Meeting Recap for Sept. 10, 2012

When Michael Morgan was in the 3rd Grade, he was already conducting imaginary orchestras with his pencil. He was fortunate enough to have a teacher who took his pencil waving seriously.

Today, he's the musical director and principal conductor of the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as an ambassador for musicians and musical education throughout the nation.

In a presentation seasoned with humor and with serious concern for the place of music in society, Maestro Morgan was RCS’s guest speaker Monday at the Woodlake Hotel. 
He mentioned that early childhood work - mostly alone - with a musical instrument teaches children that they are able to practice and learn and brings passion to the learning process.

He and the staff and musicians of the Sacramento Philharmonic "are proactive about trying to bring the community together around music," Morgan said. "It's what you don't see when they're not on the concert stage that tells you what good they’re doing in the community."

Outside of a handful of full-time professional symphonies, the musicians who play for smaller orchestras like Sacramento's teach music or are employed in other career fields to help make a living. Other musicians are "freeway flyers" who try to make ends meet at what they love by playing with symphonies in multiple cities.

Still, said Morgan, the Philharmonic is working hard to remain viable in Sacramento, attempting to broaden its appeal – sponsoring an upcoming Latin music concert, for example – and negotiating an agreement with the Sacramento Opera to ensure the sustainability of both. "Either we will all rise or we will all fall together," he said.

His optimism shone through in a lively Q&A session. What's the difference between a symphony and a philharmonic? "Nothing!" Do the musicians watch their music or the conductor? "Both!"
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Entertainment for the wine reception before the lunch was provided by the Ingrid Peters Jazz Trio. Peters is a performer with the Sacramento Philharmonic.
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With his family in the audience, the late George Gibson – a 44-year member of Sacramento Rotary – was eulogized by Bob McLean. Bob cited Gibson's life of community service and philanthropy, as well as his "highest ethical standing" during his nine decades of life.
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Rita Gibson offered the thought for the day, in tribute to Maestro Morgan, by reading music-related quotations from Leonard Bernstein to Frank Zappa.
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Member Leslie Botos of Blood Source provided the week's Centennial Moment, recalling Rotary of Sacramento's more than 60 years of direct support for and association with what formerly was known as the Sacramento Blood Bank.
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Thank you to our generous members that made the following contributions:

Maynard Nelson $100
Elmer Haskin $100
Brooks Cutter     $500
Rotary Rooters  $225
Gretchen Eischen $100
Bob McLean $100
Sally Gibson $1000
(daughter of George Gibson)