JOURNEY TO HEROLD COUNTY - a bluegrass opera in one act - The Music of Benjamin Dawson
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JOURNEY TO HEROLD COUNTY
a bluegrass opera in one act
Music by Benjamin Dawson
Libretto by David Dawson
Recording released May 3, 2021
Presented in partial fulfillment of the degree
Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition
University of Georgia, Hugh Hodgson School of Music
1
CAST (see page 27 for performer bios) Synopsis
Rural America, the 1950s. Mel Brown has moved from Herold
The Browns County, West Virginia, with his wife Naomi and young son, Mel
Mel Brown Eric Newell Jr., during desperately hard financial times, to Akron, Ohio, to
Naomi, his wife Lianna Wimberly Williams
work at Firestone making tires. For over 20 years, Mel and
Junior, his son Philip Andrew Himebook
Ruth, Junior’s wife Bree Nichols
Naomi send part of every paycheck to support family and friends
Bo, Mel’s nephew Jason Nichols in Herold County, but Junior despises his parent’s generosity
and seeks personal wealth. Mel’s brother Sam operates the
The Army Corps of Engineers lumber mill and the glass fruit jar manufacturing plant that
Lieutenant Malone Isaiah Feken provides the meager economic income in Herold County. Sam’s
Colonel Bingham Eric Newell teenage son Bo – Mel’s nephew – contributes an innate talent
Miss First Rachel Dawson for designing glass products that are used in the chemical
industry. Sam’s stroke postpones Bo’s opportunity for a college
The People of West Virginia education (Prologue).
Dan Holbrook John R. Autry
Brenda, his wife Ally Powell
Mel dies while shoveling snow (Forever is a Place). Naomi
Todd Scott Nick Koesters
Mrs. McCall Abigail Head prepares for Mel’s funeral (Until Forever). Shortly thereafter,
Jim Thompson Philip Andrew Himebook Junior and Jon introduce Naomi to Jon’s sister, Ruth, whom
Junior has just married at the courthouse (Change).
The People of Ohio
Jon, Ruth’s brother Isaiah Feken In Herold County, Todd Scott visits with a new chemical project
for Bo, while asking Bo to consider working for the River
Orchestra Chemical Company. Bo shares the news that his father, Sam,
has died. Mr. Scott mentions that Herold County would be a
Conductor David J. Stanley good location for his company’s planned chemical landfill and
Fiddle Benjamin Dawson his company would be generous in relocating everyone.
Mandolin Jonathan Mosley
Banjo Nathan Walter
Guitar Ian Hrdlicka Bo and Dan Holbrook decline the opportunity. Mr. Scott also
String Bass Quentin Smith alerts Bo that the Army Corps of Engineers is looking for a
Clarinet in Bb Aaron Guthrie reservoir site the size of the whole county (Opportunities). Bo
Violin I Alexis Boylan reflects on his role in life (A Simple Place).
Violin II Ian Jones
Viola Claudia Malchow Several years later, Junior and Jon secretly fund their “business
Violoncello Nicholas Cheon setbacks” with Naomi’s home deed and bank account (The
2
Plan). Ruth ponders her future (Butterfly). Junior is killed by LIBRETTO
“business associates” (Alone) and Jon warns Naomi and Ruth
of trouble before he disappears (Gone). Ruth and Naomi 1. Prologue Part A
respond to Junior’s death and their changed circumstances Herold Mill, Herold County, West Virginia
(Sometimes God Says No).
[BO BROWN]
Bo meets with representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers, The fruit jar run is well begun, we’re cranking out the orders
who have selected Herold County to be flooded to create a new At this rate we’ll have to start expanding market borders
reservoir. Bo requests that the public hearing be held locally to The River Chemical glassware turned out just like we planned
allow residents to attend. Bo leaves to greet Naomi, who has Dad left this morning for Charleston, should be home late
arrived with Ruth. (Thirty Days). tonight
Ruth brings supper to Bo (Mrs. Brown). The Corps of Engineers [DAN HOLBROOK]
public hearing is held in Herold County (Public Hearing), The mill is running full on today, they’re going real hard while
followed by a community gathering (Barn Dance). Mr. Sam’s away
Everybody working to do his part, ‘cept for the tractor that
wouldn’t start
Not to wonder what to do, or what to build with all our toil
We’ve stacks of wood and plenty of sand, all we can get from this
rocky soil
[BO, DAN, BRENDA HOLBROOK]
The Lord has given us another day
There be clouds in the skies but the creek don’t rise
Start the day on the run so the work is done
Working with our hands ‘til the setting of the sun
Until our days are done
[BRENDA]
Mel and Naomi sent the monthly check, said that they would
keep on praying
To share their part in the work we bear, sure am glad Firestone
keeps on paying
Junior’s trying to find his place, where he fits into life’s schemes
3
Needs to think through all his choices, see if they lead to where And learn more ways to sing God’s praise than when we first
he dreams begun
Before our days are done
[ALL]
The Lord has given us another day [MEL]
There be clouds in the skies but the creek don’t rise The ten years gone since he lost his wife Sam’s done well
Start the day on the run so the work is done bringing up his son
Working with our hands ‘til the setting of the sun Lots of choices popping up wondering which way Bo will go
Until our days are done Our son Jr’s life is drifting, chasing a life of ease
Until our days are done Pray the Lord would direct his way and he too would know true
peace
2. Prologue Part B
Mel & Namoi Brown’s House, Akron, Ohio [BOTH]
The Lord has given us another day
[NAOMI BROWN] So much to do today but first we oughta pray
We just got a letter with the latest from the home folks back in For the ones we love, to get blessings from above
Herold And learn more ways to sing God’s praise
School sent Bo to Charleston for the High School science fair Than when we first begun
Got to go see River Chemical plant as part of his visit there Before our days are done
They had him take the college boards, best score that they ever Before our days are done
did award
3. First Interlude (St. Anne’s Reel)
The senator, he called in Sam and said Bo he would appoint
Though he tried many times he’d never gotten anyone into West [Instrumental]
Point
Meanwhile Bo’s designed a flask to use in production planning 4. Prologue Part C
It will bring a lot more money than the jars they make for Herold Mill
household canning
[TODD SCOTT]
[NAOMI, MEL BROWN] Mrs Holbrook, Mr Holbrook, and Bo
The Lord has given us another day So very glad to finally meet you
So much to do today but first we oughta pray That’s one real winding road to drive
For the ones we love to get blessings from above What it takes to finally reach you
I guess your Dad’s not here today
4Out at the mill or putting up hay? Next year two of us will visit
We already met up in Charleston Maybe Mrs McCall, a lady who’s in legal
You could tell he was proud of his son You know, she has teenaged daughters that she’s guiding
My boss is convinced you’re not a teenaged genius,
These two patents are in your name Perhaps a Nazi chemist I’ve been hiding
With a check from River Chem
Here’s two new projects, they’re adjoint [ALL]
Can you take a look before you go off to West Point? The Lord has given us another day
There be clouds in the skies
[BO]
Dad’s back at the house [SCOTT]
Hope the creek don’t rise
[DAN]
He had a stroke [ALL]
We will work in one accord
[BRENDA]
Doing better every day [SCOTT]
West Point will defer for a year I can trust your word
[DAN] [ALL]
Figure then Sam ought to be clear Working with our hands til the setting of the sun
[BRENDA] [SCOTT]
We all work together not driven by fear Until our days are done
[BO, DAN, BRENDA] [ALL]
The Lord has given us another day Until our days are done
There be clouds in the skies but the creek don’t rise
We will work in one accord, we will trust the Lord 5. Prologue Part D
Working with our hands til the setting of the sun Browns’ House
Until our days are done
[JON]
[SCOTT] Mr. Brown, your old ways are not the future
One last thing, you’re gonna laugh
5[JUNIOR] Keep him far from lies, give him friends that are wise
Dad, you’re being used by the man every day Bring to him a virtuous wife, that their life together would dawn
Before our time is gone
[JON]
The ones who own the plant oppress the producers 6. Second Interlude (Cold Frosty Morn)
[JUNIOR] [Instrumental]
There’s more to life than go to church and pray
7. Prologue Part E
[JON] Herold Mill
There’s money to be found, with your brain and not your back
Our business will astound, we won’t need no almanac [SCOTT]
Well, Holbrooks, and patent chemist Bo
[JUNIOR] We want to say thanks before we go
Just a few short years, then we can retire Just like you promised not a German spy in sight
While you still clock in to work each day, and keep on making Here’s two patents and a check that will clear
tires I hope your dad feels better next time that I am here
[MEL] [MRS. MCCALL]
Boys, to be content is a blessing Would you come to Charleston to work for us full-time?
