Diverse Foothills Phil links generations

The musicians are not students, however, but members of the Foothills Phil, an inter-generational community orchestra that allows people from all backgrounds to pursue their musical interests.

The orchestra hosts two concerts each year and attracts a diverse group of people, from professionals and retirees who play during their spare time to high school and college students who use the orchestra to help launch their musical careers. The orchestra even attracts musicians who play for the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, said orchestra coordinator Jayne Klick.

"People come and haven't played for a while; they get to dust off their instruments," Klick said.

The orchestra began as an after-school music program in 1992 before it opened to the whole community through the Catalina Foothills Community Schools program. The group currently has about 70 members, Klick said.

Despite their status as amateurs, the orchestra members receive professional-level instruction from conductor László Veres, founder and conductor of the Arizona Symphonic Winds and conductor of the Tucson Pops Orchestra. The Foothills Phil musicians have collaborated with some of their professional counterparts as well, including Tucson Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Steven Moeckel, Klick said.

The orchestra members play songs that challenge their musical abilities, but Veres practices patience with the group, he said.

"When you conduct, it has to be clear and very simple," he said. "I demand a lot, but I also go easier and slower."

When Veres works with professional musicians, he can get into more intricate aspects of the music. However, conducting the Foothills Phil is a very rewarding experience, he said.

"We actually play very well in concert. They play their heart and soul out for you," he said. "To see the satisfaction on their faces is priceless."

The orchestra's love for music inspires each member to work hard and take each rehearsal seriously, Veres said.

"To these people, music is a vital part of their life," he said. "They're looking forward to Thursday night rehearsals. It's amazing."

Orchestra member Herman Levin, 84, loves the challenge of learning a difficult song, he said.

"They call for a very high level of musicianship," he said. "One of his (Veres') goals is to raise the playing standards year by year."

Levin has played the violin with the orchestra for about 10 years. He attended the orchestra's first concert in 1993 and decided to participate.

"When I heard it was an amateur orchestra, I realized I wanted to play with them," said Levin, who hadn't played his instrument in 50 years.

Levin began taking lessons and joined the orchestra in 1997. "I did not know what to expect. I started off and did the best I could," he said.

Since then, the retired chemical engineer has missed only one performance — because of cataract surgery.

Levin feels privileged to work with younger musicians, he said. "At my age, it keeps you feeling young to see their energy and enthusiasm."

One of those younger musicians, 12-year-old Sarah Roop, joined the orchestra more than four years ago, following in the footsteps of her two brothers, she said.

"I had been playing for about a year and a half before, and I did not know much when I joined," said Sarah, who is a home-schooled eighth-grader.

Sarah doesn't know if she'll pursue a music career, but she enjoys the camaraderie and diversity of the orchestra, she said.

"The most fun part is everybody is a different age and are there because they love their instrument."

Foothills

If you go

What: The Foothills Phil orchestra concert.

Where: Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday.

Cost: $5 for adults and $3 for children age 12 and younger.

For more information: Call the Community Schools program at 577-5304.