Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming


Mature Men return for 2006


Fort Lewis hosts annual Holiday Bash
Three-band bill of bluegrass plays Abbey

Submit items for On the Town to: 534 Main Ave., Durango, CO, 81301; fax: ( 970) 259-0448; e-mail: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com ; or fill out this form

Thursday1

Music Together of La Plata County presents an after school Pajama Jams!, featuring seasonal songs, dance tunes and jam sessions, from 3:30-4: 30 p.m. in Room 5 of the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave. 799-0960 to reserve a spot.

Mercy Medical Center’s Diabetes Education and Nutrition Therapy Center, 1800 E. Third Ave. #108, hosts an open house from 3-5 p.m. 382-1718 for details.

A La Plata County Humane Society Benefit takes place from 5-9 p.m. at Starbucks, 558 Main Ave., and includes photos with Santa, food and refreshments.

259-2847 for details.

Durango Skies Telescope & Binocular, 21738 Hwy. 160 W., presents the free workshop, “Telescopes 101” at 5:30 p.m. 259-5400 to register.

Singer songwriter Greg Ryder plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

The FLC Fall Life-Long Learning Series concludes with “Corporate Social Responsibility,” a lecture by Tom Harrington at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. Harrington is the dean of the FLC School of Business Administration and professor of management at Fort Lewis College. 247-7401 for details.

Singer songwriter Tim Guidotti plays at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. Jazz Guitar Duo Richard White and Peter Pheteplace play downstairs at the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at 7 p.m.. 259-1400 for details.

The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., presents College Night, including a performance by DJ DRE and mechanical bull riding, at 8 p.m. 375-2568 for details.

Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College, presents Open Mic Night from 8: 30-11 p.m. Sign-ups for music and poetry begin at 8:30 p.m. 375-2121 for details.

DJ Johnny spins music for ’80s Night at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts “Get Caught in the Undertow,” with DJs spinning music for Pint Night, at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

Friday2

Singer songwriter Tim Guidotti plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

The Durango Community Recreation Center offers Parents’ Night Out from 6-9 p.m. Fun safe activities and a snack will be provided for kids ages 3-10. 375-7306 to preregister.

Singer-songwriter Sally Shuffield perform at the Berliner in Oxford at 6 p.m. 884-2098 for details.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., presents Blue Friday with down tempo music from Santa Fe’s BLU 102.9, specials and a keg giveaway at 6 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

The 8th Ave Trio plays bluegrass and more at the 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., at 7 p.m. 259-8801.

The Dean Murphy Quartet plays rock and blues at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. Teresa Ross and Actual Proof play the Sidecar Jazz Lounge from 8-11:30 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

DJ Shoe spins a contemporary club mix at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

Austin’s Zak Perry Band returns to Durango with a 9 p.m. show at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568 for details.

Elemental Harmonics, a four-piece ensemble from Atlanta, plays innovative instrumental music at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324.

Saturday3

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College hosts a Christmas Art Show and Sale from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The show and sale will spotlight work from Native American student artists. 247-7456 for details.

The 8th annual Second Avenue Celebration takes place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. along E. Second Ave. The Durango Arts Center and its merchant neighbors will host music, shopping, enterainment, kids activities and refreshments. Applause! will present a matinee musical performance featuring singing and dancing by students at 1 p.m. at DAC. 259-2606 for details. 4

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, hosts the Good Spirits Art & Gift Show from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The event features local, handmade art and gift items, including pottery, ceramic tile, stained glass, jewelry, soap and a silent auction benefiting the Discovery Museum. 385-1411.

The Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., hosts its annual Old Fashioned Christmas from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A variety of hand-crafted and museum gift shop items will be on sale and members of the DHS Concert Band will play Christmas music at 1 p.m. 259-2402 for details.

The annual St. Mark’s Holiday Bazaar takes place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave., and includes high quality arts and crafts, baked goods, and more.

Advantage Physical Therapy & Wellness, 801 Florida Rd., offers free injury screenings from 9-11 a.m. Screenings will be performed by licensed physical therapists, and no appointment is necessary. 259-7829 for details.

The 8th annual Cottonwood Christmas Artisans show and sale takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Rochester Hotel, 762 E. Second Ave. Local artists will present their work, refreshments will be served and there will be a door prize. 247-0235 for details.

