Ron Friesen, MEd
After 32+ years teaching music at all levels, and 26 years of involvement in ESO as trumpet, principal trumpet, and assistant conductor, Mr. Friesen is now our Artistic Director and music maestro. He is providing hands on leadership as ESO brings the “Artistic Citizenship” model to our community.
“Our charge is to create beautiful symphony music. We have done this for over 70 years. Now, we do more. We inspire our community and help it celebrate the value of creativity in every life with the powerful and compelling voice of the Symphony.”
Mr. Friesen leads by example. Working with Tacoma Youth Symphony for over 15 years kindled a strong desire to see more string opportunities for Snohomish County students. He leads the partnership as a volunteer with ESO, Everett School District, and Marysville School District that resulted in a gift of 45 violins from the Barry Manilow Foundation. This began our Prelude Strings program for students in both districts in the Fall of 2009.
His leadership, in partnership with ESO and Everett School District, resulted in all 3,000 4th and 5th grade students being able to experience a symphony concert for the past two years. This has been a first for the district as well as ESO, and is the first step in our goal to make this opportunity available for all (17,000+) 4th and 5th grade students in Snohomish county.
His first program as our Artistic Director is “Summon Our Heroes” at the Evergreen State Fair. This is a community celebration of our police, fire, and military heroes, and a tremendous affirmation of the American Dream. More programs like this are planned.
“This is what we mean by ‘Artistic Citizenship’. ESO is a long time member of this community, and we exist to add value. Entertaining with classical music concerts is only one of our great assets. We live where tremendous preparation and instant creativity meet the real world. We are prepared to provide education, insight, and enrichment opportunities to every corner of our community!”
Now, he is helping ESO develop the new Performing Arts Center at the Everett Mall with a compelling vision to provide space and opportunity to like-minded performing arts organizations here.
