The Saint Croix Valley Orchestra is a regional volunteer organization formed in 1991. It has drawn musicians of all ages and walks of life in the St. Croix river valley and adjoining area. The orchestra provides a rare opportunity for amateur and professional musicians living in rural Wisconsin and Minnesota with the chance to play with a fully orchestrated, professionally directed ensemble. Since its beginning, the orchestra has provided quality concerts in many locations in this area to the public free of charge.
The orchestra's director, Dr. Matthew Poon, combines a multi-faceted career as a conductor and music theorist. He is currently a professor of music theory at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, music director of the St. Croix Valley Orchestra, and music director of the Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony. Prior to arriving in Eau Claire, he taught music theory at Oberlin College & Conservatory in Ohio and conducting at Tyndale University in Toronto.
The orchestra's assistant director, Zachary Bartsch, grew up in Cameron, WI on a family dairy farm before attending UW-Eau Claire for Music Education, wher he studied clarinet, conducting, and composition. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Zach moved to Hillsboro, WI, where he taught 5th- 12th grade band, and then started a beginning class for guitar. Last year, Zach returned to Barron County to be the 5-12th grade band director in Prairie Farm. In addition, Zach has been working to complete his national board certification for teaching and began his Master of Music in Music Education degree at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.
The St. Croix Valley Orchestra rehearses weekly from September through June at the St. Croix Falls High School on Mondays at 7:00 PM. Any musician who wants to perform in the ensemble is invited to contact us or come to a rehearsal.
A board of directors governs the non-profit corporation that supports the orchestra. They meet monthly, before rehearsals, and at other times as needed.
Concert performances begin early in December, March, and June at different sites throughout the St. Croix valley. The summer concerts are performed outdoors when weather permits. (Watch for announcements in local papers and posted at area businesses and concert venues.) Concert performances are drawn from the music of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, ranging from full symphonies to dance numbers. Come join us to hear music from the masters!
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