Violin Students Perform With Northern Honors Orchestra

Violin students Veronica Fonder, Rachel Schulte, Anika Olson, and Krista Gingerich performed in the inaugural concert of the Northern Honors Orchestra in Aberdeen on Saturday, January 13. The event was directed by Dr. Christopher Stanichar, Northern State University professor and conductor of the Aberdeen Civic Symphony. Students were nominated by their string teachers and auditioned for chair placement on Friday.

Milbank senior Rachel Schulte was selected as concertmaster and was featured, along with other soloists, on a mariachi-style piece called “Baile de Lila,” arranged by Chris Thomas. The orchestra also performed music by English composers Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughan Williams, Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, and American composers Alan Hovhaness and Florence Price.

For Ortonville junior Anika Olson, this event provided her first opportunity to play with an orchestra. Milbank juniors Veronica Fonder and Krista Gingerich had not played with an orchestra since Middle School All-State.

“This new Northern Honors Orchestra fills a huge gap in our region for string students,” says Whetstone Valley Strings director Elizabeth Schulte. “Our students helped to make this inaugural event a success, and hopefully it will continue and grow in the future.”

The two-day event also offered sectional coaching and a private lesson with a guest clinician. The cello and bass coach was Watertown Orchestra director, Tanner Chilson, The violin and viola coach was Ruth Meints, Executive Director of the Omaha Conservatory of Music and nationally recognized Suzuki teacher trainer. A highlight of the weekend was a recital featuring the guest clinicians, NSU faculty, and music majors.

Veronica is the daughter of John and Sandra Fonder. Krista is the daughter of A.J. and Susan Gingerich. Anika is the daughter of Les and Jessica Olson, and Rachel’s parents are David and Elizabeth Schulte.

Submitted Photo: Left to right: Veronica Fonder, Rachel Schulte, Dr. Stanichar, Anika Olson, Krista Gingerich, and Elizabeth Schulte