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Mason Orchestral Society
The Mason Orchestral Society is an American non-profit community orchestra organization based in Mason, Michigan, which administers the Mason Symphony Orchestra, the Mason Philharmonic, and the Mason Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players. These ensembles perform concerts in the Greater Lansing, Michigan area, typically 4 to 8 per year for all ensembles.
History
In 1975, seven students were looking for an orchestra to play in, and their parents supported their desire. They met at Mason Junior High School on Monday nights. The original seven students were the siblings Philip Gerrish, Debra Gerrish, Elizabeth Gerrish, plus Tracy Hankins, Dan Cotton, Heather Roost, and Janice Strait.[1] Mason, Michigan had an orchestra in the 1940s, but it folded due to a lack of an instructor or conductor. This was the rebirth of interest in the area. After the seven students went to four Mason elementary schools to do a concert and demonstration, they gained enough interest to start up officially.[2]
On February 3, 1976, the orchestra officially filed Articles of Incorporation to be a non-profit. They established a board of directors with the roles of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, committee chairman/woman, instrument keeper, and resident agent.[3] These roles have expanded to include concert manager, personnel manager, webmaster, fundraising, publicity, scholarship, orchestra liaison, trustees, historian, education, newsletter, annual meeting, and concert planning. Many of the expanded roles have also been committees.[4]
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Their first concert was in June 1976, with Sandra Gerrish directing. There were 16 members at that time, ranging from age 7 to 77. The organization originally had string teachers for private and group lessons. They also owned eighteen instruments they could provide to the students/members.[5]
The 50th anniversary of the Mason Orchestral Society was celebrated at the May 4, 2025 concert, with founders John and Sandra Gerrish in attendance. The Gerrish children, now adults, sat in with the orchestra. WKAR-FM aired a feature about the 50th anniversary concert.[6]
As of 2025, the orchestra has over 60 members in the combined orchestras.[6]
The orchestras in the organization have modified their names slightly over the years.
| Youth Centered Orchestra Names | Adult Centered Orchestra Names | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Junior Orchestra | October 1980-May 2002 | Mason Community Orchestra | June 1976-June 2008 |
| Mason Youth Orchestra | October 2002-May 2008 | ||
| Mason Philharmonic | October 2008-Present | Mason Symphony Orchestra | October 2008-Present |
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Society shall be to cultivate music appreciation in the Mason Community, especially programs of an orchestral nature, and to provide an opportunity for individuals to participate in an orchestra.[7]
Most recent Mission Statement iteration (2026)
The mission of the MOS is threefold:
-To offer youth and adult amateur musicians in the Greater Lansing area an
opportunity to study and perform orchestral music:
-To financially support music education opportunities for deserving youth members:
-To cultivate music appreciation and education in the Greater Lansing area. We
provide an opportunity for individuals of all ages and musical abilities to participate in an
orchestral experience.[16]
Premieres
Works that have been premiered by the Mason Orchestra Society
| Composer | Title | Premiere Date |
|---|---|---|
| James Phelps | Alleluiah | World Premiere, May 9, 2008 |
