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Florida Orchestra

At just 11, he’s already found his voice

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Marcus Mitchell isn’t even a teenager yet, but he already knows how he wants to spend his life.

He wants to make music, and to perform it for others.

He’s already writing songs, and in November, the Land O’ Lakes Christian School student will be taking the stage with the Florida Orchestra to perform a solo part.

He will be singing the solo in Movement 2 of Chichester Psalms under choral composer/conductor Eric Whitacre.

Eleven-year-old Marcus Mitchell has been selected to perform a solo part with the Florida Orchestra. He will be performing the part in Hebrew. He also enjoys writing songs, singing songs and playing his ukulele. (B.C. Manion)

Chichester Psalms, a composition by Leonard Bernstein, must be sung in Hebrew.

Marcus sings with Lumina Youth Choirs, based at St. Andrew Episcopal Church, in downtown Tampa. The audition-based organization attracts singers from across Tampa Bay.

Marcus’ parents, Chad and Nereida, are delighted by their son’s selection to perform with the orchestra.

“When I first found out that he had the opportunity to be with Florida Orchestra, I was at a loss for words, but so excited at the same time,” Chad said.

“We thank God for the talent and the passion that he (Marcus) has.

“He’s so passionate. He loves, loves, loves to sing,” he added. “I knew this would be a great opportunity for him. I want his talent to be heard and seen,” Chad said.

Nereida added: “It’s just an honor. I’m thankful that he has this opportunity so young, at 11 years old.”

Marcus lives with his parents, and his brother, 9-year-old brother, Lucas, in Wesley Chapel.

The Land O’ Lakes Christian School sixth-grader said he has loved music for as long as he can remember.

When he was just a little boy, he went to a Justin Bieber concert with his mom. Bieber’s performance left an impression.

“I remember how he commanded the stage,” Marcus said. He said that’s what he wants to do.

While some young musicians need to be encouraged to practice, Marcus’ parents said they have the opposite problem: They have to urge him to stop to make time for other things.

Besides singing in the choir, he plays piano and ukulele and composes his own songs.

One day, not too long ago, Marcus was practicing part of a piece and his voice was somewhat hoarse.

He told his dad: “I just hope I’ll be ready for November.”

His dad told him: “You are going to be absolutely ready.”

Marcus is slated to sing with the Florida Orchestra in November, one performance each at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa, Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Published October 09, 2019

Land O’ Lakes park and community center have a new name

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The Pasco County Commission has renamed the community center and park in Land O’ Lakes as the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Commissioners adopted the new name on Nov. 7, at the request of Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

“They are trying to have more of an identity in that area,” said Moore. “I think they’ll be excited by this.”

Heritage Stage made its debut in August as community, school, business and civic leaders had a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Land O’ Lakes park and community center also now have a new name – Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. (File)

Moore said he consulted with members of the board of directors for the Heritage Foundation before making the suggestion.

The word “heritage,” it appears, is becoming a unifier in that effort.

A newly built Heritage Stage made its debut in August at the park.

And, the Heritage Park Foundation, is a longtime voice of advocacy for the community at large, as well as the park.

The foundation grew out of initial efforts to preserve the parkland, and later attempts to raise money to build a stage for community gatherings at the park.

The completion of the stage marked a major milestone for the foundation, which had long pushed for improving opportunities for community unity, through social gatherings in the park.

More is on the way as the foundation plans to install a story board to honor Land O’ Lakes’ history, and the park. “There’s a history of the park being a community-built park,” said Sandy Graves, who spearheaded efforts to get the stage.

She is working with local historian Susan MacManus on the story board.

The outdoor stage was built through a partnership between Pasco County, Pasco County Schools, the Florida legislature, local businesses and volunteers.

A Pops in the Park holiday performance, featuring the brass section of the Florida Orchestra, is planned for December.

The new name could have another benefit.

For years, the Land O’ Lakes Community Center has been located at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., and the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, at 3032 Collier Parkway.

The similarity of names has been a source of confusion.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’d hear people say ‘I thought it was at the rec center’,” Graves said.

There was some discussion about renaming the park Heritage Park, but keeping the name of the community center intact.

Paula O’ Neil, Pasco’s clerk of court and comptroller, favored renaming the entire complex to create greater clarity. County commissioners and county staff also supported one name.

With the name change, that leaves a well-worn sign outside the community center, with the old name.

That’s not expected to last long.

“You’ve renamed the park. So, get ready for a new sign,” Moore said.

Published November 15, 2017

Land O’ Lakes’ Heritage Stage makes its debut

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It was an occasion to mark the completion of Heritage Stage in Land O’ Lakes, and it had all of the trappings of a traditional small-town celebration.

The American Legion Post 79 presented the colors.

Sanders Elementary students led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Sunlake High School Seahawks band played a few numbers.

