Spring 2016
The ‘highlight’ of
the past few
months has been
watching our little
musicians gain
confidence and
improve their skills.
All this hard work
paid off when they
performed for their classmates at a
Christmas Program in December.
Following this, Fortissimo musicians
and families braved the rain and
entertained for the Rotary Club in San
Marcos, and the Kiwanis Club at Lake
San Marcos to thank both clubs for
their generous support. Just recently
Fortissimo was invited to perform for
the Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Holt, and
the Governing Board of the San
Marcos Unified School District, as an
example of “Leadership”, which is a
program proudly implemented by their
Principal, Kylie Lewis, and Assistant
Principal, Wes Seachrest. We will have
many more concerts ahead.
Lastly, I would like to thank our
wonderful Maestra Anna Piland for
making paper instruments for our new
students to get a basis in note
reading and rhythms before receiving
their real instruments.
(see picture above right)
Thank you for your continued interest
and support. I look forward to seeing
you at an upcoming concert.
~ Carole Beeson
Ann Hunter-Welborn
The Hunter Family Foundation
Meet Ann Hunter-Welborn!
Her father founded Hunter Industries
in San Marcos in 1981. Her brothers
Paul and Richard and Ann herself
were at the helm and responsible for
growing the manufacturer of irrigation equipment into an
international and diverse company. Her nephew Greg is the
current CEO.
But what does all this have to do with Fortissimo? Ann's
mother Frances was passionate about classical music and
enjoyed and supported several organizations around San
Diego County. She also dedicated much of her efforts to
helping others. When Ann heard about Fortissimo, she knew
that Frances would have been supportive of kids learning to
play an instrument in an orchestra. The Hunter Family
Foundation, set up after Frances' death, has made it possible
for Fortissimo to finish this school year, start another group
of 3rd graders, and will match anything we are able to raise
in 2016.
Click this button to donate to the
Fortissimo program and make a
lasting impact in children’s lives
Meet Maestro
Andrew Waid!
Featured Student
Andrew came
from Boston. He
and his wife and
two small sons
have relocated
to San Diego.
Everyone is
thrilled to have
found him. The
students already
love him.
Andrew holds a doctorate in music
and has taught and performed in
Boston. He is a violist which is a
wonderful complement to Anna’s skill
as a cellist. They have great rapport
both with each other and with the
young musicians.
Meet Lilly!
From the very beginning, Lilly
has been ‘in love’ with music
and her violin. Perhaps it has
something to do with her
dad playing the violin when
he was younger. I’ve been
told that Dad has rented a
violin so they can play
together. She is the one who
is listening the most intently,
practicing well over the
amount of suggested time.
Her hand always flies up first when Miss Anna poses a
question. She makes up her own compositions and never
has missed a rehearsal. If one could fashion ‘the ideal’
music student---it would have to be Lilly.
Welcome aboard, Andrew!
Featured Luthier
We would like to introduce you to our luthier
Classic Bows. They keep our instruments in great
working order so our students can continue to
make beautiful music. Classic Bows Violin Shop has
been in San Diego for over 25 years. Owner Greg
Gohde and his wife, Lois Bach, have been providing
the string-playing community with instruments, bows,
accessories and musical gifts since 1990. Some of
their longtime customers began visiting their shop as children, first starting out in their music studies,
and today those same customers are grown adults who teach and perform as professional musicians.
The shop mascot is their Schnauzer dog, Tobey, who greets everyone who visits. Their website has a lot
more information. Please check it out at: classicbows.com.
Fortissimo Concert Schedule:
 Sunday, March 6 ARTS ALIVE at 11:00 AM Civic Center Main Stage
 Saturday, March 19 POWER OF THE BEAT at Howard Brubeck Theater at
7:00 PM Palomar Community College
 Sunday, April 24 LEGOLAND COMMUNITY DAY Fun Town stage at 3:00 PM
 Wednesday, May 25 END OF THE YEAR CONCERT at Joli Ann Leichtag
Elementary School MPR at 5:30 PM
Instruments provided by Classics for Kids Foundation,
the San Marcos Community Foundation and the
San Diego County Community Reinvestment
Foundation