Feature Friday 1.31.25: Seth Harris
The GFS is excited to feature Symphony patron, donor, advocate and education committee member, Seth Harris! The symphony had a chance to sit down with Seth to gain some insight on just why he LOVES being a part of the GFS community!
GFS: Please share a little about yourself, how you became involved with this great orchestra, and your current role with the GFS:
SH: I am a seventh-grade social studies teacher, and someone who truly loves music. I live in Lake George and never miss a concert in Shepard Park, regardless of the genre. I used to go to hear the Glens Falls Symphony when they played in Shepard Park, and when they outgrew the bandstand, I continued to hear them every July 3 in Crandall Park. I enjoyed their music, engaging programs, and what it did for me that I attended one of their concerts at Glens Falls High School. That concert captured me so much that I bought season tickets for the rest of the season. Now, in my fourth year of being a season-ticket holder, The Glens Falls Symphony is a permanent part of my calendar and life. My Christmas present for my closest friends is always a ticket to the holiday pops concert of the Glens Falls Symphony, which I can enjoy with my friends. It’s an experience that they never forget. And several of those friends have become season-ticket holders. This year, I joined the education committee and am enjoying introducing children to music and hoping that they learn to love it as much as I do.
GFS: What does it mean to you personally, being a part of this growing organization?
SH: Saying that I am honored to be a part of the Glens Falls Symphony organization and serving on the education committee, is truly an understatement. The idea that I can help shape how children throughout the North Country learn to appreciate music, and maybe even play music, is so rewarding. When I attended and volunteered at the Glens Falls Symphony performances of Peter and the wolf at Hudson Falls and Ticonderoga, and saw the look of excitement on the kids' faces, and how much they enjoyed a performance that was predominantly music, I knew that we were creating lifelong music enthusiasts. From that performance, some of those students may learn to play an instrument, while others may want to attend concerts. But every one of those students will appreciate music more than they did before.
GFS: In your opinion, why should children/students attend a symphony performance at least once in their youth?
SH: Children/students should attend at least one Glens Falls Symphony performance to see firsthand how exciting classical music can be. Seeing a concert in person is so different than listening to it on the radio or on a computer. Watching the musicians and the conductor, and sometimes dancers or other accompaniments, and hearing the music firsthand, set it far above. And the Glens Falls Symphony concerts are never ordinary. Maybe kids would appreciate jazz or opera or guitar, alongside the orchestra. This is music that kids won't hear anywhere else and certainly might want to hear again.
GFS: What would you share with others on why it is so important to support this great orchestra?
SH: Supporting the Glens Falls Symphony helps make music accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the Adirondacks. Concerts are affordable, and in some cases, free, especially for students. By supporting the Glens Falls Symphony, we continue to make our community vibrant and exciting for people to call home. We don't have to travel to a large city to experience world-class music. While we live in the most beautiful area in the world, with majestic mountains and pristine lakes, we are unique that we have such a talented symphony orchestra right here, always giving back to our community.
For more information on how you can get involved with YOUR Glens Falls Symphony email us at: Info@gfso.org or visit our website: www.theglensfallssymphony.org
It’s not too late! If you have not yet had the chance to donate to this season’s appeal, there is still time! Click the link below to donate today, and help support our mission of keeping great music right here in the Glens Falls region.
Click Here to Donate: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36232/store/donations