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SARATOGA ORCHESTRA of Whidbey Island, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, was formed in 2007 as an expansion of the Saratoga Chamber Players founded by Whidbey Island’s legendary violinist and arts supporter, Michael Nutt. Previously known as Saratoga Chamber Orchestra, the name is derived from the beautiful Saratoga Passage that flanks the east side of Whidbey Island and the stand of trees known as the Saratoga Woods.
Saratoga Orchestra is a member of the League of American Orchestras.
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MISSION STATEMENT
The Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island is a professional orchestra whose mission is:
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Saratoga Passage, Whidbey Island
MUSIC DIRECTOR / CONDUCTOR EMERITUS
Legh W. Burns was the founding Music Director and Conductor of THE SARATOGA ORCHESTRA. He was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus from the University of Oklahoma School of Music. A former first trumpet with the United States Air Force Band in Washington D.C., he founded and conducted the Washington Chamber Ensemble. Additionally, Mr. Burns taught at Springfield (IL) Junior College and the University of Denver, where he founded the National Trumpet Symposium and was founder and conductor of the Festival Chamber Orchestra of Denver.
Legh graduated from The University of Miami (FL) earning a Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance. He studied with conductors and musicians, Pierre Monteux, Herbert Blomstedt, Richard Lert and Renee Longy.
Legh was very interested in the development of young musicians, having founded and conducted the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra and the Oklahoma Youth Symphonies and founding The Guy Fraser Harrison Academy for the Performing Arts. Youth orchestras under his direction toured in thirteen foreign countries, including a concert tour of The People's Republic of China in 1981. For this, he was awarded the Music in Education Award by the Governor of Oklahoma.
Legh W. Burns was the founding Music Director and Conductor of THE SARATOGA ORCHESTRA. He was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus from the University of Oklahoma School of Music. A former first trumpet with the United States Air Force Band in Washington D.C., he founded and conducted the Washington Chamber Ensemble. Additionally, Mr. Burns taught at Springfield (IL) Junior College and the University of Denver, where he founded the National Trumpet Symposium and was founder and conductor of the Festival Chamber Orchestra of Denver.
Legh graduated from The University of Miami (FL) earning a Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance. He studied with conductors and musicians, Pierre Monteux, Herbert Blomstedt, Richard Lert and Renee Longy.
Legh was very interested in the development of young musicians, having founded and conducted the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra and the Oklahoma Youth Symphonies and founding The Guy Fraser Harrison Academy for the Performing Arts. Youth orchestras under his direction toured in thirteen foreign countries, including a concert tour of The People's Republic of China in 1981. For this, he was awarded the Music in Education Award by the Governor of Oklahoma.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anita Whitney, President David Medley, Vice President Joyce Libby, Secretary Marilyn Buckner Roxallanne Medley Vern Olsen Paul Whelan Legh W. Burns, Music Director Emeritus Larry Heidel, Executive Director |
MUSICIAN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Sean Brown Christopher Foerstel Chris Harshman Larry Heidel Ross Gilliland Brandon Nelson Paula Pugh Patrice Weed Shearer |
