Published September 5, 2025

Falling into Joy

by Scott Faulkner

As a musician, I am ostensibly in the joy-bringing business. But sometimes the weight of the world conspires to make this aspect of my job really challenging. Despite my best efforts, I can struggle with both feeling joyful and wanting to be a conduit of joy. A favorite Mary Oliver poem called “Don’t Hesitate” is helpful for me when I need a recalibration:
 

DON’T HESITATE – MARY OLIVER

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,

don't hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty

of lives and whole towns destroyed or about

to be. We are not wise, and not very often

kind. And much can never be redeemed.

Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this

is its way of fighting back, that sometimes

something happens better than all the riches

or power in the world. It could be anything,

but very likely you notice it in the instant

when love begins. Anyway, that's often the

case. Anyway, whatever it is, don't be afraid

of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
 

Oliver, Mary. Devotions. Penguin Press, NY: 2017. (pg. 61)

With the arrival of September, the local orchestra scene is getting back in full-swing and will provide several opportunities for colleagues to bring some joy to the Truckee Meadows before the traditional start of the concert season in early October. Some are performances and some are special events, but hopefully all will spark joy. 

Here are some of the morsels that are on the menu:
 

Reno Phil

Saturday, September 13 (10:00 a.m. activities on the plaza, 11:00 a.m. concert)
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

“Home Means Nevada” free family concert

This will be a fun morning for kids young and old. Starting on the Virginia Street Plaza outside the Pioneer, coloring, crafts and other shenanigans will take place before everyone is welcomed inside the Pioneer for a lively, one-hour concert by the Reno Phil and led by Laura Jackson. A great way to introduce friends and family to the orchestra. And don’t worry about squirming children. All are welcome.

Reno Chamber Orchestra, Reno Phil, Reno Jazz Orchestra

Saturday, September 13, 4:00 p.m.
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

James Kidder Memorial Concert (Free and open to the public)

While a memorial service is not traditionally a place one would expect to find joy, this concert might be an exception. In July, our community lost one of its most devoted and generous leaders, Jim Kidder. No one loved music, or ensuring its survival in our community, more than Jim. In addition to a distinguished career at the University of Nevada, he served in leadership roles on the boards of many local nonprofits, especially the Phil, the Chamber Orchestra, and the Reno Jazz Orchestra. To honor his memory and contributions, all three of these ensembles will play during a memorial tribute. They don’t make them like Jim Kidder anymore, and it will be an honor to make music in celebration of his life.

Reno Chamber Orchestra

Saturday, September 13, 7:00 p.m.
Renaissance Hotel

“A Night on the Titanic: An Immersive Game of Music and Mystery at Sea”

While a gala fundraiser based around a famous ship’s doomed maiden voyage might not be a traditional joy-sparker either, this night promises to offer a great time while helping support the music and community service of the RCO. Join Music Director Kelly Kuo and other music lovers for an unforgettable evening.

AVA Ballet Theatre with Reno Phil

Saturday, September 20 (7:00 p.m.) and Sunday, September 21 (2:00 p.m.)
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

The Little Mermaid

Musicians of the Reno Phil, led by music director Laura Jackson, take center stage, er, occupy the orchestra pit to accompany AVA Ballet Theatre’s production of the classic tale of a mermaid who wants to be human, choreographed by Alexander Van Alstyne. While the story is the same as the Disney movie of the same name, the music being danced to will be the luscious score to Delibes’ Sylvia.

Reno Phil

Monday, September 22 
Somersett Golf and Country Club

Music and Mulligans Golf Classic

If golf is your bag, the Reno Phil’s 5^th annual Music and Mulligans Golf Classic is for you. Including breakfast, lunch, libations, music by some of the members of the Phil, and other on-course surprises, this day on the links supporting the Reno Phil is not to be missed.

Reno Phil

Tuesday, September 23 (7:00 p.m.) and Wednesday, September 24 (6:00 p.m.)
Grand Sierra Resort’s Grand Theatre

The Princess Bride in Concert

In September of 1987, I had just commenced my freshman year at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. On Friday the 25^th, a group of just met friends walked to the Parkland Theater to see a new Rob Reiner film called The Princess Bride, which was released that day. That night it would have been inconceivable to know the impact that movie would have on me and the world. 
 

Celebrating the 38^th anniversary of its release, the Reno Phil will perform the soundtrack underneath the giant screen as the movie plays. With fencing, fighting, true love, shrieking eels, and Mark Knopfler’s wonderful score, only a stiff whiff of iocane powder should keep you from attending. In conjunction with the Cordillera International Film Festival, the performance on the 24^th will feature a post-concert conversation with some of the original actors from the cast.

All these events will hopefully bring joy to you and the musicians on stage and set the table for the joyful feast of music our community will experience this season.

Scott Faulkner is principal bassist of the Reno Phil and Reno Chamber Orchestra. For the League of American Orchestras he is director of its Alumni Network as well as faculty director of its Essentials of Orchestra Management program. He can still recite most of the lines from The Princess Bride but will try to resist the urge to do so during this month’s performances.

Greetings from Lincoln Center in New York City!  by Scott Faulkner — July 25, 2025

Practicing Ikigai: “A reason for being”  by Scott Faulkner — June 13, 2025

A Milestone and Some Thoughts on Mission Statements by Scott Faulkner — May 2, 2025

Reno Chamber Orchestra & Reno Phil Blooming with Spring Concerts  by Scott Faulkner — March 28, 2025

The Architecture of Music by Scott Faulkner — February 14, 2025

Mr. Terris: A Remembrance by Scott Faulkner — January 3, 2025

‘Tis the Season by Scott Faulkner — November 22, 2024

League of American Orchestras by Scott Faulkner — September 6, 2024

Time in Music by Scott Faulkner — August 2, 2024

Ruth Lenz by Scott Faulkner — May 24, 2024

Exploring Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 by Scott Faulkner — April 19, 2024

The Meaningful Connection Provided by Music by Scott Faulkner — March 15, 2024

Meet Reno Phil President and CEO Aaron Doty by Scott Faulkner — February 9, 2024

Looking Ahead at 2024 by Scott Faulkner — January 5, 2024

NCMF 20^th by Scott Faulkner — November 24, 2023

Reno Phil Concert Preview by Scott Faulkner — October 13, 2023

Reno Phil CEO Search by Scott Faulkner — July 28, 2023

Reno Phil Concerts This Summer by Scott Faulkner — June 23, 2023

Songs about Spring by Scott Faulkner — March 10, 2023

Bowing by Scott Faulkner — February 3, 2023