Better a handful with quietness Until then, here’s a retainer agreement to sign
Than a large amount striving after the wind
He who walks with wise men will be wise [BO]
Know every day for you I pray In Herold County our word is enough because it’s our sacred
bond
[JON] If you need more than a handshake, just how should we respond?
Mr. Brown, you can pray if it makes you feel glad These papers say you’ll give us pay without me doing work
Is this a bribe that I describe that has a real bad look?
[JUNIOR]
I’ll be back late, don’t wait up, Mom & Dad [BO, DAN, BRENDA]
The Lord has given us another day
[MEL, NAOMI] If there’s rain from the skies and the waters rise
Oh Lord we are thankful for another day We’ll keep close to God and you, you will see our word is true
Give our son ears to hear, give us words to say ‘Cause we know He’ll see us through ‘til we find the sun
6Until our days are done Until our days are done
[SCOTT, MCCALL] 8. Forever is a Place
We know that what you hear on Sunday Browns’ House
Shows up in how you act on Monday
Other folks with whom we deal [MEL]
Won’t hesitate to covet and steal Almost done clearing snow from the driveway
Maybe the last time ‘til next winter’s snow
[SCOTT] God sends the seasons, each in its own way
Retainer isn’t paying you for nothing or a bribe God bring us springtime with reasons to hope
We want you linked with us for any work that we describe
It’s more like keeping you on standby Oh, my breathing – I need to sit down
So when we need you you’ll be handy I’m calling out, but no sound breaks forth
To have one more springtime
[MCCALL] To share one more sunset
Your work not used we can sell to Proctor and Gamble To see one more sunrise
They pay quite well when they really have to scramble
We pass it along and make it worth your time All of my life I see in an instant
You can call collect, don’t waste a dime Things I have done, words I have spoken
Things left undone, things that were broken
[BO, DAN, BRENDA] But see God’s kindness, His mercy to me
Maybe Mel and Naomi could come home a little sooner
Thank you for my wife, my partner in life
[DAN] A blest gift I did not deserve
Sam and Mel together after twenty years parted Show mercy to our son, guide him safely home
Until then, his life please preserve
[BO]
Herold County thriving from the business Grandpa started Entering forever, forever is a place, not a time
Without the last goodbyes, and now before my eyes
[ALL] Lord what light
The Lord has given us another day Lord what music, forever
If there’s rain from the skies and the waters rise Lord what a sunrise!
We’ll keep close to God and you, you will see our word is true Forever
‘Cause we know He’ll see us through ‘til we find the sun
79. Until Forever From the valley of the shadow
Browns’ House Until we’re together,
Until forever, until forever
[NAOMI]
Before he was born 10. Change
You had written in your book Browns’ House
The number of his days
He’s with you this morn [JUNIOR]
The valley of the shadow Hello, Mom
Is my abode today
[JON]
Crying out, forlorn Hello, Mrs. Brown
Lord, I know that in all things
You do what’s good, always [NAOMI]
Hello, boys
He wanted to be buried in our church yard, here How is your work today?
I never thought this day would visit me so soon
Left in our home, with one final task to prepare [JON]
In his gray suit with the loudest tie I can find It’s a new business, Mrs. Brown
To see him a distance far away on that day Gonna take a while to get it off the ground
On that day that I, too, finally arrive home But wait and see, one day you’ll be proud of Junior and me
He’s in a mansion, streets of gold [NAOMI]
But I remain here, dreary cold I’m still not sure of what it is you do
Your work for him is at its end
Strengthen me to go on alone [JUNIOR]
And this is Jon’s little sister, Ruth
He was always faithful, always prepared, always steady, always
there [RUTH]
Always working hard, encouraging words he would share How do you do?
Always focused on forever, finally arrived, forever there
Love is as strong as death, love outlives the wrong of death [NAOMI]
Very well, thank you
Until forever, until forever, until forever Do you work with these two?
8[JUNIOR] [NAOMI]
She works in the parts department down at Firestone My home is your home, I pray you’ll be blessed
How long have you known Junior?
[JON]
Started the week after graduating Akron East last spring [RUTH]
He is my brother Jon’s friend
[NAOMI] I guess I’ve only known him a short time
My husband worked down at Firestone
[NAOMI]
[RUTH] Well, welcome to our home
Junior said he passed away this year Besides Firestone parts, what do you like?
