Date:  August 30, 2010

MIDDLETOWN, OHIO-----This year the Middletown Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 36th anniversary of the Guest Conductor ‘Pops” Concert.  As in the past, the event will be held at Miami University Middletown Finkelman Auditorium on Saturday, November 20 starting at 8:00 pm.

The Guest Conductor Pop’s fund raising concert was established in 1974 and continues today. It was created to provide much needed support as the cost to maintain our Symphony increased. Over the years, more than 115 business and community people have pickup the ‘Baton’ to be part of this event to raise funds and keep the MSO alive for the cultural enrichment of Middletown and our surrounding communities.

The first MSO Guest Conductor candidates are Jerry and Jacky Banks. Serving are their co-chairpersons are Donna Kramer and Frances Sack, and treasurer is Jean Gaw.  Their theme is “Bring Back The 50s.”  

Jacky and Jerry moved to Middletown from Cincinnati 21 years ago where they were active in their church and school. Upon moving to Middletown they have been very active in the church, school and community’s cultural scene, serving on many boards throughout the years. 

Jacky is a Cincinnati native and was a stay home Mom during their six children’s growing years, but worked for six years at La Comedia in the Gift Shop. Her involvements in Middletown community include along list of organizations: Middletown Chamber of Commerce, Leadership graduate, golf outing and membership drive; with United Way she was part of the Sand Sculpture and Festival of Trees. Along the way she has also participated in events with Middletown Symphony Women’s Association, Rotary, Junior Achieve, MiddFest International, Cancer Society, LifeSpan, Bishop Fenwick High School and Holy Family Parish. In 2008 she was named 2008 YWCA Outstanding Women of Achievement. 

Jerry is a native of Kentucky and received his BA in Business from Thomas Moore College and then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Northern KY University, Chase College of Law. When Jerry moved to Middletown he was employed by CG & E Company (now Duke Energy) as their Northern Area Manager until his retirement in 1996.

His community involvement like Jacky’s is extensive and includes: serving on the Middletown City Council for four years and one year as vice-Mayor; United Way Board Member and Chairman; MiddFest International; Rotary, Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts of America, Sorg Opera Company, LifeSpan, former Board Chair. Both Jacky and Jerry were involved regionally with several of the Butler and Warren County Chambers and Boards.   Along with their six children they have 18 grandkids.

Upcoming fundraising event for the Banks’ that are scheduled include: October 16 – Wine & Beer Tasting at the home of Dan & Frances Sack on 20 Sycamore Terrace, the former Carey Shera home that was built in 1928. Cost is $35 per person or $65 a couple; and on November 7 – Breakfast at Holy Trinity Center, St. John Parish on Clark Street.  Cost is $6 adult, 4 kids 12 or under or $20 for a family of four. They are also having a $1000 raffle. Tickets are $10 or 3 for $25 and can be purchased at Omnicom Solutions Group, located next to Java Johnny’s or from any committee member. Visit:  email Jacky-Banks@cinci.rr.com or call 513-425-0799 for more information, donation opportunities, and event details. 

The second MSO Guest Conductor candidate is Gayle Lynne Castle, who was born in Marion, Ohio and has lived in Cincinnati/Loveland area for past 21 years. Serving as her chair is Carol Duffy and treasurer is Gene Waldron. Her theme is “Vision for the Arts.”

Miss Castle received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Bowling Green State University and is in her twentieth year as Assistant Orchestra Director for the Sycamore Community Schools, where she teaches fifth and sixth grade.  She is director for the E.H. Greene Intermediate School Advanced 5th/6th Grade Orchestra and is director of Orchestras/President/Founding Member of Vision for the Arts Academy LLC which includes the following programs:  Young American Conductors Program; Orchestral Program (Vision Youth Orchestra, Cadet Vision Orchestra, Premiere Vision Orchestra); Ambassador Quartets Program; Suzuki String Program; VAA Viola Choir.

Miss Castle is also director of the Suzuki String Program at the Vision for the Arts Academy LLC and maintains an active studio of about twenty Suzuki violin and viola students. One of her students is Middletown resident Emma Bruggeman, who was a MSO Guest Conductor candidate three years ago.

 Miss Castle has served the Ohio Music Education Association in adjudicating for the Northwest and Southwest Region Orchestras.  She is a member of the American String Teachers Association, the Ohio Music Educators Association, the National Education Association, and the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She has also the assistant Orchestra Director for Sycamore Community Schools since 1990 and member, American String Teacher's Association, Ohio String Teacher's Association, Music Educator's National Conference, Ohio Music Educator's Association, Suzuki Association of the Americas. She attends Montgomery Community Church and is active in the Motherless Daughters Ministry.

The third MSO Guest Conductor candidate is Anny Valentine Stevens-Gleason. She is a native of Middletown and graduated from Middletown High School. Serving as her chair is Helen Steven-Gleason and treasurer is Roslyn Ginter. Her theme is “For the Love of Music.”  During high school Anny participated in multiple activities related to music and dance that started in middle school where she was a student in G.A.T.E. music program; studied dance at the DeWeese academy of Dance Arts and voice with Helen Gerber Ramsdell. She had roles in High School in Ado Annie- “Oklahoma”, Isabel – “Pirates of Penzance”, Charlie – “The Mighty Casey” and was a show choir member.

She graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio with a BA in Music Literature and Theory, and was founding member and former President of Ethnomusicology club, member, soloist, and public relations chair Miami University Choraliers and Miami University Steel Band,

With this experience she has been involved at her church, the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Cincinnati, Ohio, as Director of Youth Ministries; in 1991, the First Children’s Chorus for the Sorg Opera Company “La Boheme.”   Visit:  www.annyguestconductor.com for more information, donation opportunities, and event details. 

Anny has held a Spaghetti Dinner earlier this month and will have these additional fundraising events: Afternoon Tea with Serenade @ #5 Gardner Place on September 26 2:00-4:00 PM. Cost is $25 and music will be provided by Anny Stevens-Gleason and Friends; and on October 15 she will hold a Trivia Championship Night @ The Manchester Inn:  from 7:00-10:00 PM. Anny as guest bartender with signature cocktails and mocktails.

 This year’s Middletown Symphony Orchestra’s Guest Conductor’s Auction Pops concert will be held on Saturday evening, November 20 at 8 pm at MUM Finkleman Auditorium. A ‘Big Band Celebration with Carmon DeLeon & the New Studio Big Band will perform during the second half of the concert.  Cost is $25 per ticket and is open to the public. Contact Midge @513-423-6779 for tickets.

Media Release

Contact:  Frances Sack

H-424-0466   w-933-5417