The Gateway Chamber Orchestra announces the formation of its new Guild. The Guild will serve as the primary fund-raising arm of the Gateway Chamber Orchestra, composed of music faculty members from Austin Peay State University and professional musicians from the Nashville Symphony and the surrounding area. Conducted by Gregory Wolynec, the Gateway Chamber Orchestra specializes in the programming of masterworks of the past and contemporary American works.
“Gateway Chamber Orchestra continues to expand its role in the community with increased educational programming, introducing classical music to a growing number of students along with increased attendance at our concerts. I am so pleased with the caliber and talent of these founding members who have established the Gateway Chamber Orchestra Guild. Their mission to serve, support and promote our organization lays a strong foundation for a vibrant and thriving GCO!” says Music Director Gregory Wolynec.
The following members constitute the Guild:
Pamela Holz, President
Pamela Holz, the Communications Coordinator at Source Chiropractic, is also an educator and writer with a passion for the arts. A firm believer in the power of music, Mrs. Holz is passionate about supporting the Gateway Chamber Orchestra, which she calls “an amazing treasure.” Showcasing the quality of the music produced by this orchestra and uplifting their activities will be her focus as The Gateway Chamber Orchestra Guild President.
Sandra Armistead, Vice President
Performing as principal cellist with the American Youth Performs Orchestra in Carnegie Hall fueled Mrs. Armistead’s love of music. Holding a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Butler University and a Masters Degree in Cello Performance from Ball State University, she also performed with the Austin Peay State University Orchestra for numerous years. She was a tax practitioner and bookkeeper for 25 years, gaining the status of an enrolled agent with the Internal Revenue Service.
Elaine Berg, Recording Secretary
A librarian with the Austin Peay State University Library since 2000, Elaine Berg moved to Clarksville in 1999 when her husband was assigned to the Colonel Florence Blanchfield Army Community Hospital at Fort Campbell. They remained in Clarksville after his retirement from the army.
John Glenn-Hoekstra, Corresponding Secretary
Currently the band director at Richview Middle School in Clarksville and Children’s Minister at the Clarksville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, John Glenn-Hoekstra is a Clarksville native. A Clarksville High School alumnus, he graduated from Austin Peay State University with a music degree in 2013. He played the trumpet in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Collegians, and the “Governor’s Own” Marching Band as well as the Symphonic Band. John and his wife Heather had a small business, teaching instrument lessons to more than 150 students in the Jackson, Tennessee area, before moving back to Clarksville.
Sue Dishongh, Treasurer
Sue Dishongh was introduced to classical music as a child when she attended a New Orleans Symphony Orchestra performance. Mrs. Dishongh is fond of most every music genre, but classical music remains her first love. She and her husband spent 20 years in New York City as corporate executives where they were enthusiastic patrons of the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. Sue, a retired pastor, resides in Middle Tennessee.
Eric Berg
Eric Berg came from a musical Florida family and moved to Clarksville as an Army physician, with his final Army assignment at Fort Campbell. Doctor Berg’s father helped found an orchestra in Lakeland, Florida. Both parents were educators; his mother played piano and saxophone, and his father was a public school music supervisor, a band and choral director and an Episcopal choirmaster. Eric once played seven instruments, teaching himself three of those instruments. He and his wife Elaine live in Clarksville and are patrons of the Gateway Chamber Orchestra and the Nashville Symphony.
Susie Perry
Susie Perry was born and raised in Montgomery County, Tennessee. A 1973 Austin Peay State University graduate, Mrs. Perry taught for 30 years at Pleasant View Elementary School. She has diligently served the Clarksville Madison Street United Methodist Church as a church trustee and as past president of the Priscilla Group, a benevolent ministry. She actively supports the Les Candides Garden Club, beautifying Clarksville. Susie and her husband live on the family farm, established four generations ago.
Storm Sims
Storm Sims dedicated over 24 years to his country serving in the army and is retiring from Fort Campbell in 2015. His very musically talented son plays both violin and bass violin. Sims plans to coach and will open a Parkour and Spartan Obstacle Course Race training facility in Clarksville. His mission is to help families to "get off the couch and play together." Sim's hobbies include finance and investing.
Conducted by Gregory Wolynec, the Gateway Chamber Orchestra was formed in 2008 and is recognized as one of the leading new American ensembles. Comprised of professional musicians from Middle Tennessee and beyond, the GCO specializes in presenting traditional masterworks, overlooked treasures, and contemporary American compositions. The GCO’s recordings have received critical acclaim in publications such as the American Record Guide and Fanfare Magazine. Engaging 5,000 Middle Tennessee students annually with classical music through free performances, innovative educational outreach, and interactive Children’s Concerts, the GCO is committed to building new audiences for tomorrow. Visit gatewaychamberorchestra.com to learn more.