I am so very sorry
[RUTH]
[NAOMI] Butterflies, I like butterflies
The Lord knows our days
Our days were good though they quickly passed [NAOMI]
And I like flowers
[JON] So we can work together
Well it’s been fun but we have to run To add beauty to our world
You two can get to know each other
Did Junior mention I’m her brother? [RUTH]
Thank you, Mrs. Brown
[JUNIOR]
Oh, by the way [NAOMI]
We got married today at the courthouse down on High Street You’re welcome, Mrs. Brown, my new daughter
We’ll be living here for now if you allow – love you, see you Let’s make you feel at home today
[JON] 11. Opportunities
Ciao, gotta run Herold Mill
[RUTH] [SCOTT]
I hope it’s ok, I mean, us married So nice to see you once again
And to stay with you to start Did not get here last year
Here’s a check for Herold Glass
9And patents, you have three To make this county one big lake
With eminent domain
Was sad to hear about your Dad
Good man, you could trust him Everyone will have to move
I know he was so proud of you All you have you simply lose
So what is new with you? A process without grace
Call collect if the Corps comes by
[BO] To flood your Herold County space
The mill is making more than boards We will help you find a place
Rockers, Adirondack chairs
Fruit jars still sell round the state 12. A Simple Place
Chemical glass now pulls its weight Herold Mill
I pick up classes at Bluefield State [BO]
Wintertime and through the mail A simple place that’s home
Prob’ly take at least ten years A quiet place, this is home
To travel down this college trail Thankful for each day
Content to know I have all that I need
[SCOTT]
River plans to build a landfill in Eastern Mullins County We remain as stewards of this place
Might build one here in Herold County Like those who came before
Long term jobs, stable pay We plant and tend and work each day
Move stumps and rocks and thorns away
[BO] Things that bring with joy the harvest each fall
I don’t decide for Herold folks And fall turns to winter each year
This way of life is what we know With its promise that spring will once more appear
A change like that is hard for those
Who live in this quiet valley We keep an eye on one another
Make a place when the storm passes through
[SCOTT] Gather food to last through the winter
And one more thing, the Army Corps The harder and longer the winter
Intends to build a reservoir The more we welcome the blossoms in spring
Like those in Tennessee
I hope it’s not your place they take The warmth of the sun on our heads
10The joy in tasting our daily bread And cash from the spouse
The freshness of the dew in the morn
The stars each night inform [JON]
It’s time to rest instead Ruth knows? Your mom knows?
They know what we’re doing?
How do I use these gifts I’ve been given? They gave you the deed?
What is of value and what is of worth?
To do justly, love mercy, walk humbly [JUNIOR]
While the sun and the moon still shine forth Oh, lord no
With the Lord’s help I am not confounded I said they were signing forms for the City
Like a flint I have set my face allow the meter readers basement access every month
Until directed otherwise, it is here I am unbounded You can thank me. My plan will succeed
In this quiet, simple place
[JON]
13. The Plan All the money? And the house?
Jon’s Apartment, OH Ten years married and you’ve never told your wife?
[JON] [JUNIOR]
Bad idea, they play for keeps Junior does what Junior has to do
Lie low ‘til things cool down My inheritance a little early
Let’s go on the lam Surely their money for my life
[JUNIOR] [JON]
I have most of what we owe If this works out, where will they live?
Hand it over, they let us go Where will they sleep tonight?
Then we’ll scram
[JUNIOR]
[JON] They can go to church, they are upright
Let’s scram now, see another sunrise God helps those that help themselves
We have nothing, this is not wise
[JON]
[JUNIOR] And the golden rule:
I’ve got deed to the house
Mom’s money from the bank
11[BOTH] For now we’re eating leaves around the milkweed
He who has the gold makes the rules Our place today, but only for a season
What change will be the reason that brings change?
[JON]
Ten minutes ‘til we meet them behind the school Where is the time or place or location
In which we fill our role in God’s creation?
14. Butterfly When the time is right, then we will know why
Browns’ House When our wings unfold, and we fly
[RUTH] 15. Alone
His soul seems distant, his thoughts seem far away Akron East High School, OH
Grasping at the rainbow has left him in tatters
A vision for money has filled him with resentment [JUNIOR]
What steps can I take, to help you find contentment I am all alone
They stabbed me and left me alone to die
To seek peace with God and with yourself I am all alone
Instead of always seeking for that something else? My friend ran away and I am left alone to die
I’m yours, you’ll always have my love
It’s who you are, not what you have, that matters I gave them all the money we had
I handed them the house deed
I long that together we might find our wings and fly I begged them please, I just need more time
Not like an eagle or a hawk in the sky Now I am alone to die
But near the ground, to be found, like a butterfly
To help the flowers bloom in springtime All of my life I see in an instant
Life was not fair, where was my treasure?
Brief our time and our season here may be Life cheated me, I deserved better
The flowers that follow I am ignored, I have no reward
We may not live to see
But we will have done Darkness washing over me, alone
What we were born to do Numbing coldness, I am alone
With our wings unfurled Cruel life, unfair life, alone
Add beauty to the world The distant light, fading, failing
Darkness, alone
Darkness
1216. Gone [JON]
Browns’ House I’m in deep trouble
I have to run
[JON]
This is awful, what a mess [RUTH]
I’m in trouble really deep Where is Junior?
I have to go right now
[JON]
[NAOMI] He’s gone
What’s the matter? He’s gone
Junior’s gone
[RUTH]
Is Junior with you? [RUTH]
Gone where?
[JON] Where is Junior?
We gave the cash, and then the house
Everything we had [JON]
He’s gone
[NAOMI] They took the cash and the deed to this house
What house? But it wasn’t enough – now he’s gone
[RUTH] [RUTH]
Where is Junior? He’s dead?
[JON] [NAOMI]
Junior thought it would be enough Who is this?
[RUTH] [JON]
Where is Junior? You have to get out
Go stay with friends from your church
[NAOMI] I’ve got your car; if they find it they take it
What is going on? If they find me I’m a dead man
13[NAOMI] Sometimes God says yes, sometimes He says no
Where is he? Sometimes not just yet, often we don’t know
[JON] Now we must leave this place quickly, suddenly,
He’ll never be found Our home, all that we have and have known
I go before I’m a goner Is taken from us this day
Get out tonight Tonight, with friends from church we can stay
17. Sometimes God Says No Tomorrow you begin a new journey
Browns’ House A path where, I pray, you find your wings
May God lead you beside quiet waters
[RUTH] And I depart to the place I was born
My Junior is gone, is dead, why him, why today?
Why did things not turn out a different way? [RUTH]
My husband is gone, taken away from me Where will you be, where will you go?
What should I have done to help him chose If I pray that you stay
A different journey, a path that’s better? Is this a time when God says no?
Why are our days together at an end? Hear my heart cry, hear my voice say
I will not depart from you
Ten years - every day for him I prayed
To be at peace with God and with his neighbors [NAOMI]
His searching, his restlessness, his discontent My child, you have loved me and my son
Why this day, is he gone from this place before receiving grace? Above and beyond expectation
May God repay you for all you have done
[NAOMI] My purpose in this place has come to an end
I also prayed for more than thirty years You deserve more than I can give from where I go
You were a joyful answer to my prayers What can I give, what do I have
He knew your love and saw your respect What is in that place for you?