The Four Corners Gem & Mineral Club holds a Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the clubhouse, 2300 Main Ave. Items for sale include cut and polished stones, jewelry, holiday ornaments, mineral specimens and more. 

Rep. John T. Salazar, D-Colo., hosts a free Health Fair from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Montezuma-Cortez High School. Free health screenings include: dental, blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, body fat, hearing, back, vision, nose, throat and others.

Singer songwriter Tim Guidotti plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

Blues-jazz songwriter Dave Osborne plays at the Berliner in Oxford at 6 p.m. 884-2098 for details.

Jazz Guitar Duo Richard White and Peter Pheteplace perform at the Mahogany Grill, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

The monthly Contra Dance takes place at the VFW Hall, 1515 Main Ave., with beginner instruction at 7 p.m. and dancing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wendy Graham will call the dance, and the Kitchen Jam Band will provide live music. 259-6820 for details.

The Dean Murphy Quartet plays a second show at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. Teresa Ross and Actual Proof play the Sidecar Jazz Lounge from 8-11:30 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

The 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., hosts a karaoke party at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

DJ Mowgli spins for Mountaintop Hip Hop at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

The Zak Perry Band plays a second show of Southern rock and blues at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., at 9 p.m. 247-7634 for details.

Ten Mile Tide, a six-piece band from San Francisco, play folk, rock and bluegrass at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Sunday4

Pongas hosts free pool after 6 p.m. at 121 W. 8th St. 382-8554 for details.

The Blue Moon Ramblers play free bluegrass at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

Singer songwriter Nina Sasaki plays at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., from 6-10 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

The 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., hosts a Karaoke Party at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

Monday5

Anders Beck of Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band fame plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

Pongas, 121 E. Eighth St., hosts a 9-ball pool tournament at 7 p.m. 382-8554 for details.

Singer songwriter Terry Rickard performs at 8 p.m. at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave. 259-0430 for details.

J.Bo’s, 1301 Florida Rd., hosts Gentlemen’s Night featuring music and dancing from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 259-0010 for details. 4

Tuesday6

Singer songwriter Terry Rickard plays a free show of acoustic music at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

Thom Rader performs on guitar in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 6 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., presents open mic night from 7 p.m.-midnight. 247-2324 for details.

Tuesday Trivia takes place at Lady Falconburgh’s, 640 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. 382-9664.

Wednesday7

Music Together of La Plata County presents an after school Pajama Jams!, featuring seasonal songs, dance tunes and jam sessions, from 3:30-4: 30 p.m. in room #5 of the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave. 799-0960 to reserve a spot.

Lions Den Unlimited Soundz, featuring DJs  Zen Ken and I-Gene, spins roots reggae at  J. Bo’s on Tap, 1301 Florida Rd., at 4:20 p.m. 259-0010 for details.

Greg Ryder performs on acoustic guitar at 5:30 p.m. at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. 375-7150 for details.

The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., offers a music mix for Ladies Night beginning at 8 p.m. 375-2568 for details.

The Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., presents ’70s Retro Night with DJs Tim & Johnny at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details

Joel’s, 119 W. 8th St., hosts “Underground Lounge” with DJ Claytanik spinning music for Ladies Night. 385-0430 for details.

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Ongoing

The Durango Lively Arts Company stages “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the Durango Arts Center, 801 E. Second Ave. The all-ages play follows the Herdman kids (the worst kids ever) as they try out for the annual church Christmas pageant. The director must deal with the consequences of terrified shepherds, a kitchen fire, miffed angles and a Virgin Mary who smokes cigars in the ladies room. The play shows Dec. 1-3 and 8-10 at 7:30 p.m., and there will be a 1:30 p.m. matinee on Dec. 10. 382-8584 for details.

The Durango Act Too Players present “The Smell of the Kill,” a one-act dark comedy written by Michele Lowe, on Dec. 2, 3, 9 & 10. The play poses the hypothetical question, if your cheating husband accidentally locked himself in a deep freeze, how long would you leave him there? The play takes place at the Fort Lewis College Mainstage Theatre, and curtain time is 7:30 p.m. 759-5711 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., will host the annual “Holiday Art Olé” Exhibit from Dec. 2-24. This boutique-style exhibit will feature original, unique gift items in ceramics, jewelry, fiber, metal, glass, wood, paper, calligraphy, photography, sculpture, printmaking, painting and drawing. A “Meet the Makers” reception will be held Fri., Dec. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

The 31st annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair takes place Dec. 2 (noon-5 p.m.), Dec. 3 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Dec. 4 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. The event includes unique arts, crafts, clothing, furniture, soaps, lotions, ornaments, foods and more. There will also be live music and refreshments.

