For two decades, Johnstown's hills have been alive with the sound of music thanks to the Johnstown Symphony Ochestra's Opera Festival. This year, organization members celebrated the festival's 21st year.
The festival first started in 1991 when the Pittsburgh Opera and their symphony performed in the Johnstown area. Since then JSO has taken over, and the festival has grown into something widely celebrated by not only opera aficionados in Johnstown, but the surrounding areas as well, according to executive director Brooke Welsh.
"It's always something new and fresh each year, and that's what makes is special," she said. "The theme changes every year. Last year was '20 Years of Opera.' Some other themes included 'American Opera,' 'Memories of Venice,' and 'An Evening in Vienna.' There may be variations in the programming, but the tradition stays the same."
This year's theme was "Great Opera for a Great City," tying in with the symphony's season theme "Great Music for a Great City."
The Opera Festival is more than dressing up in your best formal wear and listening to beautiful music. "You start by coming to the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on Pitt-Johnstown's campus at 7 p.m. and everyone gets dressed up. It's black tie optional," Welsh said. "You mingle before the concert, and then you...watch a spectacular show."
Afterward, attendees can drive to the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center downtown for dinner and an auction.
"Anyone can attend. It's open to the public," she said. "It's $60 for the performance only, and $150 for the performance and the dinner. People can also bid on silent auction items."
This year, the auction included tickets to a Pittsburgh Steelers game and a chance to conduct one composition next symphony season. A raffle was also held for a diamond pendant, a $750 Boscov's gift certificate or a $250 Harrigan's Cafe and Wine Deck gift card. Tickets were $10 each.
"The Opera Festival is our celebratory event for the season and out largest fundraiser. The money goes toward operating costs," Welsh said. "The neat thing is that you're supporting the orchestra, but you're also treating yourself to a night out, so it's a win-win for everyone."
This year's festival was held September 21, and showcased not only the symphony's talent, but four operatic soloists picked by none other than 30-year conducting veteran Maestro Istvan Jaray. For information on next year's festival, call the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra at (814) 535-6738 or email them at info@johnstownsymphony.org.
Showing posts with label magazine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label magazine. Show all posts
Friday, November 29, 2013
Book Review: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers
By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Amy Newmark and Susan M. Heim
"Chicken Soup for the Soul" books are each part of a collection of inspirational stories on topics relatable to readers, ranging from being a dog lover to being a devout NASCAR fan. One of the collection's newest additions is Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers.
Writing, for those actively doing it or considering it as a career, can be challenging. Several authors write about those challenges in this compilation of 101 writer stories - including a story from former Johnstown resident Jody Iachini Severson.
Severson's piece, "Ask, Listen, Write," tells the tale of how an eighth-grade writing project made her act on her own advice: ask, listen, write. She describes the experience she had in gathering her family around to tell their stories and then relaying those stories on paper for her English teacher.
The project earned her an A and the English award for her class. Thinking it must have been a mistake, Severson confronted her teacher, who told her it was no mistake, and that she was a gifted writer. It was in that instant that Severson was truly inspired to continue writing.
She goes on then to tell a story of tragedy, a story of what was her life inspiration, and how these instances inspired her to write. Her piece ends with her advice to writers and the overall theme of the piece:
"Everyone has a story to tell; you just have to ask, listen, and write."
This engaging book guides writers through struggles with writer's block, rejection, and much more. For any writer, even those already on the highway to success, this book is a must-have for their collection. Be prepared to be inspired!
"Chicken Soup for the Soul" books are each part of a collection of inspirational stories on topics relatable to readers, ranging from being a dog lover to being a devout NASCAR fan. One of the collection's newest additions is Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers.
Writing, for those actively doing it or considering it as a career, can be challenging. Several authors write about those challenges in this compilation of 101 writer stories - including a story from former Johnstown resident Jody Iachini Severson.
Severson's piece, "Ask, Listen, Write," tells the tale of how an eighth-grade writing project made her act on her own advice: ask, listen, write. She describes the experience she had in gathering her family around to tell their stories and then relaying those stories on paper for her English teacher.
The project earned her an A and the English award for her class. Thinking it must have been a mistake, Severson confronted her teacher, who told her it was no mistake, and that she was a gifted writer. It was in that instant that Severson was truly inspired to continue writing.
She goes on then to tell a story of tragedy, a story of what was her life inspiration, and how these instances inspired her to write. Her piece ends with her advice to writers and the overall theme of the piece:
"Everyone has a story to tell; you just have to ask, listen, and write."
This engaging book guides writers through struggles with writer's block, rejection, and much more. For any writer, even those already on the highway to success, this book is a must-have for their collection. Be prepared to be inspired!