You were gentle and loving and faithful and patient
You were the bright spot in his life [RUTH]
Do not leave me or ask me to leave you
Perhaps God showed mercy to him in his last breaths What your eyes see, I want to share that view
Perhaps like Jonah in the fish, rescued from the depths? The place you stay is where I’ll make my bed
We don’t know but we can hold on and hope so The food you eat sufficient for my bread
14The Lord your God is my God, just and true [BO]
Let only death be what parts me from you God gave us sand so our fruit jars would be good
[NAOMI] [BOTH]
Love is as strong as death Just wish the tractor would run like it should
Take another step, draw another breath
Pack two bags, all we will carry, we need to act fast [BRENDA]
I’m taking my photos to remember the past Naomi got here early this morning
Junior’s wife Ruth brought her all the way here
[RUTH] They’re in the house like you had suggested
I’ll bring butterfly books to remember the future will come You can stop on bye, once they are rested
Very few belongings, her house had burned down
[NAOMI]
We need all the beauty we can touch until we reach home [BO]
Did you find out if that’s how Junior died?
[BOTH]
Together we will travel, together, not alone [DAN]
Hand in hand we’ll walk to the place that will be home I last saw Junior the day they left Herold
No idea of what awaits us, the passage may be slow You weren’t born, little guy was five years old
Those times we pray but sometimes God says no
For He has planned a better way to go [BRENDA]
Naomi didn’t say much or explain
18. Thirty Days Her feelings or how long Ruth would remain
Bo’s Office/Brown Homeplace, WV
[DAN]
[DAN] Visitors driving a government car
Mill running full bore, keeping up chair orders what do you suppose they are looking for?
[BO] [BRENDA]
New chairs setting there selling everywhere I will head back to be with the ladies
[DAN] [BO]
God gave us trees so we don’t run out of wood Remember that what we have is theirs
15[DAN] The Old Book gives us guidance for living
These folks don’t look like they’re shopping for chairs
[MALONE]
[LT. MALONE] Have you seen any Germans?
Lieutenant Malone, US Army Corps of Engineers
Miss First, the Colonel’s secretary, is with me here [DAN]
Reporting from the Pittsburgh District Headquarters Not since Amiens in the first great war
The Army Corps of Engineers intends to construct
A reservoir for flood control and recreation [MALONE]
Miss First and I investigate each potential location Anyone around here named von Braun?
You Mr. Brown of Herold Glass?
[BO]
[DAN] Have to say, never heard that name before
No, my name’s Holbrook
[MALONE]
[BO] This whole county is one big valley
I’m Bo Brown Dam at one end makes a large reservoir
Since it will likely be your last one
[MALONE] Hope you have a nice harvest this year
Write that down, Miss First
Nice butterfly photo, a degree from Bluefield State [DAN]
I am United States Military Academy What about our homes and our families?
You probably know it as West Point
[MALONE]
[BO, DAN] Eminent domain, we say go you’ll have to leave
Thank you for your service, what can we do for you?
[BO]
[MALONE] May we show you the value of our land?
Geologist report shows there are no coal seams May we demonstrate the work of our hands?
[BO] [MALONE]
No coal but timber and sand for fine glass No, we’ve seen everything that I need
We do our best with all we’ve been given To reject any case you try to plead
Note Jesus’ parable of the talents Come to the public hearing in Pittsburgh
16Where Miss First can transcribe all of your words [MISS FIRST]
Before we release the ruling of the Corps I wonder just how many here are suffering from mange
Should we baffle them with endless maze of paperwork?
[BO]
Lt, Pittsburgh’s very far away [MALONE]
Would you please hold it here There is no need because most probably can’t read
So all the local folks could have their say?
[FIRST]
[MALONE] What did he mean Jesus’ Parable of the talents?
Well, we can only hold a hearing
After public notice of thirty days [MALONE]
So the Corps will return to this County Maybe water into wine
To hold the required public hearing
We now will depart [BOTH]
Please have a nice day They make moonshine!
And canning jars, and nice chairs you can see
[BO] That they’ll have to move if they want to sit
We reckon your drive back home will be long Once we order them to leave
To send you on without some food
[DAN]
[DAN] Thirty days, then what will occur?
Would just be wrong
[BO]
[BO] Life is funny, this is just amazing
Please take this food in jars we make right here
[DAN]
[DAN] Should have sent someone that’s had some raising
This is Mrs Holbrook’s apple butter
[BO]
[BO, DAN] Will need to learn about public hearings
Goes real nice on these biscuits made from scratch What can impact the army’s decision
Thirty days, there’s no time to lose
[MALONE] Figure out a reason they can’t refuse
If not a reservoir this place should be a bombing range
17[DAN] [BRENDA, NAOMI]
Order up books delivered by the mail So on we go, again we try
Until the day when we won’t have to say goodbye
[BO]
Won’t stop thinking once the morning’s begun [INTERLUDE]
Until our thirty days is done
[DAN]
[BRENDA] In thirty days what can we expect?
All that you see here belongs to you
You and Mel were what got us through [BO]
And finally, you’ve made it home Only thirty days - time to call collect
[NAOMI] [BO, DAN]
Home when we left here, was husband and little son Thirty days and the clock is tickin’
Now I’ve come back with a daughter Make us go screamin’ and kickin’
Look at the pictures, Bo’s mother’s pictures Thinkin’ and prayin’ hard for sixty days
The ones that she took and shared
Her days were shortened, her time among us [MALONE]
Leaving us her prayers My very first dam
Perhaps design the spillway
[BRENDA] There I am a dam engineer
How long before Ruth goes back north?
[FIRST]
[NAOMI] You’ll count the rebar
She has no plans except to be with me This apple butter’s tasty
Please just keep your eyes on the road
[BRENDA]
And using the necessary? [MALONE, FIRST]
One less county
[NAOMI] One new army lake
She’ll adapt, she won’t complain Surveys begin in sixty days
Sears & Roebuck won’t be the same
Each night together we cry [BRENDA]
Each new morning is a gift, from the One who made the sky Welcome back to friends and kinfolk you know
18[NAOMI] [BRENDA]
This valley was our better way to go She’s pretty quiet but she’s really bright
[BOTH] [BOTH]
Soon will feel like home, might take thirty days Enjoy your meal, we’ll say goodnight
[ALL]: [BO]
In thirty days. For this food I thank you Lord
And bless the hands that fixed it
19. Mrs. Brown
Bo’s Office [RUTH]
Thank you
[DAN]
Mrs. Brown providing dinner, now it’s on your desk [BO]
Mrs. Brown?
