Page 4 - Phil Connections Magazine 3-2021v2_Neat

A Walk with

Steven Karidoyanes

Conductor & Music Director

Early in December I enjoyed a virtual walk with Plymouth writer Ann Luongo. Ann
contacted me because she was assigned to write an installment of a new monthly
A walk with Steven Karidoyanes feature found in Cape & Plymouth Business magazine. It’s called “Anything But
Conductor & Music Director
Ordinary” and highlights unusual jobs in the area.
The Cape and Plymouth Business magazine recently launched a new column which profiles “cool or unique jobs
on the South Coast”. So far, they highlighted the life of a custom knife maker followed by a radio personality from
Ann asked if I would be interested in being the February subject of this monthly
Country 102.5 and 105.7 WROR Boston. I was featured in their February issue!
feature. How could I refuse her?
While I wear a variety of hats in my role as conductor and music director for the Phil, I am profoundly grateful for
a career that allows me to do what I love.
Please enjoy the interview. You can decide for yourself if it’s Anything But Ordinary.
Please enjoy the interview. You can decide for yourself if it’s Anything But Ordinary.

Compiled by Ann Luongo

How long have you been a conductor?
I started my first music group in my sophomore year of college on a dare! (The terms of
which I can’t divulge.) I didn’t really know what I was doing then so, during the preceding
summer, I took an intensive summer school conduct ing course. That was 1976. I guess I’ve
been conducting for nearly 45 years. Yikes! It doesn’t seem like that long ago.
What does a conductor do?

Holy mackerel! This is not an easy question to answer concisely!
It’s easier for me to answer, by comparison, “What is the difference between a conductor
and a music director?” I hold both titles with the Plymouth Phil.
A conductor prepares and leads the orchestra in rehearsals and performances.
A music director does everything else you don’t see, including: working with administra-
tive staff on all aspects of artistic administration; working with production staff to make
sure everything and everyone work properly at rehearsals and performances; working
with the board of direc tors to develop the artistic vision and strategic planning of the
organization; cultivating rela tionships with patrons, donors and corpora tions; cultivating
relationships with civic lead ers, civic groups, government representatives and the commu-
nity at large; and cultivating relationships with area schools, educator, and media outlets.

Suffice it to say, the music director portion of my job keeps me much busier than the
conduc tor portion - especially during this pandemic.

What’s your favorite type of music?
My favorite type of music - or musical selec tion - or composer is the one I am performing
next. It’s because, when I prepare any kind of music for performance, I get totally im-
mersed in it. I study all aspects of it, its sound, and its reason for being. I end up internal-
izing the music so much that it fills me to the point where I must share it or bust. I realize
this sounds sappy - but it’s true! Happens every time.

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