BATON RAISED, READY FOR TROY ORCHESTRA
By Jessica Maher

The Times Union
March 9, 2008 Sunday
Albany, New York

In the three years the Rev. Bedros Shetilian has lived in Troy,
he has already seen progress in the area. An orchestra, he says,
can only contribute to the city’s advancement.

"You can’t make progress in the economy and other areas without having
progress in culture," he says.

Shetilian, of Holy Cross Armenian Church in Troy, approached the
mayor’s office with the idea to form a community orchestra after
being surprised to learn that unlike in other communities, Troy
musicians were at a loss. A native of Russia, where he received a
master’s degree in conducting, Shetilian has 10 years of experience
with orchestras in Russia, Sweden and England.

"Every small city in Europe has an orchestra," he says, "and I think
every small city needs one."

Vito Ciccarelli, coordinator of special events for Troy, began working
with Shetilian to formulate a plan.

"This will benefit the entire community as a whole, utilizing
professional and amateur musicians," says Ciccarelli. He explained
that such an orchestra could also diversify entertainment available in
the city. He’s sent out letters to every school district in Rensselaer
County, because although this is a community-based project, anyone in
the region is welcome. Also welcome are any type of trained musicians
looking to take part in a symphony setting, unrestricted to students.

"One purpose of the orchestra is to provide an incentive to amateur
musicians to reach out and grab what they’re looking for in life,"
says Ciccarelli. A local and traveling musician for 27 years,
Ciccarelli says he would have enjoyed this type of opportunity and
practical experience himself. He’s received favorable responses from
school music departments.

For his part, Shetilian, the fu ture conductor of the group, is
pleased with the interest. "There’s been an eclectic interest from
musicians in the area," he says.

A crowd of about 30 potential musicians and patrons attended an
informational public meeting on Feb. 28 to hear an overview of the
orchestra and its intentions. The subject of fundraising was discussed
and will be further explored in upcoming meetings.

Ciccarelli is working with Troy’s grant writer to explore funding
opportunities for the orchestra, which is among many emerging projects
in the city.

"The city only gives seed money to get started, and the great majority
of money will need to be raised from the outside," he says.

The orchestra is expected to include up to 40 musicians with the first
performance planned at Troy’s Riverfront Park in June. The ultimate
goal is to play the Troy Music Hall.