[BO]
How is my aunt? [RUTH]
Mr. Brown
[DAN]
She is settling in [BO]
Mrs. Brown
[BRENDA]
Still can cook like old times [RUTH]
Is my mother
[BO]
And Ruth? [BO]
Was my mother
[DAN]
She’s a keeper, what a girl [RUTH]
She organized the shop And also is my name, Mr. Brown
Ordered and installed about a dozen repair parts
First person here in several years [BO]
That could make the tractor start Was my daddy
19[RUTH] [BO]
Was my husband Mrs. Brown
[BO] [RUTH]
So our names are the same Beautiful photo
My favorite butterfly
[BOTH]
What [drew]/[kept] you here, do you plan to stay? [BO]
What is [in here]/[out there] that could move you away? My mother took that photo years ago
Now she’s gone
[RUTH]
What are your dreams, are they like my own? [RUTH]
That butterfly is gone
[BO]
What do you seek, to call a place your own? [BO]
Are you at peace? Us, too, if they turn this county into one big lake
Then where will the butterflies go?
[RUTH]
Are you content? [RUTH]
But that species is already gone
[BOTH] Extinct
Do you give thanks for what God has sent?
[BO]
[RUTH] Extinct or not, I see that butterfly
Beauty, to see and hear beauty They come back every spring
Be thankful every day The kindness of the Lord is everywhere, even here
This place without a claim to fame
[BO] Where we remain out of view
All the beauty I need to see We could go to see your butterfly
Walked into this room today
[RUTH]
[RUTH] Tomorrow?
Mr. Brown!
20[BO] 20. Public Hearing
Or the next day Herold County High School
Then I could say
You asked my dream? [MALONE]
That you would stay This is United States Army Corps of Engineers
And that your name would remain the same Public Hearing ACE6148J276540703/WV-HC01/PH01
Mrs. Brown Regarding and appertaining thereunto
The proposed United States Army Corps of Engineers
[RUTH] Project ACE6148J276540703/WV-HC01
Mr. Brown Colloquially known as the Herold County storm control
And recreational reservoir project
[BO] Henceforth referred to as the “Proposed Project”
Mrs. Brown Or simply the “Project,”
Lt. Colonel Hamilton D. Bingham, Jr.
[RUTH] United States Army Corps of Engineers
Mr. Brown Pittsburgh District, presiding
[BOTH] [LT. COLONEL BINGHAM]
Mrs. Brown The public hearing is now in session
Mr. Brown Lt. Malone, please explain how the hearing will proceed
Mrs. Brown
[MALONE]
[BO] Those wishing to speak should have already signed the
Mr. sign-up sheet, Form DH24
United States Army Corps of Engineers civilian employee
[RUTH] Blanche First
and Mrs. Will record comments and assist in preparation of the report of
this proceeding
[BOTH] Please speak clearly and enunciate
Brown Please limit your comments to three minutes per person
Miss First, please announce the first commenter
[FIRST]
Mr. Brown, no address given
21[DAN] [MALONE]
Lt, which Mr. Brown? There are several Located?
[MALONE] [SCOTT]
All Mr Browns wishing to speak raise your hand Charleston West Virginia
[several men raise hands] [MALONE]
Did you get that, Miss First?
[BINGHAM]
Miss First, who is next on the list? [FIRST]
Yes, sir
[FIRST]
Mrs. Brown, no address given [MALONE]
Proceed
[MALONE]
All Mrs Browns wishing to speak raise your hand [SCOTT]
Herold Glass is sole supplier for important components
[several women raise hands] Used in a classified project
[BINGHAM] [MALONE]
Miss First, someone out of town? What components?
[FIRST] [SCOTT]
Mr. Todd Scott, River Chemical Company Charleston West That’s classified
Virginia
[BINGHAM]
[SCOTT] Here? The fruit jar makers?
Herold Glass
[MALONE]
[MALONE] By who?
Please state your name and affiliation for the record
[SCOTT]
[SCOTT] The United States Army
Todd Scott, River Chemical Company You could request project clearance
22[BINGHAM] moving them would just be wrong
No, not the endless maze of paperwork
Could take years [SCOTT]
Let them stay for all their days, in their simple place
[MALONE]
Sounds like a cover story [BOTH]
Anyone here named von Braun? In Herold County, this their home
[BINGHAM] [BINGHAM]
Anyone here speak German? Thank you, next
[BRENDA] [MALONE]
Nearest Lutheran Church is in Mullins County Miss First
[DAN] [FIRST]
Cincinnati Reds Mr. Jim Thompson
Baseball should play in the daytime, your honor The Greenbrier Hotel
White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia
[MALONE]
I studied German at the United States Military Academy, Sir [JIM THOMPSON]
These people may know it as West Point I’m Jim Thompson
The Greenbrier Hotel
[SCOTT] White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia
Colonel, Herold Glass essential to River Chemical Thank you, Colonel, great hearing you conduct
Maybe local sand We buy Adirondack chairs, the wood ones outside
from Herold Mill right here, Herold County
[MCCALL] Hotel guests love them, made from local wood
maybe local wood Great price and looks good
[SCOTT] Take one to your house, get the general two
maybe just hard work, make its products good Keep the mill in business and become a general too
[MCCALL] Thank you, Colonel, my speech was unrehearsed
Bo Brown there, near a genius, 12 patents in 10 years come stay with us, discount for army men like you
Modest as the day is long, he looks out for all these folks, and civilians like Miss First
23[BINGHAM] [BRENDA, DAN]
Thank you This is home
Anyone else? How we live, where we go, what we know
We work hard
[DAN] We pray long, we give thanks, with a song
Dan and Brenda Holbrook from right here
[BRENDA, NAOMI, DAN]
[BINGHAM] Plant in spring, God sends rain, flowers bloom, grain will grow
Not a Brown? Then come fall, harvest all, shorter days, winters snow
Our canned food gets us through each winter, like Noah on the
[BRENDA] ark
I’m a Brown Til spring returns each year to our valley, with life reborn
The flowers bloom again, birds break forth in song
[DAN] Here is home, the place we belong
Either a Brown or married to a Brown
[BINGHAM]
[BINGHAM] Thank you, Browns
What do the Browns of this county have to say? Before we close the hearing, any comments we’ve not yet heard?
[BRENDA] [BO]
Miss First, Lieutenant, Colonel Bo Brown, Herold County
[MALONE] [MALONE]
Miss First is a civilian You the genius?
there is no rank of 1st Lt Colonel
[BO]
[BRENDA] No, sir, Lieutenant, just read books
Well bless your heart, Lt. Thanks to Bluefield State College and the post office
This book shows extinct butterfly genus and species last 30 years
This extinct monarch returns every spring,
[DAN] bringing beauty to our simple place
Mighty fine schooling at West Point Don’t wash away her home, don’t end the joy she brings
The children of our children should get to see her wings
No need to be surprised or nervous
24Expect you’ll be hearing from the Fish and Wildlife Service Tomorrow we can make fruit jars
Thank you, before you give us one last glance Tonight we’ll just enjoy the stars
There’s food for all at tonight’s barn dance We’ll dance the West Virginia Reel
But first join in a hearty meal
[BINGHAM] And breathe the air of home
This hearing is now closed
The decision will be rendered upon consideration in due time [THOMPSON]
You two married?
