The Soundtrack of Savannah

Rapturous Reflections: A Look Back at Savannah Philharmonic's Impressive Season

Join Dee Daniels in this captivating episode of 'Soundtrack of Savannah,' featuring Savannah Philharmonic's executive director Amy Williams and music and artistic director Keitaro Harada.
---
The trio takes a reflective journey through the orchestra’s recent season, discussing the thrill of sold-out concerts, standout performances, and the integral role of community engagement. Learn how guest artists like Imani Winds have enriched the season and the ways in which the Philharmonic has stretched to embrace diverse musical genres.
---
Amy and Keitaro also shed light on new initiatives like the matinee series, neighborhood concerts, and expanded educational programs. Discover the thought and planning that go into creating a season and get an exclusive peek into the exciting plans for the future, including guest conductors and innovative collaborations. The episode closes with a heartfelt discussion about the importance of community support and sponsorships in sustaining and growing the Philharmonic's mission. Whether you're a loyal fan or a curious newcomer, this episode offers a comprehensive look behind the scenes of Savannah’s beloved orchestra.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
MEET Keitaro Harada Music & Artistic Director
MEET Executive Director – Dr. Amy Williams
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE for SAVPHIL Audition Information
Learn more about the 2025-2026 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
 

Inside the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus: Behind the Scenes with Dr. Paul Thornock and Sharon Mays

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus with Chorus Master Dr. Paul Thornock and Artistic Manager Sharon Mays.
---
We explore the chorus's growth, the planning and preparation involved in their concerts, and reflect on favorite moments from the past season. Discussing the upcoming season finale featuring Sibelius and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Chorus Camp, listeners get an insider's view of what it takes to be part of this acclaimed group. The discussion also covers the audition process, the benefits of working with living composers, and the continuous pursuit of musical perfection.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Savannah Philharmonic Chorus
MEET Dr. Paul Thornock and Sharon Mays
Chorus Auditions Information
Chorus Camp Information
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE for SAVPHIL Audition Information
Learn more about the 2025-2026 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
 

Hart and Harmony: Tuning into Savannah's Soundscape

Welcome to the Soundtrack of Savannah Podcast - brought to you by the Savannah Philharmonic. You can also support the Savannah Philharmonic by leaving us a rating and review for this podcast.
In this episode of 'The Soundtrack of Savannah,' we feature Ben Hart, President and General Manager of WJCL in Savannah, and proud board member of the Savannah Philharmonic.
---
Ben shares his journey from Detroit to Savannah, his diverse career in broadcasting with Hearst, and the unique challenges of moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the changing landscape of media, the thriving culture of Savannah, and his active role in the Philharmonic’s growth and community engagement. Ben highlights the Philharmonic’s diverse programming, the significance of engaging with the community, and the potential for future expansion. Tune in to hear his insights on storytelling, community involvement, and the transformative power of music.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Meet Ben Hart
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE to Meet the CHORUS
Tap HERE for SAVPHIL Audition Information
Learn more about the 2025-2026 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
 

Striking a Chord: Your Savannah Philharmonic’s Community Music School

Welcome to the Soundtrack of Savannah Podcast - brought to you by the Savannah Philharmonic. You can also support the Savannah Philharmonic by leaving us a rating and review for this podcast.
Join producer Dee Daniels for an engaging episode of 'The Soundtrack of Savannah,' featuring insightful conversations with Ricardo Ochoa, second principal violin for the Savannah Philharmonic, and Hyeok Kwon, a SavPhil Strings instructor and substitute cellist.
---
The discussion highlights the significance of music education in schools, the various outreach programs of the Savannah Philharmonic, and the unique ways music can impact students' lives. Learn about the Ben Tucker Instrument Library, student performances, and exciting upcoming events. Delve into the passionate stories of Ricardo and Hyeok as they share their backgrounds, teaching philosophies, and the transformative power of music.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE to Meet the CHORUS
Tap HERE for SAVPHIL Audition Information
Learn more about the 2025-2026 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
 

Orchestrating Excellence: Presenting the Savannah Philharmonic's 2025-26 Season

Welcome to the Soundtrack of Savannah Podcast - brought to you by the Savannah Philharmonic. You can also support the Savannah Philharmonic by leaving us a rating and review for this podcast.
In this episode of the 'Soundtrack of Savannah' podcast, producer Dee Daniels sits down with Music and Artistic Director Keitaro Harada and the Savannah Philharmonic's new Concertmaster, JoAnna Farrer, to delve into the details of the newly announced 2025-26 season.
---
JoAnna shares insights about her extensive musical background and the role of a concert master. The trio discusses the exciting program lineup, featuring an array of compositions including works by Amy Beach, John Williams, and Dvořák, alongside Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and a world premiere by Richard Prior. Highlights include the collaborative efforts with Savannah Music Festival and a spectacular season finale with Verdi and Berlioz.
---
The episode also touches on the unique vibe and enthusiastic support of the Savannah audience, concluding with anticipation for the upcoming season.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE to Meet the CHORUS
Tap HERE for SAVPHIL Audition Information
Learn more about the 2025-2026 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
 

From Bach to Baroque: The Flute's Fantasia with Jeana Melilli

Welcome to the Soundtrack of Savannah Podcast - brought to you by the Savannah Philharmonic. You can also support the Savannah Philharmonic by leaving us a rating and review for this podcast.
 