| Daniel Tressel | “Light on the Horizon” | World Premiere, commissioned by the Mason Orchestral Society for Its 33rd Season, May 6, 2009 |
| Dino Constantinides | “Concertino - Mountains of Epirus” | Michigan Premiere, November 20, 2015 |
| Adolphus Hailstork | Two Romances for Viola & Orchestra | Michigan Premiere, December 4, 2021 |
| Hilary Purrington | “Extraordinary Flora” | Michigan Premiere, November 12, 2022 |
| Carl Heinrich Hubler | Concertino for 4 Horns & Orchestra | Michigan Premiere, May 13, 2023 |
| Aaron Longuski | Lullaby for String Quartet | World Premiere, August 6, 2023 |
| Jay Krush | Concerto for Bass Trombone | Michigan Premiere of Orchestral Version, December 9, 2023 |
| Peter Gerard Rozich | "Just Because I Love You" | World Premiere, December 10, 2023 |
| Stephanie Ann Boyd | “Ondine” | Michigan Premiere, May 11, 2024 |
| Dylan Mack & Dilek Engin Stolarchuk | Tema & Varyasyon (Themes & Variations)(2023-2024) | World Premiere, May 11, 2024 |
| Franz Anton Dimler | Sextet for Clarinet, 2 Horns & Strings | Michigan Premiere, August 10, 2024 |
| Michael Goodman | “Fluctuation” | World Premiere Orchestral Version, May 3, 2025 |
| Hans von Koessler | Suite for 3 Cellos | Michigan Premiere, August 16, 2025 |
Soloists
Soloists who have appeared with the Mason Orchestral Society
| Name(s) | Solo | Concert Date |
|---|---|---|
| Barbara Damasevitz, violin Kenneth Richmond, piano |
Vivaldi: Concerto in G Major: Allegro | June 13, 1976 |
| Richard Pease, oboe Valynda Wells, oboe |
Vivaldi: Concerto in D minor | May 21, 1979 |
| Richard Pease, guitar | Godla: Concerto Primo | May 21, 1979 |
| Sharon Prebble, flute | Mozart: Flute Concerto No.2 in D Major | May 19, 1984 |
| Dick Long, trumpet | Vangelis: Chariots of Fire | December 1984 |
| Mathew Guild, tenor | Handel: The Messiah,
Scene 3 10. Recitative - For Behold Darkness Shall Cover the Earth 11. The People That Walked In Darkness Have Seen A Great Light |
December 1984 |
| Barbara Hiranpradist, violin Deborah Gerrish, viola |
Stamitz: Symphonie Concertante | May 18, 1986 |
| Connie Wies, flute Arlene Allan, flute Barbara Shull, violin |
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Mvmt I | May 17, 1987 |
| Arlene Allan, flute Kay Rinker-O'Neil Gaile Griffore, flute |
Devienne: Allegro poco Agitati | May 17, 1991 |
| Todd Vogel, guitar | Vivaldi: Concerto in Re’Maggiore | December 13, 1991 |
| Arlene Allan, flute Kay Rinker-O'Neil Gaile Griffore, flute |
Kuhlau: Kuhlau Trio for Flutes, Op. 13 | December 11, 1992 |
| Todd Vogel, banjo Bernie Hartley, banjo |
Smith : “The Inlaws” originally from Dueling Banjos | March 25, 1994 |
| Kay Rinker-O'Neil, flute Gaile Griffore, flute |
Doppler: La Sonnambula | December 16, 1994 |
| Jason Rees, clarinet Kay Rinker-O’Neil, flute Bruce Szarka, violin |
Hirsch: Concerto Gross | March 24, 1995 |
| William Rinker, trumpet | Handel: A Handel Celebration II. Song of Jupiter |
May 20, 1995 |
| Kay Rinker-O'Neil, flute Gaile Griffore, flute |
Doppler: Valse di Bravura, Op.33 | December 15, 1995 |
| Kay Rinker-O’Neil, piccolo Gaile Griffore, piccolo |
Purcell: Bell and Ceremonial Music | May 10, 1996 |
| Debra DeBoe, soprano | Handel: The Messiah | December 13, 1996 |
| Kay Rinker-O'Neil, flute Gaile Griffore, flute Kelly Yoakam, harp |
Berlioz: Trio of the Young Ishmaelites | December 13, 1996 |
| Kay Rinker-O'Neil, piccolo Gaile Griffore, flute Marie Blair, piano |
Hugues: Grand Concerto Fantasy, Op.5 | December 12, 1997 |
| Kay Rinker-O'Neil, flute Gaile Griffore, flute Judy Kabodian, piano |
Doppler, Francis & Charles: Fantaisie | December 11, 1998 |
| Eva Urban, violin Shirley Robertson, oboe |
Bach: Double Concerto for Oboe and Violin in C
Minor I. Allegro |
May 7, 1999 |
| Tricia Betts, bassoon | Besozzi: Sonata I. Allergo |