Friends of the Durango Public Library hold a storage-clearing 50-cent book sale on Dec. 3 & 4 in Fort Lewis College’s Sage Hall. Thousands of books will be available for sale and all proceeds benefit the Durango Public Library. Sale hours are from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Books are half-price from 9-11:30 a.m. and free from 12:30-4 p.m. on Dec. 4.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens “Everything is Illuminated” beginning Nov. 23. The film, starring Elijah Wood, is based on the critically acclaimed novel by Jonathan Safran Foer. It tells the story of a young man’s quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather in a small Ukrainian town that was wiped off the map by the Nazi invasion. The journey becomes surprisingly meaningful with a powerful series of revelations. It shows most nights at 4:15, 6:30 & 8:45. 385-1711 for details.

The Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., hosts the Women’s Art Show through the end of November. Paintings, pottery, jewelry and photographs by local contemporary artists are on display and for sale, and all proceeds go to the artists. This is the second Underground Group Art Show in Durango this year and the first ever to showcase only local women. 259-0430 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the last of this year’s group exhibits, ”Polar Popsicle Seeds,” through Nov. 26. The show presents work by Sandra Butler, Lauren Carroll and Jazz Morgan. Butler’s mixed media sculpture reflect her observations of the natural world; Carroll’s oil paintings focus on small and common objects; and Morgan’s paintings concentrate tensions of energy into visually arresting images. DAC also presents a Book Art Students Exhibit featuring work from Amy Wendland’s class at FLC in the Art Library. 259-4363 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies hosts three separate exhibits: The 3rd annual “Images of the Southwest” Juried Photography Show, “Trees in a Circle: Navajo Teec Nos Pos Rugs” and “Borderline: An Environmental Installation by Michael Berman.” The exhibits will be on display through Dec. 15. The new exhibit “Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): A Living Tradition” is also on display in the Center’s Delaney Southwest Research Library. 247-7494 for details.

“Emergence,” works by emerging artists in various media including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry, shows from Dec. 5-16 in the Fort Lewis College Exit Gallery. An opening reception takes place Dec. 5 from 5-7 p.m., and refreshments will be provided. 247-7668 for details.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., presents “On this Earth,” an exhibit of portraits of East African wild animals by photographer Nick Brandt, through Nov. 30. The show portrays the animals with an intimacy and elegance in their natural state of being without the use of a telephoto lens. Brandt has had solo exhibitions in many major cities around the world, and his work is sold in limited editions of 35. 382-8355 for details.

The Children’s Museum, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the dinosaur exhibit, “Now You’re in Their World.” There will be many hands-on activities, fine motor and gross motor fun, “Dinosaur Ridge” and extinction dioramas. Workshops are available anytime during museum hours and include dinosaur stuffed animals, dinosaur face masks and alphabet coloring dinosaurs. 259-9234 for details.

The REACH (Resource, Enrichment, & Academic Choices) Program for independent learners in Bayfield offers enrichment classes to any K-12 students in the area. For the month of December, REACH classes include: Drumming & Rhythm, Group Guitar, Papier Mache Ornament Creations and Local History of the Pine River Valley. 884-3259 for details.

An exhibit of calligraphy by Beth Wheeler shows at the Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave. The show will be on display through the end of Nov. 259-2545 for details.

Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, 680 Main Ave. “on the corner,” presents “Contemporary Landscape Oils” by Durango artist Caroline Reeves Johnson through Nov. 21. 247-9018 for details.

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Upcoming

A Reel Environmental Experience, a benefit for the FLC Environmental Center, returns to the Abbey Theatre on Dec. 8 with screenings of “The Future of Food,” “Pie” and “Adhesive: The Wilson Carr Story” as well as wine, beer, appetizers and a silent auction.

Mesa Verde National Park will host its annual Holiday Open House and Centennial Opening Ceremony on Dec. 8.

 

Animas Conservancy and Friends of the Animas River will release the “Celebrate the Animas” calendar on Dec. 9 at the Open Shutter Gallery.

