We were fortunate to have as our speaker today: Chelsea Tipton II a renowned American conductor who has earned widespread acclaim for his exceptional musicality, versatility, accessibility and unwavering dedication to art education. After having held prominent conductor positions with other Symphony Orchestras, Tipton currently serves as Music Director of the Symphony of Southeast Texas for his fifteenth season. In addition, he serves as Principal Pops Conductor with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra for his ninth season. Tipton holds a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from the Eastman School of Music. He has received numerous recognitions for his outstanding contributions to music and his community. Recognitions from Gift of Life, Spindletop Rotary, the Neches River Festival, Capital One Bank, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and many others. Highlights of his career has been two opportunities to tour with Sting, first in 2011 touring 14 countries and performing with 19 orchestras, the second in 2021 for a special performance in his hometown orchestra of Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Tipton is a passionate advocate for arts education, he actively mentors college students aspiring to pursue classical music and the arts and is an avid martial arts enthusiast.

Mr. Tipton divided his presentation into three sections. First he gave an overview of the history of the Symphony. In 1950 after performance by visiting Houston Symphony, there was a committee that quickly met to determine if there would be enough support to have a local Symphony and founded the Beaumont Symphony. Chelsea reviewed past conductors such as Dr. Carlucci, Diane Wittry, Chris Zimmerman and the contributions of each to the Symphony and community. Along the way, the name of the Symphony changed to encompass all of Southeast Texas. Secondly, he talked about educational initiatives such as the Symphony League being formed in 1955 that helps support music education by taking the Symphony to the community. Small groups will visit schools: such as the string quartet, brass, woodwind etc and share with the students. They offer young people’s concerts, all for the purpose of instilling an appreciation of music to the youth. Thirdly, Chelsea shared the Symphony’s current season of performances scheduled. In addition to the Classical Concerts, there will be Pop Concerts, and community concerts such as one at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens and the Holiday Concert. It is obvious that Chelsea is passionate about his love of music of all genres and has been described as always being positive and uplifting to others.

The Rotary meeting was called to order by President Michael Perez. The head table included Craig Escamilla to give the Invocation; Michael Perez to lead the pledges; Farrah Severs-Young for introduction of guests; and Jamie Strawther for introducing the speaker. Announcements included Satellite Meetings at 5 Under Golf Center on 10/7 & 10/21 at 5:30pm; Board of Directors meeting on 10/22 at 11:30am; Rotary Chorus practiced last night; Flag Project on 10/14. Van Greer reported Board action on member nominations of Carol Thompson, John Beavers. Phil Dunlap presented Paul Harris Fellowship recognitions to Lane Olson, Gigi Mazzola, Bobbie Applegate, Jennifer Gregory, John Lee & Tim Sudela. Tish Cornell made an announcement for Wine Down with Rotary event and Cheryl Bilyeu was manning the table. Other Rotarians assisting with today’s meeting included John Rollins and Kwanita Adair at Registration, Jacques Gagne and Kathryn Fuller working the ticket sales, and Kate Carroll receiving meal tickets.