top of page

Welcome

saratogaorch-jan2016fullsm-davidmedley-photo_1.jpg

SARATOGA ORCHESTRA of Whidbey Island, was formed 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. In 2007, Legh W. Burns, Music Director Emeritus, began a regular concert series performing throughout the island for Whidbey audiences. Anna Edwards has led the orchestra as Music Director since 2015, and has brought national attention to the ensemble for its innovative programming, especially championing women and BIPOC composers.

 

MISSION STATEMENT The Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island is a professional orchestra whose mission is to entertain, educate, and enrich the Whidbey Island community through music. ​

​

OUR OBJECTIVES and VALUES are: 

  • to present a unique and varied musical repertoire, and to perform in a professional manner with the highest standard of artistic integrity;

  • to enhance the awareness and reputation of Whidbey Island as a cultural destination;

  • to collaborate with other artistic disciplines to augment and enhance the concert experience; and

  • to foster and mentor exceptional local music students in study and performance.

  • Saratoga Orchestra is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our organization, not only as a priority but as a core value. ​

​

We will strive to: 

  • Feature performers, composers and leadership who embody and bring forward the diversity and richness of our musical community;

  • Treat all who engage with this organization with respect, peace, equality, and kindness; and

  • Celebrate and promote the lives and music of a wide and diverse spectrum of people to include race, gender, gender identity, creed, age, color, and sexual orientation. ​

​

Saratoga Orchestra acknowledges we live and create on the ancestral land of the Coast Salish and Lower Skagit people which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Tulalip, Snohomish, Swinomish, the Suquamish, and Stillaguamish Tribal nations.

 

We honor the inhabitants of the island of Tscha-kole-chy and its pre-colonial history.

For more information, please visit: https://southwhidbeyhistory.org/special-topics/the-native-peoples

View_across_Saratoga_Passage.jpg

Saratoga Orchestra's name is derived from the beautiful Saratoga Passage that flanks the east side of Whidbey Island and from the stand of trees known as the Saratoga Woods. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Erica Montgomery, President
Debra Richardson, Vice President
Kate Matwychuk, Secretary
Jonathan Cluts, Treasurer

Sandra Anderson

Joyce Libby

Don Shearer

Karen Heather
Gordon Ullmann

​
Larry Heidel, Executive Director

 

Musician and Board Member Emeritus

Roxallanne Medley, Concertmaster 2007-2015

​

Vern Olsen, Board Member 2007-2010, 2016-2020

​

Rae Terpenning 2007- 2010 Flute, Board President 2014-2016

​

Louise Fiori, Viola 2008-2020

​

James Smith, Cello 2012-2022

​

Anita Whitney, Board Member/President -2024

​

​

League-Member-three-line-logo_black.jpg

SEEKING VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS

Whidbey’s Saratoga Orchestra is a professional, non-profit orchestra whose mission to entertain, educate, and enrich the Whidbey Island community through music.

We are a dedicated group of volunteers looking to expand our board as we go for
ward.

 

Our board consists of a group of individuals from various walks of life with varied professional talents. Some of our board members are musicians and others just love music. Most importantly, all our members have an enthusiasm for involvement.

Meetings are held once a month in consultation with the Music Director, Executive Director, and Musician Representatives to make decisions that are in the best interest of the orchestra and all the events and programs it provides during the year. We ensure prudent use of orchestra funds; brainstorm about fundraising; and organize fundraising events to make these programs possible. Additional meetings may be necessary, and a full-day annual meeting is held yearly.
​
We are always looking for members with:
- Committee management skills.
- Fundraising skills.
- Creative community involvement ideas.
- Accounting/legal experience.
- Marketing/Media skills; and
- Technology skills.

Are you interested in learning more about being a board member?
Do you have talents you would like to share?

Please send us a message and a representative will get back to you. 

bottom of page