Elected officials, business owners and volunteers stepped up to cut the ribbon at Heritage Stage in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C. Manion)

And, public officials and staff members were there from Pasco County, Pasco County Schools, the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office, and the San Antonio City Council.

Others attending the Aug. 17 event included members of The Heritage Park Foundation, the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, the Land O’ Lakes AARP and other organizations.

The ceremony, held at the park at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., honored efforts that began more than two decades ago by the Heritage Park Foundation, seeking to create a community gathering space in Land O’ Lakes.

The outdoor stage project finally reached fruition through an agreement between Pasco County and Pasco County Schools, funding from the Florida Legislature, and contributions from local contractors, local businesses, various organizations and other community partners.

As Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning put it: “This band shell is certainly the result of a community coming together.

“This theater is a place for families, the community to come together,” he said.

From left, Pasco County School Board Chairman Allen Altman, School Board Vice Chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson, Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, Pasco Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd and Pasco County School Board member Colleen Beaudoin stand near the plaque that names public officials holding office at the time of the Heritage Stage dedication. (B.C. Manion)

“We look forward to having our schools, and the community, use this facility to highlight the great talents of the kids, the families, the community members,” Browning said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who served as master of ceremonies at the celebration, described the stage’s physical attributes.

It measures slightly more than 1,000 square feet and spans 31-by-31 feet. It also has a green room, extra storage, power and lights, he said.

There’s also a sidewalk and power outlets, “so, as events happen here, there will be an opportunity for vendors to line up around here and gather around the stage area,” Moore added.

He foresees it being a busy place.

“It’s going to host cultural events, events such as school band assemblies, concerts, plays, cookouts, pageants and various other presentations throughout the years,” Moore said.

“This is a special day,” Moore said. “As a county, we’re proud of this. I know that people from the Heritage Park Foundation are proud of what we’re seeing here today,” Moore said.

Browning credited Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of schools, for guiding the project to completion.

“Ray has the uncanny ability of contacting contractors, skilled tradesmen, different individuals and getting them to do a lot of things, if not for free, on the cheap.

Several members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club were at the Aug. 17 ceremony to celebrate the completion of Heritage Stage. The club has donated three benches, which will be placed in the area that’s near the stage. (Diane Kortus)

“Ray was able to leverage the dollars that we were able to get for this project and really make it work,” Browning said, noting that many contractors donated their labor.

Gadd credited Humberto Gonzalez, senior project manager, and John Petrashek, director of construction services, for playing pivotal roles.

“They are really the guys that need credit for helping this project come to fruition, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for this building here today,” Gadd said.

Gadd also noted: “We actually put out a bid on the street, and we said we need somebody to manage this project, and we need them to do it for free.”

Walbridge stepped up.

“When we started this project, the estimate was it would cost us $485,000, and we brought this project in for $250,000,” Gadd said.

Local contractors and friends of the community made that happen, Gadd said.

The final speaker at the celebration was Sandy Graves, of the Heritage Park Foundation. She’s been pushing for the stage — to anyone who would listen — for years.

“Heritage Park began almost 20 years ago with a mission to revive this park and make it truly a community center,” Graves said, noting the community created the original community center in 1962.

“I grew up with a father who loved this community. He also loved musicals. He had all of the musical albums,” said Graves, a Land O’ Lakes native.

She then injected a note of joy to the occasion, singing excerpts from “Oklahoma,” (‘Oh, what a beautiful morning, Oh, what a beautiful day, I’ve got a beautiful feeling, everything’s coming my way.’).

And, “The Sound of Music,” (‘Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow til you find your dream).

And finally, “My Fair Lady.” (I could have danced all night, I could have danced all night and still have begged for more. I could have spread my wings and done a thousand things I’ve never done before …)

Like the other speakers, Graves expressed gratitude to a lengthy list of people for helping to make the dream of a community stage come true.

She added: “We have a few finishing touches, such as historical markers that Dr. Susan MacManus is helping us with that tell our community story, and three benches that will be placed that were donated by the (GFWC) Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.”

But, she said, the stage is ready for action, and an act has been booked for December.

The Florida Orchestra will be bringing its brass section for a Pops in the Park holiday performance in December.

Published August 23, 2017

Finding music within life’s difficulties

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Playing classical music is not the easiest feat — even when you’ve had formal training and are adept at reading sheet music.

For James Williams, it is even more challenging.

Not only does he lack formal training, but he also has had to overcome obstacles caused by his autism, a condition he was diagnosed with at age 3.

The now 18-year-old, who originally hails from London, said he began teaching himself to play piano when he was attending Weightman Middle School, in Wesley Chapel.

He had a simple motive: He wanted to win the school’s talent show.

And, he did.