Break Mechanics bring their jazz/fusion/hip hop back to the Abbey Theatre on Dec. 9.

The 2nd annual Festival of Trees Event, featuring a festive tree auction, takes place Dec. 9 & 10 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

The Mancos Valley Chorus will present its Christmas concert, “Winter Wonderland,” on Dec. 9 & 10.

The Nutcracker returns to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Dec. 9-11.

Durango Parks and Recreation will host Lunch with Santa on Dec. 10, which includes lunch, a goodie bag and visit from Santa. Must register by Dec. 7. 375-7306 for details.

A Cycling Celebration takes place Dec. 16 at the Community Concert Hall. Discovery Team member Tom Danielson, USPRO National Champion Chris Wherry and four time Tour de France rider Bob Roll will all be on hand.

Fort Lewis hosts annual Holiday Bash

What: The FLC Music Department’s yearly celebration of the holidays

Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College

When: Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.

The holidays are rolling through Fort Lewis College this weekend, and on Friday, the FLC Music Department presents its annual Holiday Bash.

“As always, this concert will be a campus and community holiday party, complete with music of the season, hot chocolate and lots of goodies,” said Professor of Music Linda Mack. “Feel free to bring the kids for a fun family atmosphere. We will have some songs especially for them!”

The concert will feature many of the college’s performing ensembles, including two of its largest ensembles — the Concert Choir and the Concert Band — in a wonderful finale with more than 150 students.

“This is going to be our greatest bash ever,” said Mack. “We hope that everyone will come and plan on a real party, with the Fort Lewis College Music Department providing holiday cheer to get you in the right mood for the season.”

General admission tickets cost $5 for adults and $1 for students and children. Tickets are available in advance at the Concert Hall’s new downtown ticket office, 707½ Main Ave., by phone at 247-7657 or online  at www.durangoconcerts.com.

“Hurry and order your tickets now so that you can be sure not to miss out on the fun,” warns Mack. “Oh, and by the way, you get to sing, too!”

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Durango Telegraph - Portrait of a conductor
Portrait of a conductor

Mikylah Myers McTeer, 30, is assistant professor of violin and viola at Fort Lewis College. Now in her third year as a faculty member, she is also concertmaster of the San Juan Symphony; half of a new professional duo, Campi and McTeer; and a third of The Red Shoe Piano Trio, a chamber group that performs regularly in and around the Southwest.

McTeer’s academic schedule and concertizing have not stopped her from fulfilling a long-held dream to start a youth orchestra.

“When I was young,” McTeer said in an interview last week, “I played in the Portland Youth Philharmonic. It’s the oldest youth orchestra in the country. It laid the groundwork for my life as a professional musician and music educator.”

From those early days, two bits of musi

cal wisdom have stayed with her, McTeer said: Sit up straight, and look at the conductor. “I learned that from our conductor Jacob Avshalomov,” she said. “In addition to the discipline and love of music he instilled in us, that simple advice has stood me well.”

McTeer is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she was a four-year member and co-captain of the Oberlin Varsity Women’s Soccer Team. She also earned a master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. Until the creation of the Durango Youth Symphony, McTeer spent her summers performing at music festivals throughout the United States and Europe.

– Judith Reynolds


Mature Men return for 2006
What: The 2006 “Mature Men of La Plata County” calendar
Where: The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave.
When: Fri., Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m.

Some of Durango’s finest aged flesh again goes on public display this week. This Friday, Operation Healthy Communities unveils its second Mature Men of La Plata County Calendar.

In the 2003 film, “Calendar Girls,” a group of older, British women expose themselves to raise money for a local hospital. Last year, Durango’s Dennis Lum decided to bring the idea home. Lum, a board member of Operation Healthy Communities, birthed the idea for the “Mature Men of La Plata County” calendar.

“It started out being funny,” says Lum. “But pretty soon it seemed like a feasible project. I read an article in Organic Gardening recently that said about 40 different groups around the country have

produced similar calendars in the last two years and have raised a total of about $1.5 million.”

Lum approached Durango photographer Paul Boyer who expressed his immediate enthusiasm. That was when the funny calendar became a fine art project. The final product was a runaway hit, quickly selling out and adding a touch gray to offices and homes throughout Durango.

