Melanie Sever loves music, whether it is as a musician with a variety of music organizations, including playing with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO), teaching at St. Scholastica and UWS, or working with students in her studio. She acknowledges, however, that it is the Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestra (DSSY0) that is a particular passion for her.
“This program is especially near and dear to my heart, because it is what sparked my interest in orchestral playing as a high school student,” Sever said, “I was principal flute of the Youth Symphony for two years under the baton of Maestro Taavo Virkhaus. I fell in love with it then and am privileged to help provide that opportunity to students today.”
According to the DSSO website, “For more than 80 years, thousands of young musicians throughout the Northland have found inspiration in the Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestras program.”
Sever is the current Administrative Director for the DSSYO. She explained, “In this role I oversee the four ensembles in the program, schedule and hear auditions, correspond with members and families, interact with area private instructors and public school teachers and their music programs to recruit members and help advocate for their programs,” she said.
Sever is also the conductor of the DSSYO Concert Orchestra, their intermediate level orchestra. “It gives the woodwind and brass students their first introduction into orchestra playing and the string players their first encounter playing in a full orchestra with winds and percussion.”
She added, ”The DSSYO students who participate are very motivated, having chosen to participate in this activity outside of school. The program also brings together students from many different districts and schools throughout the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota and into Wisconsin, providing the opportunity for students to establish friendships outside of their school environment, and to expand their musical experience. Additionally, the students who participate in our program often become leaders in their school orchestras and bands.”
Sever stated that some former DSSYO alumni are now music educators and members of the DSSO and other regional community orchestras. Many of these colleagues are on the DSSYO team providing exceptional student experience and growth.
Lifelong Duluth Native and Active Community Musician
Born in Duluth, Melanie Sever grew up in the Gary/New Duluth community, attending Morgan Park High School. She was in the last class to graduate from there in 1982 before it was converted to a middle school only.
After high school, she went on to receive her B.A. in Music and in History (with a focus in Middle Eastern History) from St. Olaf College. She later received her a Post Baccalaureate in K-12 Instrumental and Classroom teaching anc a Master of Flute performance.
As a freelance musician, she is often hired for the orchestras that play with The Minnesota Ballet, the LOON, the Arrowhead Chorale, The Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, the Finn Fest orchestra, and for other events.
Melanie is on staff for the music departments of The College of St. Scholastica and the University of Wisconsin – Superior. ”I teach lessons, conduct a flute choir, sometimes teach classes and sub in for leading other ensembles. I also perform with the faculty chamber ensembles at each.”
She also maintains a private flute studio, teaching new students, high school students, and adults returning to playing or wanting to improve their playing.
As a regular member of the DSSO in the flute section, she plays flute and piccolo in the section as needed and steps into a leading role when the principal player is unavailable.
“Many of my DSSO colleagues are close friends and musical collaborators and/or fellow faculty members, outside of the DSSO. We have developed a trust and intuition for working and playing with one another. That makes for a very fulfilling experience.”
Sever stated, ““Although the DSSO is a regional orchestra, the level of playing is very high. We play challenging and varied programs that keep expanding my musical horizons. I have some amazing colleagues within the orchestra with whom I also do many other music projects.
Upcoming Concert Beethoven and Bizet
Sever is looking forward to the upcoming Beethoven and Bizet Concert on March 21. “This is an interesting concert, in part, because we have a guest conductor, William Eddins. While we love Dirk Meyer, it is always interesting to see what a different conductor will bring out of the orchestra,” she said.”
“I also think a soloist is always of interest to the audience and this time it will be with “Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto,” with pianist Erin Ozel. Bizet’s Symphony in C is a light, elegant, sophisticated classical piece with hummable, durable melodies,” she said.
She added,“I think I am looking forward most to the newest piece on the program by Michael Abels called “More Seasons” – sort of a twist on Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” specifically “Spring” and “Summer.”
”It uses the instrumentation and themes from the Vivaldi, but with a “maniacal, Minimalist abuse” of the original themes, as Abels himself has stated.”
More About the Beethoven and Bizet DSSO Concert
Masterworks 5 Guest conductor William Eddins and pianist Evren Ozel.
Performance on March 21 DECC Auditorium Duluth
Doors open at 6:00 PM; concert starts at 7:00 PM.
Pre-Concert Talk: A “Pre-Concert Prelude” with Bill Bastian begins at 6:10 PM.
Tickets are available from the Box Office at 218-623-3776 or by visiting dsso.com
