Sarah Pearson, left, and Dr. Caitlin Jones, right, following their performance at the Anderson Symphony Orchestra
Lee alumnae Dr. Caitlin Jones and Sarah Pearson performed with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra at the historic Paramount Theatre in Anderson, In.
Dr. Jones was featured as the concerto soloist, performing Roumen Boyadjieff Jr.’s “Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra” and Ms. Pearson conducted, being a finalist in their conductor search. This was the third time this piece has been performed in America.
“It was a thrill to perform under the direction of Sarah Pearson and with the fantastic musicians of the Anderson Symphony Orchestra,” said Dr. Jones. “The concert was full of energy, storytelling, and is one that will surely be remembered by all who were in attendance.”
Dr. Jones, a percussion instructor at Lee, is a professional percussionist who has an active career as a performer and educator. In 2018, she was the marimba soloist for the American premiere of “Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra” with The Cleveland Orchestra of Tennessee. In 2020, she gave the world premiere of “The Long Road” for solo marimba by Lee’s Dr. Andy Harnsberger and professionally recorded this work with GreenHaus Productions. Last year, she gave her 30th live performance of the piece. She has presented at Percussive Arts Society Days of Percussion and throughout the U.S. on various topics, including health and wellness for musicians.
Ms. Pearson is a music director, conductor, and founder of The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus of Tennessee, music director and conductor for The Cleveland Pops, and assistant conductor for Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. Her recent program featured Mozart’s Overture to “The Marriage of Figaro,” Boyadjieff, Jr.’s “Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra,” and Rimsky-Korsakov's “Scheherazade.”
Both Dr. Jones and Ms. Pearson earned their master’s degree from Lee’ School of Music.
For more information on the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, visit their website at https://andersonsymphony.org.