Page 12 - Phil opening night program digital final

The G. Herbert Clarke Award

The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1913 by Kingston
violin teacher G. Herbert Clarke. This award, named in his honor, celebrates
individuals who have gone above and beyond to support the Phil and help
make the orchestra what it is today.

* * *
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra is honored to present the G.
Herbert Clarke Award to John Kelso in recognition of his dedicated
service, leadership, and enduring commitment to the Phil and its role in
the community.
John and his wife, Pat, first discovered the Phil almost by chance. While
traveling through Plymouth, they noticed a sign advertising a concert
that evening. They decided to attend and soon after, became regular members of the Phil family. Pat began
creating flower arrangements for concerts, and before long, both John and Pat became involved with the
orchestra’s Board of Directors.

John was also part of the Board that helped select Music Director Steven Karidoyanes. After hearing
several candidates lead the orchestra, John remembers Steven as someone who seemed “very pleasant”
and, most importantly, like the right person for the Phil and its community. John was proud to be part
of that decision and has remained deeply appreciative of the relationship that has developed between
Steven, Amy, Pat, and himself over the years.

A lifelong lover of music, John’s connection to singing began after he left active duty in the Navy. During
his first week as a civilian, a couple he met encouraged him to attend their church, where he joined the
choir despite having never sung before. It was there, in that first choir, that John met Pat. Music became
a lasting part of both their lives. The couple continued singing together, including during the five years
they lived in Brazil.
John’s contributions to the Phil extended well beyond his time on the Board. He was a tremendous help
to the office with the orchestra’s records and data, taking information from the ticketing system and
manually entering it into the fundraising system. At a time when the two systems could not communicate
with one another, this was an enormous administrative task — and one that John took on generously
and consistently. He also helped compile historical records of the orchestra’s concerts and performers,
preserving valuable information about the Phil’s history.
For John, music has the unique ability to bring people together. “Music is the answer in a society,” he says.
“It gives an opportunity to merge together for a common interest.” His favorite composer is Beethoven, but
when asked to describe music in one word, John chooses something even more fundamental: emotion.

Thank you, John, for your years of service, your friendship, and your
unwavering belief in the power of music to bring our community together.

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