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Beth Steele is orchestra manager for the National Repertory Orchestra

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Beth Steele was recently named as the 2015 orchestra manager for the National Repertory Orchestra, based in Breckenridge.
Special to the Daily |

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Beth Steele was recently named the 2015 orchestra manager for the National Repertory Orchestra, based in Breckenridge.

“We are fortunate here in Summit County to have such a supportive arts community and a spectacular performance venue in the Riverwalk Center, where citizens can enjoy world-class performances,” Steele said. “I understand and believe in the inspirational role the National Repertory Orchestra can have on the development of a new generation of aspiring professional musicians, and I am excited to be part of the team that helps them discover their potential.”

Each year, the NRO hires 13 summer staff members to help with festival operations. Steele has a wealth of experience and an ability to bring a high level of professionalism to every aspect of the position, said Cecile Forsberg, NRO artistic and operations director.



“Everyone at the National Repertory Orchestra is truly looking forward to working with Beth during the 2015 season as the NRO orchestra manager,” Forsberg said. “As the orchestra manager during the summer season, Beth will help to oversee daily operations of the orchestra, including personnel rosters, attendance for rehearsals, assigning musician housing and, ultimately, serving as a liaison between the musicians and festival administration.”



ABOUT STEELE

Steele began her musical career playing the violin and piano and later switched to trumpet after hearing a Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance of “Pictures at an Exhibition” with legendary principal trumpet Adolph “Bud” Herseth. She earned a bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance and a master’s in conducting from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

After receiving her commission in 1988, Steele began a stellar conducting career in the U.S. Army. From the White House to Carnegie Hall, Moscow’s Red Square, London’s Horse Guards Parade Ground, Arlington National Cemetery, New York City’s “Ground Zero” and everything in between, Steele was honored to lead professional Army musicians in performances and witness firsthand the tremendous power of music to inspire, reassure, exhilarate, influence and unite people.

During her last assignment in Europe, Steele developed enduring partnerships with European musicians and was awarded the German government’s highest peacetime award, the Silver Cross of Honor.

Steele recently retired from the Army and she and her husband, Mike, also a retired military musician, live in Breckenridge, where she is an active performer and an advocate for community music.

Steele currently conducts the Alpine Orchestra, Summit Concert Band and Summit Community Orchestra, teaches trumpet, is a part-time ski instructor and enjoys biking and hiking with their dog, Mocha.


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