Join host and producer Dee Daniels as she interviews Jeana Melilli, the principal flutist of the Savannah Philharmonic. Jeana shares her recent accomplishment of earning a PhD in musicology, her serendipitous discovery of a Sicilian nun’s manuscripts, and the personal journey that led her back to her father’s hometown.
 
They explore Jeana’s passion for playing the Baroque flute, how Savannah Baroque came to be, and the historical significance of Baroque music. Additionally, Jeana discusses the preparation for upcoming performances of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and orchestral suites. They delve into Jeana’s teaching philosophy, her influences, and the powerful student-teacher relationships in music education.
 
Finally, Jeana shares her enthusiasm for her new position at Greenville Technical College and the balance she has found between performing and teaching.
 
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Tap HERE to meet Jeana Melilli
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE to Meet the CHORUS
Tap HERE for SAVPHIL Audition Information
2024-2025 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Unveiling the Future: Savannah Philharmonic's Ambitious Plans and Community Impact

Welcome to the Soundtrack of Savannah Podcast - brought to you by the Savannah Philharmonic. You can also support the Savannah Philharmonic by leaving us a rating and review for this podcast.
 
In this episode of 'The Soundtrack of Savannah,' producer Dee Daniels welcomes Amy Williams, the Executive Director, and Daphne Nash, the Board Chair of the Savannah Philharmonic. The trio discusses the excitement surrounding the organization's innovative plans and community-focused initiatives.
 
---
 
They introduce the $2 million Innovation Fund campaign designed to expand the orchestra, increase community partnerships, and enhance education programs.
 
---
 
Hear firsthand accounts of the Philharmonic's growth, community engagement, and the expected impact of restoring the Civic Center Theater. The episode also highlights the transformational influence of music education on local students and discusses how the community can get involved in supporting these ambitious goals.
 
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE to Meet the CHORUS
Tap HERE for SAVPHIL Audition Information
2024-2025 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Behind the Baton: An Interview with Maestro Jason Max Ferdinand

Welcome to the 'Soundtrack of Savannah' podcast, brought to you by the Savannah Philharmonic. 
Join host Dee Daniels for an engaging conversation with guest conductor Jason Max Ferdinand, who will lead the Savannah Philharmonic and chorus in a spectacular concert at the Lucas Theatre on February 15th.
Jason shares insights into his career, his inspirational work at the University of Maryland, and the creation of his book 'Teaching with Heart.' Learn about his unique approach to music education and collaboration, as well as the formation and success of the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers. Discover the behind-the-scenes preparation for a concert that promises to blend genres and move hearts.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Tap HERE to meet Jason Max Ferdinand
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE to Meet the CHORUS
Tap HERE for SAVPHIL Audition Information
2024-2025 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Off the see the Wizard: Exploring the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus with Dr. Paul Thornock

In this episode of 'Soundtrack of Savannah', brought to you by the Savannah Philharmonic and hosted by Dee Daniels, we are joined by Chorus Master Dr. Paul Thornock.
Paul shares insights into the dedication and effort behind organizing events like 'Phil the Park' and performing pieces such as Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. We discuss the growth and diversity within the chorus, its challenging auditions, and the upcoming exciting events, including Symphonic Spirit with Jason Max Ferdinand and a season finale with Sibelius. Paul also touches on the significance of the Civic Center renovation for the future of musical arts in Savannah.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE to Meet the CHORUS
Tap HERE for SAVPHIL Audition Information
2024-2025 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
 

The Sound of the Season: Savannah's Holiday Pops

In this festive episode of the 'Soundtrack of Savannah' podcast, we dive into the holiday spirit with Keitaro Harada, Music and Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic.
Keitaro gives us an exciting preview of the upcoming sold-out Holiday Pops concert, highlighting a mix of traditional Christmas music and New Year's flair. He also teases some surprises, including a potential appearance by Santa Claus and new, colorful attire for the orchestra. Moving into the New Year, Keitaro shares details about January's Guitar Fest, which will celebrate Savannah's own Benedetto guitars.
This episode captures the energy and excitement of the season with insights into the Philharmonic's diverse and lively December schedule, featuring numerous community engagements and educational program performances. Keitaro's passion for music and community shines throughout, marking a joyful transition into the New Year.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Tap HERE to SUPPORT YOUR SAVPHIL
Tap HERE to Meet the Orchestra
2024-2025 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media