your ideas, and share what’s coming up for our exciting 82nd season. We may even have a few friendly, domesticated instruments on hand for kids to pet!
MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
Our orchestra wouldn’t exist without the incredible musicians who bring the music to life. In our Musician Spotlight, we’re introducing the people behind the music. This month, we’re spotlighting our principal trumpet, Maegan Ley!
How long have you been playing the trumpet?
Since I was 10…without telling my age, let’s just say it’s been over 30 years 😊
How long have you played with MCS?
17 years
What else do you play?
As a band teacher, I am trained in all woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. My main instruments are the brass, though. And I occasionally play piano at church.
Where else do you play?
I play trumpet in the Yakima Symphony, and sub with the Walla Walla and Oregon East Symphonies. As a jazz player, I play in the Isolation Big Band, the Tri Cities Big Band and sub in Swing Unlimited. I also do a lot of solo and chamber work.
Favorite place you’ve performed?
I was selected to perform in the Masters division of the National Trumpet Competition in Washington D.C.
Pieces you’ve always wanted to perform but haven’t yet?
Flight of the Bumblebee (someday!)
Quick piece of advice?
The man who thinks he can, and the man who thinks he can’t, are BOTH right!
Favorite movie?
Jaws
Thank you, Maegan, for being featured in our newsletter and for being a member of the MCS! Make sure to cheer for her at all her upcoming performances! Stay tuned for our next Musician Spotlight. Who would you like to meet next?
THE GREAT MAESTRO SEARCH:
MCS’s Journey to Find Our Next Music Director
Our musicians recently had the exciting opportunity to work with each of our five Music Director candidates. The candidates traveled to the Tri-Cities to experience our community, lead a reading rehearsal with a small ensemble of musicians, and meet members of the orchestra, Board, and community. Following the rehearsals, everyone gathered for conversation, refreshments, and a final interview. It was a wonderful chance to get to know each candidate and experience their unique musical leadership firsthand.
Survey responses from musicians and board members have now been submitted and are being compiled by an independent third party. To preserve the integrity of the process, no one involved with the Mid-Columbia Symphony has access to the survey results while the data is being collected and analyzed. Once the results are finalized, three finalists will be selected to each lead a concert during our 82nd season.
Who will ultimately take up the baton? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out!
JOIN SOUNDING THE FUTURE & HELP KEEP MUSIC MOVING ALL YEAR LONG
We’re excited to launch Sounding the Future, a new recurring giving campaign supporting the Mid-Columbia Symphony. When you sign up for a monthly gift between July 1 and October 17, you’ll receive a special thank-you gift based on your level of support—from Symphony stickers and magnets to tote bags and exclusive campaign T-shirts. Monthly giving is one of the most meaningful ways to sustain live music in our community, helping us plan ahead and keep performances strong all year long. Whether large or small, every monthly gift helps keep the music playing, and we are deeply grateful for each and every one.
🎵 $5/month – Mid-Columbia Symphony 82nd Season sticker
🎵 $25/month – Mid-Columbia Symphony 82nd Season magnet
🎵 $50/month – Mid-Columbia Symphony 82nd Season Button or tote bag
🎵 $100/month – Mid-Columbia SymphonyT-shirt
As always, thank you for being part of our musical family! We are grateful for every moment of music and connection we share with this community. There is so much ahead, and we can’t wait to experience it with you!
Yours in Music & Friendship,
Marella McGreal
MCS Board Member & Principal Bass