Our Orchestras and their Conductors:
The Italiano Orchestra is a full orchestra comprised of young musicians through the 12th grade that have demonstrated an ability to perform at an advanced level. Members enjoy the enrichment and challenge of performing with other serious and dedicated musicians. Technical skills include all keys. Woodwind and brass players will be required advanced accuracy of chromatic scales, clef reading and transposition where applicable. String players will be required all scales through at least three octaves, ability to play fluently through all positions, advanced bowing (e.g., spiccato and sautille) and clef reading ability, where applicable. Percussion players: requirement includes mallet instrument techniques (two octave scales), knowledge of timpani (tuning and technique). Percussion equipment will be provided, students are asked to bring their own mallets.
Music Director / Italiano Orchestra Conductor
Randall Mastin
Mr. Mastin is active with the La Crosse Symphony as a cellist and also as a vocalist with the Viroqua Male Chorus. He has conducted his orchestras and choirs all over the United States and Europe including performances in Westminster Abby and London's New Year's Day Parade. Mastin has received several outstanding Conducting Awards as well as awards for effective leadership and program building abilities. He was formerly the conductor of the LYSO Philharmonic Orchestra in 1999 - 2003 and 2007 - 2008.
The Philharmonic String Orchestra is a place where motivated and interested students can enjoy an orchestral experience with other motivated and talented students. The Philharmonic Orchestra ia an intermediate level group specifically designed for the young musician who has had playing experience and desires the challenge of excellent music but is not yet ready to play the most difficult of orchestral repertoire. The Philharmonic Orchestra will challenge the middle school and early high school level musician. String players gain from the experience of playing more advanced String Orchestra repertoire which is not always possible in a school setting. Our mission is to improve, motivate and develop our members' talents to their fullest. We look forward to having you in our group. Expect Excellence!!!!
Philharmonic String Orchestra Conductor
Linda Lebakken
Mrs. Lebakken graduated from Viterbo University with a BA in Music Education. She studied violin and conducting with Mr. Mark Taylor; she also studied violin with Ms. Nancy Oliveros of the Artaria String Quartet. Linda currently performs with the La Crosse Symphony and has performed with the Winona and Rochester Symphonys' and the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra. Mrs. Lebakeen has played for groups such as Mannheim Steamroller, Moody Blues, Vince Gill and Rob Gonzales. She is currently the orchestra director for the School District of Onalaska, grades 5 thru 12.
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