Friday, November 22, 2013
How I Look for a Job: The Prologue
For those who don't know, I am a senior journalism student at Pitt who will be graduating in April. From there, I'm looking to move on to a career in journalism or public relations, hopefully in Las Vegas. Now, I know it's a tough job market out there, especially when students have gone to specialized schools and programs for journalism and public relations that surpass my own education, but I'm not giving up. I've applied for six or seven jobs already, and I've heard back from one: The Wynn. I received a no for a position as a special events coordinator, but they said that I should look at other opportunities available through their brand, which as I type this I am doing.
Either way, I wanted to write a blog post about how I determine what jobs to apply for and which ones not to apply for. It's actually a really easy process for me.
1. I look at the title of the job. I'm a journalism/PR student. I'm not going to apply for a job as a data analyst or a financial consultant. I stick to keywords like "writer," "marketing," "social media," and "relations." Those are usually key indicators of a job my degree will be tailored for.
2. I look at the requirements. If a job needs 3-5 years of experience, I automatically say no (unless it's customer service, because I've been in that industry for five years). 1-2 years I apply, because I have 1-2 years of journalism experience or work in PR.
3. I finally read all of the job duties. Some job posts are tricky. They oversell their open position, or they throw in additional responsibilities/licenses that you shouldn't need. I applied for a special events coordinator job, and I was asked if I'd be willing to get a valid Nevada Gaming License if I got the job. Why? I would be a special events coordinator. I wouldn't be operating any machinery. As it turns out, licensing is a way to weed out the bad eggs in Las Vegas, because it was a mob/mafia hot spot before. It keeps things clean and fair for everyone, so I can't just give special benefits to family and friends. I also was looking for a PR job, and I got a post to be a sales consultant for a gift shop at a casino. They were overselling working at the shop by giving certain activities flair, like selling merchandise. If something doesn't fit or seem right, I'm skeptical and usually just bookmark the job for a later date.
What are your own specifications you go by when searching for a job? Let me know what you do in the comments below. I could always use more strategies!
Either way, I wanted to write a blog post about how I determine what jobs to apply for and which ones not to apply for. It's actually a really easy process for me.
1. I look at the title of the job. I'm a journalism/PR student. I'm not going to apply for a job as a data analyst or a financial consultant. I stick to keywords like "writer," "marketing," "social media," and "relations." Those are usually key indicators of a job my degree will be tailored for.
2. I look at the requirements. If a job needs 3-5 years of experience, I automatically say no (unless it's customer service, because I've been in that industry for five years). 1-2 years I apply, because I have 1-2 years of journalism experience or work in PR.
3. I finally read all of the job duties. Some job posts are tricky. They oversell their open position, or they throw in additional responsibilities/licenses that you shouldn't need. I applied for a special events coordinator job, and I was asked if I'd be willing to get a valid Nevada Gaming License if I got the job. Why? I would be a special events coordinator. I wouldn't be operating any machinery. As it turns out, licensing is a way to weed out the bad eggs in Las Vegas, because it was a mob/mafia hot spot before. It keeps things clean and fair for everyone, so I can't just give special benefits to family and friends. I also was looking for a PR job, and I got a post to be a sales consultant for a gift shop at a casino. They were overselling working at the shop by giving certain activities flair, like selling merchandise. If something doesn't fit or seem right, I'm skeptical and usually just bookmark the job for a later date.
What are your own specifications you go by when searching for a job? Let me know what you do in the comments below. I could always use more strategies!
Sources
I love talking to people and listening to their stories. I also love compiling stories of my own. Sources come in many shapes and sizes, and that's what I've dedicated this entire post to. You might be a journalist student if you encounter these types of sources:
1. The Blabber. This is the type of source who's extremely enthused about the article you're doing, and sometimes ends up telling you their life story instead of focusing on the questions you're asking. Try to polite steer the conversation as best as you can, but don't be rude. Chances are you may need this source again.
2. The Information System. This type of source knows everything about the subject of your article, and isn't afraid to tell you all about it. This source is slightly related to the Blabber in that they tend to talk a lot, but every piece of information could help with your current story and give you ideas for future articles, which is why keeping in contact with this source is a must.
3. The Micro-manager. This is the type of source every journalist tries to avoid dealing with, but sometimes it's just inevitable. This person loves to give you press releases, omit information, backtrack and even tell you what you should and shouldn't put in your story. Keep them as a contact, but only to obtain those precious press releases for a possible story idea or two.
4. The Delayer. This is the type of person who doesn't get back to you in the amount of time you need them to in order to get the information for your story. This person gives you a valuable lesson in keeping multiple stories open, and never assign yourself to just one source. It could spell disaster for you and your publication. This source, however, could make up for it with different sources to interview, so don't cut them to the quick immediately. Keep your options open, but never forget either. Try making appointments with them earlier, too. That helps.