Eighteen-year-old James Williams is a Florida finalist in the 2016 VSA Florida Young Soloist Competition. He now will compete for international honors. Shown here, he is playing on the grand piano in the lobby at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Eighteen-year-old James Williams is a Florida finalist in the 2016 VSA Florida Young Soloist Competition. He now will compete for international honors. Shown here, he is playing on the grand piano in the lobby at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Since then, he has continued teaching himself and recently he was named one of the state’s three top soloists in the ninth annual 2016 VSA Florida Young Soloist Competition.

Winning that contest means that he’s representing Florida in the VSA International Competition in Washington D.C., later this year.

The other two Florida finalists in the competition are Lyudmilla Fuentes, from Polk County, and Jacqueline Blanche, from Charlotte County.

The state finalists were selected through a strict adjudication process facilitated by Tampa Bay professors of music at the University of South Florida and at the Ybor City campus of Hillsborough Community College.

The Florida and International Young Soloist Program seeks to identify talented musicians, ages 14 through 26, who have a disability. The intention is to increase the musician’s likelihood of having a successful career in the arts, according to a news release from the VSA Florida, at the University of South Florida.

The program delivers opportunities for serious music students to showcase their abilities at venues throughout Florida.

In a partnership with the Florida Orchestra and Ashley Furniture, each winner will perform at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg in October at the orchestra’s annual Concert in the Park.

The international award is presented to four outstanding musicians, two from the United States and the other two from the international arena.

Winners of the international competition each receive a $2,500 award, professional development and the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Williams has learned to play by listening to music and observing other pianists, on YouTube and in other venues.

He has performed at various events and in competitions.

One highlight so far was an appearance at a conference in Orlando for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, where he performed before Temple Grandin.

Grandin is perhaps the most prominent author and speaker, who has autism. She didn’t speak until she was 3, and her parents, at one point, were told she should be institutionalized.

Williams’ mother — Stephanie Stevens — understands the frustrations that parents face when they have a child with autism.

Williams, like Grandin, was diagnosed at age 3.

“He wasn’t talking. He wasn’t progressing as quickly as he should,” Stevens said.

The doctors were not much help.

“People were very much in the dark about autism” she said.

She was raising her son as a single mother, doing shiftwork in London.

She decided to move to the United States in 2007 to join most of her family members, who were already living here.

Since then, she has married her husband, Ralph, who has been a tremendous source of support for her and her son.

She credits faith for helping her son succeed in music, despite his difficulties.

“People prayed over him, constantly. And, my belief is that it was that power of prayer that has helped him overcome these things,” she said, referring to challenges posed by autism.

Williams, who graduated from Wesley Chapel High School, said he plays piano daily, usually twice a day.

He handles all kinds of musical gigs — helping to raise funds for charities and to earn money.

He hopes to pursue a career that involves music, too.

One of his goals is to use his music to help raise awareness about autism, he said.

He’s also delighted to be named one of the top three soloists in Florida in the VSA competition.

“I felt quite special,” he said. “I was a bit surprised, actually.”

His mom is thrilled, too.

“For him to be where he is now, to me, is a blessing.

“It just shows what you can do, no matter what your difficulties or disabilities, or background – with the right kind of determination and encouragement, there is help, and there is hope,” she said.

She also wants to pass along a message of hope, to other parents who have seen their children struggle with autism.

“I’d say to any parent, any guardian: ‘Don’t be discouraged. There’s always hope,’” Stevens said.

Published April 6, 2016

There’s plenty of cheer to spread around this season

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If you’re looking for a way to get into a festive mood, you won’t have to look very far.

There are loads of celebrations planned throughout The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area.

A familiar community landmark will be decked out again for the holidays for the 19th annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School.

Rooms are dressed up with holiday décor and community groups provide entertainment.

Visitors to the annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School always find plenty to look at, such as decorated trees, miniature train sets and nutcrackers. (File Photos)
Visitors to the annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School always find plenty to look at, such as decorated trees, miniature train sets and nutcrackers.
(File Photos)

Santa will be visiting on Dec. 12, between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., for a breakfast with Santa, at a $4 charge, which includes a variety of activities for children.

During the week, several local churches, schools and other groups are slated to perform at

The Christmas House, also known as The Old Lutz School, is at 18819 N. U.S. 41.

The Christmas House will be open for free tours on the evenings of Dec. 10, Dec. 12, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 17, Dec. 19, Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 26 and Dec. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Collection barrels will be there to collect nonperishable food items and toys for families needing help.

Heritage Church in Lutz is hosting “Miracle on Main Street,” a Christmas musical billed to be entertaining for people of all ages. The church at 1853 Oak Grove Blvd., will be staging the free event on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.

The Carrollwood Cultural Center, at 4537 Lowell Road, in Tampa, is hosting a series of events during December, including a Holiday Choral Tapestry with the Carrollwood Community Chorus, on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets ranging from $10 to $16. It also is hosting a Holiday Concert with the Carrollwood Winds, on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m., with tickets ranging from $10 to $16.