March 4, 2001 |
| Larissa Stenzel, cello | Vivaldi: Concerto for Violoncello and String
Orchestra in D minor, Op. 26 No. 9 (RV 407) I. Allergo non molto |
March 4, 2001 |
| Kay Rinker-O’Neil, flute | Saint-Saëns: Odelette for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 162 | May 4, 2001 |
| Alexis Dawdy (Wright), violin | Monti: Czardas | May 17, 2002 |
| Leah Richmond-Rakerd, viola | Telemann: Konzert G-dur | November 1, 2002 |
| Kay Rinker-O’Neil, flute Gaile Griffore, flute Yilin You, piano |
Doppler: Andante & Rondo, Op.25 | May 9, 2003 |
| Benjamin Joella, double bass | Bottesini: Concerto B Minor for Double Bass and Orchestra | December 14, 2003 |
| Samara Valla, soprano | Rogers &
Hammerstein:
"You’ll Never Walk Alone" from the musical
Carousel Flaherty: "Your Daddy’s Son", from the musical Ragtime Rogers & Hammerstein: "The Sound of Music" from the musical Sound of Music |
March 7, 2004 |
| John Eldridge, violin | Khachaturian: Masquerade Suite from the incident music to Lermontov’s Play | March 6, 2005 |
| Miguel Rojas, cello | Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op.33 | March 6, 2005 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Grandjany: Le bon petit roi d’Yvetot Kirchoff: Aria and Rigaudon |
May 1, 2005 |
| Lindsay Kesselman, soprano | Gounod: “Je Veux Vivre” from
Romeo and
Juliet Puccini: "O Mio Babbino Caro" from Gianni Schicchi |
March 12, 2006 |
| Lindsay Kesselman, soprano Matthew Tuell, tenor |
Verdi: “Signor ne principe” from Rigoletto | March 12, 2006 |
| Matthew Tuell, tenor | Verdi: “Parmi Veder” from
Rigoletto Gounod: “Salut! Demeure Chaste et Pure” from Faust |
March 12, 2006 |
| Jonathan Holden, clarinet | Weber: Fantasia and Rondo from the Quintet for Clarinet and Strings | March 12, 2006 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Grandjany: Aria in Classic Style for Harp and String Orchestra | May 12, 2006 |
| Laura Beth Nanes, soprano | Mozart: “Porgi, amor” from
The Marriage of
Figaro Giordano: “La mamma morta” from Andrea Chenier Bizet: Carmen Suite No. 2, Mvmt III “C’est de contrebandiers-Je dis, que rien ne m’epouvante” |
March 4, 2007 |
| Chris Dana, violin | Ungar: Ashokan Farewell | June 12, 2008 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp Kay Rinker-O’Neil, flute |
Mozart: Concerto for Flute and Harp | March 2, 2008 |
| Molly Kay Rebeck, cello | Boccherini: Concerto in Bb for Cello | March 2, 2008 |
| Kelli Salisbury, oboe | Marcello: Concert in D minor for Oboe | March 2, 2008 |
| Beau Benson, guitar | Benson: Concerto in C minor for Guitar | March 2, 2008 |
| Michael Dulac, organ | Handel: Concerto for Organ No. 13, “The Cuckoo and the Nightingale” | December 12, 2008 |
| Mark Davies, baritone voice | Mahler: Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of the Wayfarer) | March 1, 2009 |
| Ricardo Villerreal, vocals Cindy Lyons-Miller, vocals |
Berlin:
White
Christmas Saboly: Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella |
November 22, 2009 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Debussy: Danses pour Harpe Chromatique avec instruments à cordes | December 13, 2009 |
| Callum Hall, cello | Bruch: Kol Nidrei | April 30, 2010 |
| John Cummings, trumpet Ross Hoksbergen, trumpet |
Vivaldi: Concerto for 2 Trumpets | April 30, 2010 |
| Fangye Sun, violin | Bruch: Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46 | May 14, 2010 |
| Lyndra Tingley, violin | Ungar: Ashokan Farewell | June 6, 2010 |
| Mike Steele, French Horn | Strauss: Concerto No. 1 for Horn in Eb Major | December 16, 2011 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Glière: Concerto for Harp in Eb Major | March 9, 2012 |
| Carolyn Howard, tuba | Vaughan Williams: Concerto for Tuba in F minor | December 14, 2012 |