5. The Neglectful Nellie. This is the type of person who never calls you back, never emails you...basically never responds to any communication with you or your publication whatsoever. You would have a better chance at getting a letter from San Francisco to Pittsburgh via the Pony Express than getting information from this contact. Chances are this person is a creature of habit, and they won't talk to you or anyone from your publication because of a bad experience or some other reason. It's better not to heckle them much, because that could hamper any kind of relationship you're trying to build with them. This is why you need multiple sources of multiple types.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few of the other types of sources out there, but these are just a few I've run into during my time. Have any others you'd like to share? Leave a comment below or share this post and get friends involved! I'm curious to hear your opinion!
1. The Blabber. This is the type of source who's extremely enthused about the article you're doing, and sometimes ends up telling you their life story instead of focusing on the questions you're asking. Try to polite steer the conversation as best as you can, but don't be rude. Chances are you may need this source again.
2. The Information System. This type of source knows everything about the subject of your article, and isn't afraid to tell you all about it. This source is slightly related to the Blabber in that they tend to talk a lot, but every piece of information could help with your current story and give you ideas for future articles, which is why keeping in contact with this source is a must.
3. The Micro-manager. This is the type of source every journalist tries to avoid dealing with, but sometimes it's just inevitable. This person loves to give you press releases, omit information, backtrack and even tell you what you should and shouldn't put in your story. Keep them as a contact, but only to obtain those precious press releases for a possible story idea or two.
4. The Delayer. This is the type of person who doesn't get back to you in the amount of time you need them to in order to get the information for your story. This person gives you a valuable lesson in keeping multiple stories open, and never assign yourself to just one source. It could spell disaster for you and your publication. This source, however, could make up for it with different sources to interview, so don't cut them to the quick immediately. Keep your options open, but never forget either. Try making appointments with them earlier, too. That helps.
5. The Neglectful Nellie. This is the type of person who never calls you back, never emails you...basically never responds to any communication with you or your publication whatsoever. You would have a better chance at getting a letter from San Francisco to Pittsburgh via the Pony Express than getting information from this contact. Chances are this person is a creature of habit, and they won't talk to you or anyone from your publication because of a bad experience or some other reason. It's better not to heckle them much, because that could hamper any kind of relationship you're trying to build with them. This is why you need multiple sources of multiple types.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few of the other types of sources out there, but these are just a few I've run into during my time. Have any others you'd like to share? Leave a comment below or share this post and get friends involved! I'm curious to hear your opinion!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Thanking My Mentors
I don’t have a formal mentor per se. I have several people I do look up to in my profession that have helped me along the way, and I would like to mention them and thank them for what they've done, whether they realize it or not and whether they read this or not.
First of all, I want to thank my senior English teacher. We had our ups and downs, of course, but she really made a impact on me. She was a journalism major herself, and she taught me about the many things I can do with my journalism like public relations and so on. I thought of journalism as this broad thing and I was confused about what I truly wanted to do. She set me straight, and I am where I am today thanks to her guidance.
Next, I want to thank my magazine editor for the experience. I've been with the Johnstown Magazine since May, and the experience I've gained is priceless. I've learned how to edit pages and how magazines run, plus I gained public relations experience as well and continue to do so. She’s been such a help and an inspiration that I feel much more prepared for next year, which is rapidly on its way as we speak.
Finally, I want to thank two of my professors: my journalism professor and my public relations professor. I had no idea what I was doing when it came to journalistic writing and public relations, even social media in general. I have changed as a writer, a journalist, a PR specialist, and even as a human in general. I feel completely prepared for my future career thanks to them, and I couldn't be more thankful.
First of all, I want to thank my senior English teacher. We had our ups and downs, of course, but she really made a impact on me. She was a journalism major herself, and she taught me about the many things I can do with my journalism like public relations and so on. I thought of journalism as this broad thing and I was confused about what I truly wanted to do. She set me straight, and I am where I am today thanks to her guidance.
Next, I want to thank my magazine editor for the experience. I've been with the Johnstown Magazine since May, and the experience I've gained is priceless. I've learned how to edit pages and how magazines run, plus I gained public relations experience as well and continue to do so. She’s been such a help and an inspiration that I feel much more prepared for next year, which is rapidly on its way as we speak.
Finally, I want to thank two of my professors: my journalism professor and my public relations professor. I had no idea what I was doing when it came to journalistic writing and public relations, even social media in general. I have changed as a writer, a journalist, a PR specialist, and even as a human in general. I feel completely prepared for my future career thanks to them, and I couldn't be more thankful.
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