VW talent singing with Toledo Symphony

This Sunday afternoon (3 p.m.), March 9, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center features two local singers sharing their talents with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra.  Most of us have heard that an expert is someone from at least 50 miles away.  What we in the rural areas of the Midwest sometimes forget to consider is that we have some extremely talented people too!  This Sunday will prove my point.

When the Toledo Symphony called me last year with the idea of returning to the Niswonger to perform, we talked about several program options. Their Rodgers & Hammerstein program really appealed to me and our programming committee. Through conversation, I learned that they were presenting this show in Toledo at the Stranahan Theater this past fall and would be using vocalists to sing some of the wonderful songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Broadway musicals. When I heard this, I immediately thought about some very talented singers we have right here in Van Wert: namely tenor Jake Wilder and soprano Mary Ann Falk.

Wilder is a young man who attended Lincolnview Local Schools and graduated from Van Wert High School. Wilder, a naturally talented kid who performed in our Young Artist Recitals, as well as school and community programs, decided to further his music singing studies at Bowling Green State University.  While there, he made quite a name for himself throughout northwest Ohio and southern Michigan, singing in the Toledo and Detroit areas. He also won numerous vocal contests in an extremely competitive School of Music at BGSU.

He decided to return home for a while and work to earn money until deciding his next step in the music world.  Although Van Wert may not offer as many opportunities as many larger metropolitan areas, we have created many musical opportunities for him. He has been active singing and leading worship at First United Methodist Church on a regular basis and has also lent his voice and keyboard skills to other churches in the area. He has also been singing at the Black Swamp Bistro restaurant and now can be heard entertaining at Willow Bend Country Club. He has also been in great demand as a soloist for local and regional performances, and it was a no-brainer to ask Jake to sing with the Toledo Symphony.

Every good musical, and especially Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals, must have a dashing tenor and a lovely soprano as well. It didn’t take long for me to think of a local soprano who could fit the bill and who knew theater music so well. The daughter of Arla Allen, Mary Ann Falk, came to my mind immediately. Inheriting a beautiful and powerful soprano voice from her mother, Mary Ann chose to become an educator and teaches English at Vantage Career Center. However, it is her singing that I and our community have been the fortunate recipients of.

Mary Ann also attended BGSU and sang in choirs while a student. I am sure she had some thrilling musical experiences and great instruction while in college, but she chose to make her vocation in education and make music an avocation.

She does as well at her avocation, as she does in her vocation.  Anyone who has been a regular attender of Van Wert Civic Theatre productions has probably heard Mary Ann sing, as well as see her acting ability. The best (musical) deal of my life occurred when I agreed to play for Mary Ann’s wedding several years ago in return for her singing in my church choir.  I always say it’s the gift that keeps giving and giving.

Mary Ann and her mother started singing in the choir at First U.M. in Van Wert and we have all been blessed many times over. It was also a no-brainer to ask Mary Ann to sing with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra.

This Sunday, as part of the Community Concert Series at the Niswonger, these two local talents will share their voices on some of the loveliest music ever written for the theater stage and perhaps of all time.  I invite you to this Sunday afternoon concert at the PAC.  About 150 seats are available, so don’t delay.  A big audience will gather at 3 p.m. this Sunday to witness that Van Wert has super talent right here among us.

Before I go, allow me to remind non-profit organizations wishing to serve food at Fountain Park Summer Music Series concerts to get their information to me by March 31.  The lottery will be held April 1.  Yes, we will have a summer (I think?).

FINÉ.