21. West Virginia Reel
Herold County High School [RUTH]: Not yet
[DAN] [BO]
Before the parson says the blessing But soon
Remember all you guests go first
There’s turkey ham and cornbread dressing [THOMPSON]
So eat until you feel you’ll burst Come to my place on your honeymoon.
Best to come when the leaves hit peak
[DAN, BRENDA] Bring two more chairs and we’ll feed you for a week
Colonel, you are overlooking
This young man needs down home cooking [SCOTT, MCCALL]:
Please send him for a week this year We hope you get to keep your home
We’ll see he brings you back a deer If not, we have a job and place
Come each month to work a couple days
[BINGHAM]: We’ll feed and pay for overnight stays
The Lt will return after your first frost Bring Mrs. Brown so you’re not alone.
Staff will send him in a deuce-and-a-half
We want more fruit jars than can fit in two cars [CHORUS]
The deuce has room to spare, send some wooden chairs at cost We met and spoke and had our say
And blessed with guests here for today
Tomorrow we can make fruit jars
Tonight we’ll just enjoy the stars
[CHORUS] We’ll dance the West Virginia Reel
We met and spoke and had our say But first join in a hearty meal
And blessed with guests here for today And breathe the air of home
25[RUTH, NAOMI, BO]
This journey to Herold County, in looking back we now can see
All the time spent in the valley, the Lord had not abandoned me
And if our path should continue, to another destination
Because we will be together, wherever we are will be home
[CHORUS]
We met and spoke and had our say
And blessed with guests here for today
Tomorrow we can make fruit jars
Tonight we’ll just enjoy the stars
We’ll dance the West Virginia Reel
But first join in a hearty meal
And breathe the air of home
And know that we are home
26CAST in school, Ms. Dawson appeared in several operas with the
Piedmont Opera Company of Winston Salem and UNCSA’s
John R. Autry (Dan Holbrook) Fletcher Opera Company. She continued her musical career in
Attorney John R. Autry has seventeen Chicago, singing several roles with the Gilbert and Sullivan
years of experience litigating complex Opera Company of Chicago and joining the Grammy award
cases in federal and state courts all over winning Chicago Symphony Chorus. In 2016 she took a post at
Georgia. He has tried numerous bench the Madison Waldorf School as a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade
and jury trials to judgment and teacher. Since returning to the sunny south, Rachel has been
successfully defended multiple verdicts on teaching preschool and working with the Barter Youth Academy
appeal. He was twice designated a “Rising (VA). She is thrilled to be singing again in the debut of such a
Star” by Georgia Super Lawyers and fun Opera!
maintains an AV Peer Review rating (the
highest rating possible) from Martindale Hubbell. John Isaiah Feken (Lieutenant Malone, Jon)
graduated with honors from the University of Georgia School of A former Patricia and Dr. Carl S.
Law. Before law school, John obtained an undergraduate degree Hoveland opera fellow, Isaiah currently
in piano and vocal performance from Samford University in serves as an Artist in residence for Opera
Birmingham and enjoyed a successful career as a professional Colorado. Company credits include the
opera singer. He won first prize in the Metropolitan Opera first sergeant and Figaro in the company’s
National Council Auditions and logged over three hundred main-stage and student matinee
performances with the San Francisco Opera. He currently performances of Il barbiere di Siviglia
serves as the president of the board of directors at Bethel Haven, respectively. Other engagements include
Inc., a Watkinsville-based nonprofit that provides counseling Ford in Verdi’s Falstaff with Crested Butte Music Festival, and
services on a sliding scale, and as an Athens Church college Fred Graham in Pittsburgh Festival Opera’s production of Kiss
group leader. Me Kate! Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Isaiah attended the
University of Tulsa as well as the University of Georgia.
Rachel Dawson (Miss First)
Rachel Dawson is a native of North Abigail Head (Mrs. McCall)
Carolina, where she first developed a love Abigail Head, a soprano from Roanoke,
of the theater at a student performance of Virginia, received her bachelor’s degree
Verdi’s La Traviata by Opera Carolina. in vocal performance from Samford
She began pursuing classical music University in 2016 and her master’s
training, earning a Bachelor of the Arts in degree in vocal performance and
vocal performance from the University of pedagogy from the Peabody
North Carolina School of the Arts. While Conservatory of Johns Hopkins
27University in 2020. Some of her former roles include Amahl Toccoa Falls College, and a Master of Music in Vocal
(Amahl and the Night Visitors, Samford Opera), Cecily (The Performance from the University of Memphis.
Importance of Being Earnest, Showtimers), and Suor Osmina (Suor
Angelica, Peabody Opera Theatre). Abigail has performed at
several festivals such as Manhattan Opera Studio and Opera Nick Koesters (Todd Scott)
Festival di Roma. Additionally, she performed as an apprentice Raised in Weaverville, North Carolina,
artist with Opera Roanoke in both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 Nick is a member of Actor’s Equity and
seasons. She is currently working on a Doctor of Musical Arts SAG/AFTRA. He has performed with
degree in Vocal Performance with a minor in Pedagogy at the North Carolina Theatre Conservatory,
University of Georgia. In all of her performances, Abigail keeps Porthouse Theatre, Great Lakes Theatre
Bach’s signature in mind: Soli Deo Gloria. Festival, The Cleveland Play House, The
Beck Center, Cleveland Public Theatre,
Philip Andrew Himebook and, from 2011-19 in the resident acting
(Junior Brown, Jim Thompson) company of the Barter Theatre. In 2019
Philip Andrew Himebook is a Memphis he performed the one-man show Side
based tenor, known for his work in both Effects May Include at SoHo Playhouse in NYC, raising money
the opera and theatre stages. “With his for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and increasing awareness of
powerful build and angel’s voice” (Chris the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. Nick has been seen in
Davis, Memphis Flyer), Philip first came Spike TV’s Kill Point and the Emmy-nominated children’s
to the public’s attention with his show, Ask Gilby. He co-produced and starred in the award-
performance as Ubaldo Piangi in the University of Memphis winning independent film, Will Work for Food. You’ll be able to
production of The Phantom of the Opera. Afterwards, he went on to see him on the big and home screen mid 2021 in the movie,
take center stage as Jean Valjean in two back-to-back Found. Nick resides in Abingdon, VA with his two beautiful
productions of Les Misérables, in which he was heralded for his muses: his remarkable wife, Carolyn and their daughter,
“magnificent voice … it literally soars beyond the barricades” Calliope.
