Island Tidbits: Symphony Names New Conductor, the Goats are Back at Blakeley, Time to Register for the Parade
Ryan Dakota Ferris Named Symphony’s New Musical Director and Conductor
The Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has named Ryan Dakota Farris as its new Music Director and Conductor. Farris brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic presence to the BSO, promising an exciting new era for our orchestra.
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“I am tremendously excited to begin a new musical chapter with the Bainbridge Symphony,” said Farris. “The warmth, generosity, and dedication of these musicians is infectious, and I can’t wait to see what we are capable of achieving together in the coming years. Getting the chance to direct and program for my own orchestra is truly a dream come true. It is my greatest hope that the orchestra and the entire Bainbridge community will be inspired by the concerts we have planned for our upcoming season.”
Farris has quickly become one of the most exciting and in-demand conductors in the Pacific Northwest. His extensive experience includes recent guest conducting appearances with the Bainbridge Symphony, Octava Chamber Orchestra, and Seattle Festival Orchestra.
Currently, he serves as the assistant conductor of Lake Union Civic Orchestra and is pursuing his doctorate in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Washington where he conducts the Campus Philharmonia and assists with the University of Washington Symphony. His musical education was enriched under the guidance of the late maestro Michael Jinbo at the Pierre Monteux School and Music Festival, alongside studies with notable conductors such as Ludovic Morlot and David Alexander Rahbee.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan as the newest member of the BSO/BPA community,” said Elizabeth Allum, BPA Executive Director. “This is a truly exciting time for BSO, and we’re so grateful to have the opportunity to work with Ryan as he leads the orchestra into this bright new era.”
The Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra is confident that Farris “will inspire both musicians and audiences alike with his passion and expertise,” Allum added. “Join us in welcoming him and stay tuned for the announcement of our exciting upcoming season’s programming under his leadership!”
Weed-munching goats make their annual return to Blakely Harbor
If you ventured down to the south end of the island this week, you might have caught site of a bunch of weed-eating goats that are back at Blakely Harbor Park for a week of environmental Stewardship on the hoof funded by the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation.
The “herd-some” is deployed along the park’s south trail, and are there to suppress ivy, blackberry and other noxious weeds as only goats can: by eating them.
The goats hail from Vashon-based Rent-a-Ruminant and are comprised of “rescue” goats always eager to do their part for park restoration. The herd has worked Blakely Harbor Park several times in recent years, most recently munching invasive understory near the park meadow last summer.
The goats are one part of a progressive ecological restoration at the signature shoreline park. Student Conservation Corps, EarthCorps and year-round volunteer programs including the Parks & Trails Foundation’s ParksCorps follow the goats with weeding, mulching and other activities, say park officials.
The goats are funded by a grant from the Parks & Trails Foundation. The grant will also fund reintroduction of native plants this fall in areas cleared of invasives.
“The goats are a remarkably effective force in the fight against noxious weeds,” says Mary Meier, Parks & Trails Foundation executive director. “Once the goats are done, Student Conservation Corps can come in behind and dig out the roots and keep the area healthy and clear of vines.”
Deadline Fast Approaching for the Grand Old Fourth Parade
The Grand Old Fourth of July, produced by the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, is almost upon us. The event, staged since 1967, takes over the streets of Downtown Winslow from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes a Pancake Breakfast, BYS Fun Runs, a Car Show, Street Fair, a Kid’s Zone, a Beer & Wine Garden, Live Music, and of course, the mile-long Hometown Parade, which is the high point of the day, featuring dozens of flags, bands, organizations, businesses and more – usually somewhere around 100 floats.
It’s a good thing that people come from off island to watch, because chances are a lot of our on-island population might actually be in the parade! It’s not too late to register your parade float, but you better hurry. The Hometown Parade deadline is this Friday, June 14. More information on the Grand Old Fourth of July visit: The Bainbridge Island Grand Old 4th of July – Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce (bainbridgechamber.com)
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