PRESS RELEASE

From the Orchestra of Southern Utah

For Immediate Release

Contact:Marlo Ihler

(435) 867-8501

Orchestra of Southern Utah Gains National Recognition

The Orchestra of Southern Utah recently received one of three national Gold Ribbon Awards for education projects, awarded by the American Symphony Orchestra League during their June National Conference in Washington, D.C.

OSU’s 2003 Children’s Carnival was selected as a “highly creative and successful education project” by the Volunteer Council of the ASOL. Each year this council honors successful orchestra projects and the volunteers that make them happen. This year’s National Conference included orchestras ranging in size from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, with a budget of over $13 million, to OSU, with a budget of $50,000. OSU, Cedar City’s symphony orchestra, is one of 1,800 adult and youth orchestras throughout the nation that serve American communities. Southern Utah musicians have provided orchestral music for over 100 years.

Larry Linn, OSU treasurer and board member, presented the Carnival project at the conference. Annie Linn’s photographs of the event were also used in an ASOL national display of successful music events. Todd Seipert, OSU graphic designer, produced a power-point presentation, conference display, and summary handout. Three OSU board members attended the national conference and had many opportunities to promote the rich cultural life of Cedar City. They also met with U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett to thank them for their support of arts education and funding.

OSU’s next Children’s Carnival, set for February 4, 2006, will celebrate the Paiute, Hispanic, and Pioneer cultures of the Old Spanish Trail through music, art, and dance. Utah composer Marshall McDonald has been commissioned to write a piece entitled Spanish Trail Suite. The Children’s Carnivals are supported by donations and grants to keep the cost low for more families to enjoy exciting music and themed activities. The National Endowment for the Arts will provide a Challenge America grant for the Spanish Trail Carnival. If you would like to help meet this “challenge” by donating funds to match the NEA’s grant, please contact OSU treasurer Larry Linn at 867-5420.

For more information on OSU’s upcoming 2005-2006 season, contact Marlo Ihler at 867-8501, or visit www.orchestraofsouthernutah.org.