On Dec. 5, the community of Connerton will be having a holiday bazaar, with a variety of vendors offering holiday crafts, unique gifts and other items for purchase. Admission is free to the event, being held inside Club Connerton, at 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes.

train set rgbA family event called Traditions on the Green is planned for Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event features a breakfast with Santa, face painting, a holiday bounce house, puppet shows, local band performances, crafts and other activities. Admission is free.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 2015 “Magical Night Christmas Parade,” sponsored by Bayfront Health Dade City.

The parade will begin at 7 p.m., on Dec. 4, in historic downtown Dade City. It will feature dozens of floats, entertainment acts, bands, seasonal displays, and a visit from that jolly old elf, Santa Claus.

The following day, on Dec. 5, the downtown Dade City merchants will celebrate a Christmas Stroll from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Country Aire Village, in Zephyrhills, is scheduled to have its annual Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 5 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event, at 39333 Blue Skye Drive, includes coffee and donuts at 7 a.m., and a luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

nutcrackers rgbOther highlights include items for crafters, a clothing boutique, a Chinese auction, a three-wheel bike raffle, a bake sale and a cookie walk.

A Country Christmas Open House is planned for Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City. The event will feature crafters, cookies, punch, holiday music and more.

A Christmas in the Park is set for Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., at the San Antonio City Park, at 12202 Main St., San Antonio.

The Florida Orchestra is also planning a series of holiday concerts. On Dec. 4 through Dec. 6, the orchestra will present the “Hallelujah” chorus, and during the weekend of Dec. 11 through Dec. 13 it will perform a Holiday Pops. For more information about ticket prices and venues, visit FloridaOrchestra.org.

Published December 2, 2015

Stage is alive with the sound of (free) music

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You know what’s fun? Going to a concert.

If it’s an outdoor venue and the weather is nice, nothing’s better than sitting back and listening to some great music.

You know what’s not fun? Paying for it.

Thousands are expected to take advantage of the Florida Orchestra’s Pops in the Park series Oct. 18-19. (Courtesy of Florida Orchestra)
Thousands are expected to take advantage of the Florida Orchestra’s Pops in the Park series Oct. 18-19. (Courtesy of Florida Orchestra)

Concerts today are expensive. I mean, really expensive. A ticket where you’re close enough to actually see the musicians could cost $100 or more. That doesn’t count parking, either. Who wants to pay that kind of money to have a good time with friends or family?

Nobody reading this column, I hope. We’re not about spending a lot of money here. So how about an outdoor concert with experienced musicians playing great music for the low, low price of … nothing? That’s music to my ears.

If it also sounds good to you, make sure you catch the Florida Orchestra’s Pops in the Park on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m., at River Tower Park, 401 E. Bird St., in Tampa. It’s absolutely free, and a great way to see one of the state’s best professional symphony orchestras.

This isn’t some skeleton crew showing up to test some instruments. It’s a full 75-person ensemble performing a two-hour concert (with an intermission). That gives them time to play plenty of music, including Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festival Overture” and Ferde Grofe’s “Mississippi Suite.”

You’ve heard of those, right? No? Me neither. But I looked them up, and they’re pretty famous. And there’s nothing wrong with being exposed to something you’ve never heard before. They’re classics for a reason, right?

But don’t think it’s an entire concert of music you don’t know. You’ll recognize a lot of their selections. They’ll play music from “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.” You’ll hear a special armed forces salute. And they’ll finish with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”

And yes, you know that one. Even if you don’t know it by name, you’ll recognize it when you hear it. It’s a great closer.

All you have to do is bring a chair and a blanket and get there early enough to pick the spot you like. Coolers are allowed, too, so you can even pack food and drinks and have a picnic.

Bring a good friend, your romantic interest or the entire family. No matter whom you bring, it all costs the same — nothing.

Anyone who goes will think you’re being creative — dare I say, sophisticated? — for thinking of it. After all, they don’t get to see a symphony orchestra for free every day. This is the Florida Orchestra’s special free weekend, so this is really your only chance to see them in this format.

Well, maybe not your only chance. If Sunday is bad for you, they’re doing the same thing the night before. But on Saturday night, it’s at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. It’s a longer drive, but if you can’t go Sunday you might want to catch them there. It’s worth it.

Or you can spend a lot of money, including ridiculous service fees, to see some current band at a big theater. And then pay for food and drinks.

That doesn’t sound very good to me. Save your money and see the Florida Orchestra instead.

By the way, I’d advise you to get there at least an hour early. Thousands of people are expected at this event, so plan ahead to get a good space.

For more information, visit FloridaOrchestra.org.

If you have a good idea for On the Cheap (or want to share your experiences going to an event we mentioned), send me an e-mail at .

Published October 8, 2014

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