Boyer, a professional photographer for more than 30 years, also did the photography for “Mature Men 2006.” Local artist and Telegraphile, Shan Wells, contributed the calendar’s design. This combination, along with the subject matter, guarantee a second sell-out. Locals have an opportunity to buy their calendars, meet the models and have their calendars autographed this Friday. The event takes place at 5:30 p.m. at Open Shutter Gallery. Call Operation Healthy Communities at 382-0585 for more information.

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Fort Lewis hosts annual Holiday Bash
What: The FLC Music Department’s yearly celebration of the holidays
Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College
When: Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.

The holidays are rolling through Fort Lewis College this weekend, and on Friday, the FLC Music Department presents its annual Holiday Bash.

“As always, this concert will be a campus and community holiday party, complete with music of the season, hot chocolate and lots of goodies,” said Professor of Music Linda Mack. “Feel free to bring the kids for a fun family atmosphere. We will have some songs especially for them!”The concert will feature many of the college’s performing ensembles, including two of its largest ensembles — the Concert Choir and the Concert Band — in a wonderful finale with more than 150 students.

“This is going to be our greatest bash ever,” said Mack. “We hope that everyone will come and plan on a real party, with the Fort Lewis College Music Department providing holiday cheer to get you in the right mood for the season.”

General admission tickets cost $5 for adults and $1 for students and children. Tickets are available in advance at the Concert Hall’s new downtown ticket office, 707½ Main Ave., by phone at 247-7657 or online  at www.durangoconcerts.com.

“Hurry and order your tickets now so that you can be sure not to miss out on the fun,” warns Mack. “Oh, and by the way, you get to sing, too!”

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Three-band bill of bluegrass plays Abbey
What: A show featuring Sweet Sunny South, Rock & Rye and Magpies
Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College
When: Friday, Dec. 2. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Durango Acoustic Music and the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown are brining a three-band bill of bluegrass to the Abbey Theatre this Friday. Paonia-based old-time string band Sweet Sunny South headlines the show, with opening performances by local bluegrass groups Rock & Rye and Magpies. Ticket sales benefit both DAM and Meltdown.

Sweet Sunny South is an old-timey quartet that has performed extensively throughout the region for the past four years. They have placed in the prestigious RockyGrass band contest two years running and have released two records in the last two years.

“Sweet Sunny South have endeared themselves to music fans across the Four Corners with their heart-felt originals, unique interpretation of classic old-time numbers, and witty on-stage demeanor,” said DAM president Chris Aaland. “They won countless new friends with their appearances at the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, Silverton Jubilee and Four Corners Folk Festivals in 2005.”

Durango Acoustic Music and Durango Bluegrass Meltdown are two nonprofit organizations that are committed to bringing the best in roots music to the Four Corners. “This concert is our way of thanking local music fans by bringing back one of their favorites for an intimate performance at the Abbey Theatre,” Aaland said. “It also gives us the chance to spotlight a couple of up-and-coming local groups, the Magpies and Rock & Rye. Durango has an enormous amount of talented musicians, and it’s our privilege to help support local live music.”

The music begins at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) with the Magpies, followed by Rock ‘n Rye at 7:30. Sweet Sunny South takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call the Abbey at 385-1711.

top

Durango Telegraph - Portrait of a conductor
Portrait of a conductor

Mikylah Myers McTeer, 30, is assistant professor of violin and viola at Fort Lewis College. Now in her third year as a faculty member, she is also concertmaster of the San Juan Symphony; half of a new professional duo, Campi and McTeer; and a third of The Red Shoe Piano Trio, a chamber group that performs regularly in and around the Southwest.

McTeer’s academic schedule and concertizing have not stopped her from fulfilling a long-held dream to start a youth orchestra.

“When I was young,” McTeer said in an interview last week, “I played in the Portland Youth Philharmonic. It’s the oldest youth orchestra in the country. It laid the groundwork for my life as a professional musician and music educator.”

From those early days, two bits of musi

cal wisdom have stayed with her, McTeer said: Sit up straight, and look at the conductor. “I learned that from our conductor Jacob Avshalomov,” she said. “In addition to the discipline and love of music he instilled in us, that simple advice has stood me well.”

McTeer is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she was a four-year member and co-captain of the Oberlin Varsity Women’s Soccer Team. She also earned a master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. Until the creation of the Durango Youth Symphony, McTeer spent her summers performing at music festivals throughout the United States and Europe.

– Judith Reynolds

 

 

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