(Joseph Baker, broadwayworld.com). He auditioned twice for
the Metropolitan Opera National Council, and both times Eric Newell
placed as a winner in the Divisional level, going on the receive (Mel Brown, Colonel Bingham)
the Encouragement Award at the Regional level. Philip served Bass-baritone Eric Newell, hailing from
as a resident artist with Opera Memphis for their 2018-19 Nashville, Tennessee, is the Director of
season, as the understudy for Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, and Choirs at the Kirby School in Santa Cruz,
performed in his Opera Memphis debut as Ralph Rackstraw in CA, where he conducts four ensembles
H.M.S. Pinafore. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from and teaches various other music classes.
He has sung in a variety of solo and choral
28settings, performing with the professional choir Volti, the Jason Nichols (Bo Brown)
Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, the Atlanta Master Chorale, and at Jason Nichols, who “sings...with
the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. Eric has degrees in vulnerability and passion” (Roanoke
business administration from Emory University and choral Times), was a winner in the 2016
conducting from the University of Georgia, and is honored to Metropolitan Opera National Council
help in premiering this exciting new work by a talented friend Auditions. He is a versatile tenor with
and colleague. ample experience onstage and in the
studio. Recent travels saw Jason abroad in
Bree Nichols (Ruth Brown) the Czech Republic premiering the
Bree Nichols is a young operatic soprano modern adaptations of Heinrich
known for her warm timbre and Schmelzer’s Le Veglie Ossequiose and Die Sieben Alter Stimmen
compelling stage presence. Her career has Zusammen. He also sang with the Dallas Symphony in their
taken her to the stages of Symphony of the production of Salome as Jude 4 under the direction of Fabio Luisi.
Mountains, Capitol City Opera, Opera Jason has also performed under the illustrious batons of Marzio
Roanoke, Lewisville Lake Symphony, Conti, Lukas Beikercher, Marius Stieghorst, and Stephen
Opera on the James, Opera Experience White. Roles for Jason include Don José (Carmen), Il Duca
Southeast, and more. In 2020, she was the winner of the (Rigoletto), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), and many more. Jason
prestigious Presser Graduate Music Award in support of her also oversees all creative elements at Tate Springs Baptist
performance and study of Czech opera. Bree recently debuted Church in Arlington, Texas. Tate Springs recently released a
as Gilda in Rigoletto with Capitol City Opera and performed single, “God With Us.” They will be releasing an EP in the fall
the title role of Lucia di Lammermoor with UNT Opera. Other of 2021 under Tate Springs Worship.
recent performances include Mařenka in The Bartered Bride,
Nedda in Pagliacci, and Alexandra in Blitzstein’s Regina. Bree Ally Powell (Brenda Holbrook)
holds a Master of Music degree from University of Georgia and A 2019 graduate of East Tennessee State
is a Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas College University, Ally Powell is a Mezzo-
of Music. She currently calls the state of Texas home, where she Soprano based in Johnson City, TN. She
frequently performs with her husband, tenor Jason Nichols. has been successful in many competitions
(2nd place, 2015 MTNA regional
competition; 3rd place 2016 NATS
regional competition; 1st place, 2016
NATS Tennessee chapter competition; 1st
place, 2017 NATS regional competition). As a member of the
ETSU Opera Workshop, Ally performed the roles of Lady 3 in
Mozart’s The Magic Flute, The Announcer in Moore’s Galantry,
29The Quail in Trinkley’s Chicken Little, and Dido in Purcell’s Dido ORCHESTRA
and Aeneas. She has also performed as a soloist with the Johnson
City Symphony Orchestra on their performance of Master Alexis Boylan (Violin I)
Classics III: Immortal Beloved. Ally is grateful to her family, friends, Alexis Boylan is a 20 year-old violinist
and church family for their support as she seeks to glorify God from Atlanta, Georgia. She is currently a
with the gift He has given her. She looks forward to whatever the junior at the University of Georgia
future holds. earning two bachelor degrees in violin
performance and biochemistry. She has
Lianna Wimberly Williams studied with Dr. Michael Heald for the
(Naomi Brown) past three years. Her love of chamber
An aptitude for mathematics competed for music has allowed her to attend various
Lianna Wimberly Williams’s educational chamber music-centered programs over
focus before following her calling for vocal the years. Most recently, Alexis spent the
performance and education. Raised in a summer of 2019 studying with violinist,
family of singers and musicians, Lianna Sandy Yamamoto at Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
sang her first public solo to her church in Burlington, Vermont. Her previous musical involvements
home congregation at age four. Her early include the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Emory
exposure to a broad range of vocal styles Youth Symphony Orchestra, the University of North Texas
led to an advanced musicality level, thus Summer Strings Institute, Georgia’s Governor's Honors
qualifying her experience with an academic understanding and Program, and multiple years spent at the University of Tulsa
appreciation of music theory, history, and technique. Lianna Chamber Music Festival. Alexis has played in masterclasses with
earned a bachelor’s degree in Performance from Clayton State Annie Chalex Boyle, Philip Setzer, Bui Cong Duy, the Jupiter
University (Morrow, GA), a master’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy Quartet, and the Takács Quartet.
from The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH), and is
currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University
of Georgia (Athens, GA). While her doctoral studies hold much Nicholas Cheon (Violoncello)
of her focus, Lianna’s passion for choral singing and solo concert Nicholas Cheon is currently in his second
repertoire maintains their prominence in her schedule. She is a year of his master’s degree at the
vocal artist of the Sphinx Organization vocal ensemble, University of Georgia (UGA) studying
Exigence, and has recently joined the musical excellence of Music Performance. He is studying under
Conspirare. Lianna’s repertoire of concert works includes Dr. David Starkweather. He was the
Beethoven’s Mass in C; Vivaldi’s Gloria; Hasse’s Salve Regina; principal cellist of UGA’s Symphony
Handel’s Messiah; Duruflé’s Requiem mass; Mozart Requiem mass. Orchestra for three semesters, and he is
the cellist of the Secret Sits Ensemble. Nicholas enjoys
30performing in orchestra and chamber ensembles, as well as Aaron Guthrie (Clarinet)
learning repertoire for his solo performances. His achievements Aaron Guthrie is a sophomore at the
consist of performing Dvorak’s Cello Concerto with the Youth University of Georgia majoring in Clarinet
Orchestras of Lubbock (TX) in 2015, placing as runner-up in the Performance. In addition to solo work, he
Texas Tech University concerto competition in 2018, and is an avid large ensemble and chamber
placing as a finalist in UGA’s concerto competition for two years. player, having performed as part of the
He has also attended multiple summer festivals such as Summer UGA Symphony Orchestra and Wind
Arts Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy in Ensemble, and participated in the
Powell River, British Columbia, National Music Festival in premieres of new pieces by student composers.
