Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra, History and Conductor

History

The Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra (BASO) was formed in 1980 by Julia Kurtyka, a professional violinist and strings teacher in the Frankfort, Michigan, public school system. In 1985, Don Smith took over as Musical Director when Ms. Kurtyka moved out of the area. Mr. Smith served in this capacity until his death in 1999. Ms. Dorothy Kunkel retired as Director of Orchestras for the Traverse City Area Public Schools in 1996 and was named Conductor of BASO in 2000. Under Dorothy's leadership, BASO flourished, growing to over 60 musicians and performing several full-length classical orchestral concerts in many varied venues throughout Benzie and Leelanau counties annually. She retired in 2007 as conductor, but continues to play in the first violin section and serve on the board. Rosemary Miller was assistant conductor under Dorothy and is the one remaining charter member of the orchestra.

about our conductor

John W. Beery, a familiar figure in music circles in northern Michigan, is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he studied under Norman C. Dietz and William H. Rivard. He was a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the University Choir, the Symphony Orchestra, and the Marching Band. He earned a Master of Arts degree in 1962 from Central Michigan University, serving as a graduate teaching assistant in music theory. He also pursued graduate studies at Michigan State University with H. Owen Reed in theory and composition, and Leonard Falcone in tuba. In 1968 he was awarded a Rockefeller Foundation grant for orchestral performance studies at the Oberlin Conservatory.

During his 22 years of public school teaching he served schools in Elsie, Muskegon, and Marshall, Michigan. While in the public schools he taught primarily secondary instrumental music, including orchestra in Marshall. His performing ensembles were consistently awarded excellent ratings in Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association festivals.

Now a lifetime honorary member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, during his public school teaching career Mr. Beery served as District String Chair, District Marching Band Chair, District Solo and Ensemble Chair, and President of District XI, MSBOA. He has also been an adjudicator for Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Festivals for over 30 years.

Mr. Beery’s orchestral experience began in college where he played both violin and tuba in the Central Michigan University Orchestra. After leaving CMU he performed for 15 years as principal tuba, first with the Saginaw Symphony Orchestra, then the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, and finally the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra.

From 1984 through 1998 Mr. Beery served Manchester College (Indiana) as Associate Professor of Music. At Manchester College he directed the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, taught music education, and worked closely with the Department of Education. He retired from Manchester College in 1998, Associate Professor Emeritus.

Mr. Beery’s book entitled On The Edge Of Sound was released by the Central Michgan University Press in 2005. The book is the story of legendary teacher and Director of Bands at CMU, Norman C. Dietz. He has written numerous articles in professional journals including the Music Educators Journal, Band Directors Guide, and TUBA Journal.

A long association with the Interlochen Center for the Arts began in 1955 when Mr. Beery began his studies while on staff. Returning some years later, he and his wife, Margaret, have been members of the Arts Camp Staff since 1985. Currently Mr. Beery is Curator of the Leland B. Greenleaf Collection of Musical Instruments at Interlochen, and a member of the Interlochen Alumni Board.

Since moving to Interlochen in 1998, Mr. Beery has been active in the Grand Traverse Area musical community. He taught music at the Pathfinder School for 4 years, and directed the Chancel Choir at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah for 5 years. Since 1998 he has conducted the Northwestern Michigan College Summer Concert Band. He is also musical director for the Leelanau Community Choir.

Board of Directors

Dorothy Kunkel, Conductor Emeritus
Mary Weishaar, Chairperson
Nancy Kasperzak, Vice Chair
Elaine Bush, Treasurer
Rosemary Miller, Secretary
Susan Breuer
Steve Loveless
Nancy Simmons
Ann Strehle
Bob Hawes, Adjunct member
Jon Mead, Adjunct member
Marcia Korwin, Adjunct member