The Valley Symphony Association is delighted to announce that musician, educator and Colorado native Troy Raper will lead the orchestra at the annual Candlelight Christmas Concerts on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 4. both orchestra and choir. Katy Kristoffersen is in her second year as conductor of the VSA Chorus.
“We are delighted to welcome Troy as guest conductor for our annual Christmas Candlelight Concerts,” said VSA President Hartland H. Clubb, Jr..
COURTESY PHOTO – Troy Raper
Raper has been teaching since 1988. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Northern Colorado and his master’s degree in education from Lesley University with a specialization in educational technology. He is in his first year of retirement after 31 years of study.
“During my years as a conductor in the Grand Valley, many students, young and old, have performed in the VSA Orchestra, so having the chance to work with this exceptional musical organization in this setting is a huge honor,” Raper said. .
Throughout his career, Raper’s school bands consistently received top marks at music festivals from Palisade to Disneyland. Many alumni are now accomplished professional teachers and performers across the country.
An active advocate for education in Colorado, Raper spent 10 years as Chairman/Board Member of the Colorado All State Orchestra Board. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Colorado chapter of the American String Teachers Association and a member of the state board of the Colorado Music Educators Association. Raper is currently Production Manager and Librarian of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. An accomplished musician with extensive performing experience, he has performed with orchestras and for festivals throughout the West and serves as principal bassist of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. He performs regularly in various jazz bands, recording studios and as a concert soloist.
The VSA supports volunteer musicians of all ages and backgrounds who come from all over the West Slope, including the Uncompahgre, Grand and North Fork valleys. Founded in 1970, the VSA is celebrating its 51st season. This year they have rolled out a new performance schedule with quarterly concerts, starting in September, with upcoming concerts in December, February and April, and the orchestra and choir will perform at all four concerts. In addition to encouraging ticket sales to a more diverse demographic, the band is looking to attract new musicians, sponsors and volunteers to support the organization, “to keep us in the music business,” Clubb said.
For more information, news on the 2022-2023 season, the audition process and tickets, visit the VSA on Facebook @valleysymphonyassociation or ValleySymphony.net. Tickets are available at Delta at Clubb’s (502 Main St) and at Montrose at Cimarron Wealth Management (1731 E Niagara Rd) and Colorado Smiles (601 S 3rd St). Other inquiries can be directed to 970-275-8676 or [email protected]
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