Chestertown, Maryland, and Texas Music Festival in Houston,
Texas. He earned his bachelor’s in music performance at Texas Ian Hrdlicka (Guitar)
Tech University in Spring 2015. Nicholas began playing the Ian Hrdlicka is a guitarist driven by
cello at age 6 and played for Southcrest Baptist Church’s sharing the joys of music making with
worship service in Lubbock. audiences and students alike. Ian has
performed concerts in both the U.S and
Benjamin Dawson (Fiddle) Europe and played in masterclasses for
Benjamin grew up studying with leaders of the guitar world such as Jason
United States National Scottish Vieaux and Rovshan Mamedkuliev. Ian
Fiddling Champion Jane MacMorran. earned a Bachelors of Music Performance from the University
With Dr. MacMorran he studied of Georgia in 2019 and is scheduled to earn a Masters of Music
classical violin repertoire as well as Performance from UGA in Spring 2021. During his studies, he
tunes from the Highlands. As a is also serving as a Graduate Assistant to Dr. Daniel Bolshoy.
primarily classical musician in the Despite primarily being a classical guitarist, Ian was introduced
foothills of Southwest Virginia, he to the guitar through folk and bluegrass music as a child in North
learned old-time and bluegrass playing Carolina and continues to play and teach in these styles
styles by osmosis, competing at Fiddler’s Grove (NC) and regularly. Away from the guitar, Ian enjoys going for long runs,
performing with the Dawson Family Band at a number of working in his garden and watching basketball.
local barn dances. From 2015-17 he played in the Hayes
String Quartet at Appalachian State University (NC) where
he was also concertmaster of the Appalachian Symphony
Orchestra. From 2017-18 he served as Associate Principal
2nd Violin for the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra (TN).
Benjamin currently plays violin at Redeemer Presbyterian
Church in Athens, GA, where he is an active member.
31Ian Jones (Violin II) clarinetist Kelly Riordan. During the summer of 2020 she began
Ian Jones is a violinist, and aspiring working with Lift Music Fund, an organization created to make
Baroque violinist, currently residing in music more accessible and equitable for underrepresented
Athens, Georgia attending school at the students. Claudia earned her BM in Viola Performance from the
University of Georgia. At UGA, Ian is Peabody Conservatory, where she studied with viola pedagogue
studying under the mentorship of violinist Victoria Chiang. She currently attends the University of Georgia
Dr. Michael Heald, earning his bachelor's where she earned her MM in Viola Performance and is currently
degree in Music Performance with a pursuing her Doctorate in Music under the instruction of
minor in Art History. In addition, Ian Maggie Snyder.
currently studies Baroque violin under world renowned
performers and pedagogues Jeanne Johnson (Atlanta Baroque Jonathan Mosley (Mandolin)
Orchestra), Augusta McKay Lodge (Les Arts Florissants - Jonathan Mosley is
Julliard Alumni), and Jude Ziliak (American Bach Soloists - a chemist/mandolinist based in Winder,
Julliard Alumni). Ian has performed with a variety of different GA. He studied at the University of
ensembles including the University of Georgia Symphony Georgia from 2009 − 2014, where he was
Orchestra, Blue Lake International Symphony Orchestra, and awarded his Ph.D. in physical chemistry.
the Brevard Opera Orchestra. Ian is a member of many Since graduation, he has worked as
chamber ensemble groups, including The Pinano Troi (piano a research chemist at the U.S.
trio), the Hodgson Duo (Violin and Cello Duo), and an additive Environmental Protection Agency in
violinist of the Secret Sits Pro Musica Ensemble. Ian has been a Athens, GA, to develop new approaches
part of several music festivals such as Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, to protect human health and the environment for generations to
the Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival, come. He has published 16 articles in peer-reviewed scientific
Chamber Music Athens, and the highly esteemed Montecito journals, has given numerous presentations and held several
International Music Festival. workshops at international conferences. When not engaged
in conducting science, he enjoys playing mandolin in a variety of
Claudia Malchow (Viola) musical styles, ranging from traditional Celtic and ebullient folk
Claudia Malchow is a violist based in to bluegrass and old-time music. He has played with hundreds
Athens, GA. She has recently performed of musicians in the North Georgia area, including past and
with Baltimore-based Symphony Number present members of internationally recognized
One, the Peabody Concert Orchestra, the country/bluegrass bands. Jonathan currently plays mandolin at
University of Georgia Symphony Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Athens, GA, where he is an
Orchestra, and the Augusta Symphony. active member. He and his wife, Nicole, also homeschool their
As a chamber musician, she formed the five children, but she does most of the work.
Athena Trio in 2018 alongside pianist Caroline Owen and
32Quentin Smith (String Bass) Nathan Walter (Banjo)
Quentin is an undergraduate Double Bass Nathan Walter is a multi-faceted artist,
Performance student at UGA. He also having played the banjo for ten years in
teaches several instruments at Oconee addition to his vocational aspirations in
Music School in Watkinsville, and plays in the field of general surgery. He earned his
several local bands, including Broken bachelor’s degree from the University of
String Band and The Family Recipe. Georgia and is currently completing his
medical degree at the Medical College of
Georgia through Augusta University. He
has served on medical missions, including
volunteering in prisons in Cusco and
Lima. In addition, he has made use of his undergraduate degree
David J. Stanley (Conductor) in Spanish, providing translation services between doctors and
David J. Stanley is a music educator patients. As an instrumentalist, he plays banjo at Redeemer
promoting community through artistic Presbyterian Church, and has performed on indie albums such
citizenship. Raised in Emory, Virginia, as “Songs I Wrote When I Was Lonely” and “Happy Cheese.”
Stanley is an eleventh-generation Nathan looks forward to beginning his medical residency this fall
Southwest Virginian who knows rural at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, where he will focus
Appalachia is frequently stereotyped as on efficient practices of minimally invasive surgeries.
simple or unsophisticated—
characteristics he was encouraged to COLLABORATORS
challenge. Later, as a teacher in an urban
high school, Stanley came to understand Benjamin Dawson (Composer)
seemingly opposite communities as more connected than Benjamin Dawson is a composer, theorist, and educator based
separate. Together, they underscored the importance of in Athens, GA. He originally hails from Abingdon, VA, 15
musicians who listen, invest, and act: artistic citizens of place. At minutes outside of Bristol, “The Birthplace of Country Music.”
the University of Georgia, he is a doctoral graduate assistant for Benjamin was named the student composer-in-residence for the
UGA Bands. He also serves on two committees focused on University of Georgia Hodgson Singers during the 2019-20
coalitions and partnerships for actionable antiracism, justice, academic year. He has composed over two dozen independent
and engagement. Stanley previously served as Director of Bands film scores and is the “in house” arranger/orchestrator for
for William Fleming High School (VA). He earned the Master Symphony of the Mountains (TN) having completed over thirty
of Music from UGA, and the Bachelor of Music Education from projects in that capacity. Beside Journey to Herold County,
Furman University. David and his wife, Molly, are active citizens Benjamin’s works for the stage include one-act musicals Seven
of Athens, GA. in a Blow and Somewhat Sane. Other favorite endeavors
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