| John Waytena, clarinet Catherine Waldron, bassoon |
Strauss: Duet for Clarinet, Bassoon, & Strings | March 22, 2013 |
| Joel Schut, violin | Ravel: Tzigane, rapsodie de concert for Violin and Orchestra | December 13, 2013 |
| Adrian Sanchez, baritone Carole Marvin, soprano Leo Sell, baritone |
Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45 | March 23, 2014 |
| Brittney Brewster (Sprague), violin | Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor | May 9, 2014 |
| Kelly Krohn, voice | Martin/Blane:
Have Yourself A Merry Little
Christmas Wells/Torme: Christmas Song |
December 12, 2014 |
| Yuri Gandelsman, viola | H. Casadesus: Viola Concerto in the Style of J.C. Bach | March 22, 2015 |
| Shawn Guo, piano | Kabalevsky: Piano Concerto No. 3 | June 12, 2015 |
| Takeshi Abo, violin | Bruch: Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46 | October 23, 2015 |
| Walter Verdehr, violin | Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 4 | November 20, 2015 |
| Amanda Wilton, viola | Bruch: Romance for Viola & Orchestra | December 18, 2015 |
| Kay Rinker-O'Neil, flute Kelli Graham, oboe |
Moscheles: Concerto for Flute & Oboe | February 12, 2016 |
| Suren Petrosyan, cello Molly Rebeck, cello |
Vivaldi: Concerto for 2 Cellos | February 12, 2016 |
| Sarah Foote, violin Angela Lee, violin |
Bach: Concerto for 2 Violins | February 12, 2016 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp Acadia Potter, harp |
Malecki: Concerto for 2 Harps | February 12, 2016 |
| Suren Bagratuni, cello | Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 | March 18, 2016 |
| Susan Ha, piano | Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 | May 14, 2016 |
| Deidreanna Potter, harp | Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez | October 21, 2016 |
| Oleg Bezuglov, violin | Saint-Saëns: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso | December 9, 2016 |
| Lois Geertz, violin Amanda Wilton, viola |
Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major, K. 364 | February 10, 2017 |
| Kay Rinker-O'Neil, flute Sandra Gerrish, flute Gaile Griffore, flute |
Miyagi: Haro no Umi | February 10, 2017 |
| Schyler Sheltrown, soprano Gillian Cotter, mezzo-soprano John Riesen, tenor Joseph Baunoch, bass |
Mozart: Requiem in D minor, K.626 | March 16, 2018 |
| Gregory Beaver, cello | Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme | October 19, 2018 |
| Ralph Votapek, piano | Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor” | March 29, 2019 |
| Michael Dulac, organ | Rheinberger: Organ Concerto No. 1 | December 14, 2019 |
| Sarah Elizabeth Wallace, soprano | Smith: The Star-Spangled Banner | November 8, 2021 |
| Dilek Engin Stolarchuk, viola | Hailstork: Two Romances for Viola | December 4, 2021 |
| Karel Abo, violin | Brahms:
Violin Concerto in D major,
Op.77 Kondo: Fantasie de Zelda |
November 13, 2022 |
| Stefan Stolarchuk, bass trombone | Krush: Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra | December 9, 2023 |
| Bryan Guarnuccio, flute | Hüe: Fantaisie for Flute &
Orchestra Bach: Cello Suite No.5 - Gavotte II |
November 23, 2024 |
| Onur Alakavuklar, guitar | Rodrigo: “Concierto de Aranjuez” for Guitar & Orchestra | March 1, 2025 |
| Emily Douglass, soprano |
Cilea: “lo son l’umbile ancella” from
Adriana Lecouvreur Puccini: “In quelle trine mobile” from Manon Lescaut Dvořák: “Song to the Moon” from Rusalka |
November 22, 2025 |
Outreach
The Mason Orchestral Society, as a non-profit, entirely lives on donations, fundraising, grants, sponsors, and partnerships. They do outreach in Mason, Michigan, and the greater Lansing area. They provide scholarships, opportunities to perform solos, compositions, or conduct.
Brian Arnold Scholarship - This scholarship was established in 1992, in honor of the orchestra’s second director. He unfortunately passed due to illness at a young age. Auditions are held every year (only exception in 2021 due to covid-19) for young people aged 18 and under to compete for scholarships to spend on lessons, instruments, music camps, and continued music education. In 1999 and 2001, Brian’s daughter, violinist Kristin Arnold, was awarded the scholarship.[7]
Children’s Concerts - This was an event that was done annually between 1993-1999 to raise money for youth scholarships.[8]
Library Concert - This event was to promote reading by participating in Family Day at the Michigan Library and Historical Center.[9]
Mason Symphony Chamber Players - This group has performed informal programs at assisted living facilities and churches in the Lansing Area.[10]
Pat Clark Concerto Competition - The competition is in honor of Pat Clark who was a Trustee from 1992-2012 and a major contributor. This competition is open to students who are aged 13-18 and who live or take lessons in the mid-Michigan area. The winner receives $500 and has the opportunity to perform their solo with the Mason Symphony.[11]
Pat Clark Concerto Competition Recent Winners
| Year | Name | Solo | Concert Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Richard Liu, cello | Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op.85 | May 18, 2018 |
| 2019 | Eric Yu, piano | Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue | May 17, 2019 |
| 2020 | Eric Yun, violin | Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto | March 6, 2020 |
| 2023 | Arianne Kim, cello | Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 | March 11, 2023 |
| 2024 | Alec Jachalke, bassoon | David: Bassoon Concertino | March 9, 2024 |
| 2025 | Nami Yan, violin | Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 | May 4, 2025 |
| 2026 | Serafima Bezuglova, violin | Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in e minor | February 28, 2026 |
Sounds of Summer - This is a summer concert series that takes place at the Lake Lansing Community Band Shell. This series helps raise money to maintain the bandshell for future generations.[12]
Thursday Night Live! - This is a summer concert series that supports the Mason Chamber of Commerce. It takes place on the lawn, in front of the historical Ingham County Courthouse, in Mason, Michigan.[13]
Williamston Summer Concert Series - This is a summer concert series performed at the American Legion Memorial Bandshell in McCormick Park in Williamston, Michigan. It brings attention and visitors to the Williamston social district.[14]
Conductors
| Name | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Mason Junior Orchestra | |
| Sandra Gerrish* | 1975-1977 |
| Brian Arnold* | 1977-1982 |
| Barbara Hiranpradist* | 1982-1987 |
| Joanne Scott (McCloskey)* | 1988-1991 |
| Mary Leinweber | 1990-1993 |
| John Dewey | 1994-1995 |
| Virginia Heller | 1995-2001 |
| Mason Youth Orchestra | |
| Christopher Ryan Hill | 2002-2003 |
| Laura Joella | 2003-2005 |
| Nathaniel Parker* | 2005-2007 |
| David Schultz* | 2007-2008 |
| Mason Philharmonic | |
| David Schultz* | 2008-2009 |
| Beau Benson* | 2009-2010 |
| Lyndra Tingley | 2010-2013 |
| Johnathan McNurlen | 2013-2014 |
| Brittney Brewster (Sprague) | 2014-2016 |
| Catalina Barraza | 2016-2021 |
| Dilek Engin Stolarchuk | 2021-Present |
| Name | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Mason Community Orchestra | |
| Sandra Gerrish* | 1975-1977 |
| Brian Arnold* | 1977-1984 |
| Barbara Hiranpradist* | 1985-1987 |
| Joanne Scott (McCloskey)* | 1988-1998 |
| Glenn Klassen | 1998-2001 |
| Chi-Chung Ho | 2001-2003 |
| Laura Joella | 2003-2005 |
| Dirk Oliver Meyer | 2005-2006 |
| Nathaniel Parker* | 2006-2007 |
| BettyAnne Gottlieb | 2007 |
| Beau Benson* | 2007-2008 |
| Mason Symphony Orchestra | |
| Beau Benson* | 2008-2010 |
| Timothy Krohn | 2010-2014 |
| Suren Petrosyan | 2015-2019 |
| David Schultz* | 2019-Present |
* Conducted both the youth and symphony orchestras.
Awards
2014 - Special Recognition Mason Area Chamber of Commerce[15]
References
- "Mason Orchestra group plans Sunday concert", Ingham County News, June 9, 1976.
- "Re-birth of Orchestra Underway in Mason". Ingham County News. October 1975 – via Mason Orchestral Society Google Drive Historical Archives.
- Mulvany, James E, Hankins, Bill F., and Cotton, James P. “Mason Orchestra Society Articles of Incorporation...” Form CAS-113. January 27, 1976.
- Mason Orchestral Society. "Mason Orchestral Society Bylaws". 2025.
- "The Mason Orchestra Society Presents: A Musical Afternoon". Concert Program. June 13, 1976. pp.1–3.
- Pohl, Scott. "Mason Orchestral Society celebrates 50 years of music". WKAR Public Media, May 1, 2025.
- "31st Anniversary Brian Arnold Scholarship Concert & Silent Auction". Concert Program. March 4, 2007. p. 11.
- Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Programs from 1993-1999.
- Mason Orchestral Society. Library Concert Program from April 1, 1995.
- Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Poster from August 10, 2024.
- Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Program from May 17, 2013.
- Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Program from June 13, 2008.
- "Courthouse Music Series starts June 6". Ingham County Community News. June 2013.
- Mason Orchestral Society. Concert Program from June 14, 2012.
- "Mason's Excellence: Mason Area Chamber of Commerce honors community builders". Ingham County Community News, January 12, 2014.
- Mason Orchestral Society. Grant application 2026. Unpublished.