Here are a group of folks you don't see, but are very important to getting the word out
We are Back - Finally!
Dear friends of AZ Phil, We apologize for the delay in getting our monthly newsletter to you, illness and moving and lots of things got in the way, but we are back now and we want to tell you about some of our special Marketing team members, but first a note from our new Executive Director Abby Coffey - Abby was named ED this month, with Founder Henry Flurry assuming the position of Artistic Director.
Here's a little bit about her recent trip -
Abby's Column Abby Coffey, AZ Phil Executive Director
Holiday Note from Abby - Late, but Worth the Read
I hope that everyone enjoyed their holidays and was able to take time to relax and reflect on the year in gratitude, despite the hectic and sometimes frantic feelings this season entails.
However, in the midst of the busyness with the concerts and holidays, I spent time reflecting in gratitude for all of the blessings and adventures I’ve experienced this year - my new job with Arizona Philharmonic, new performance opportunities, special time with my family, and my husband and my trip to Norway and England!
Planning international travel is never easy, no matter how far in advance you plan. When we planned this trip 18 months ago, it seemed like the day to board the plane would never arrive… then suddenly, it was time to purchase every woolen article of clothing we could find, and begin the 36-hour trip to Tromsø, Norway.
Even though it was extremely cold, Tromsø was a beautiful city to visit. The Christmas season was already in full swing so the city was decorated with twinkle lights, garlands, and trees. It felt like walking through a Christmas village designed in a snow globe. The trip was a lot of work to plan, and the jet-lag was exhausting, but it has always been a dream of mine to see the Aurora Borealis- I am so thrilled that I am able to check that off of my bucket list.
It was a very special holiday spent in Europe, and I am so grateful for the experiences and memories made there. I hope however you spent your holidays, that you were surrounded by people you love, celebrating the wonderful blessings in your life.
Abby was named Executive Director this month, visit this link for the story.
Here's the crew of Volunteers and Vendors that make up the AZ Phil Marketing Team.
So thankful for them all!
Sandy Farrell, a Woman with Many Hats
Sandy Farrell, AZ Phil Event Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Board Member and Interviewer
When I asked Sandy Farrell for a brief bio - what I got was brief! And it doesn't begin to cover all she does for AZ Phil. Here's what she sent:
"Sandra Farrell is a former broadcast and print journalist. More recently she was press secretary for elected officials and she retired from the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank as media manager. She and her husband and two dogs moved to Prescott a year ago and love all things Prescott."
- And we are so thankful AZ Phil is among them! Sandy rarely says no to a task or challenge and we are so thankful for her excellent journalistic experience and delightful demeanor. She is a joy to work with! She (and Don Baltzer on the camera, more about him later) is shown here interviewing Alexander Walker, a British conductor in Prescott for a concert last year.
Meet Don Baltzer, photographer and videographer volunteer extraordinaire!
Don Baltzer, shown here on his way out to a holiday party with his lovely wife Susan.
You will have seen many of Don's images on the AZ Phil site, most recently the engaging image of Sonoran Winds. He also recently tried his hand at AZ Phil YouTube ads, and did the lovely video of Emily Spencer for the Christmas performance.
Here's some background on Don -
- After Graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1970, Don moved to Phoenix, where he was an instructor In the Radio/TV/Journalism department at Phoenix College from 1970-78.
In 1973, he got his first SLR Camera, beginning a lifelong love of photography, and in 1975 received Master of Arts in Speech Communication from Arizona State University.
From 1978-2003 Don worked with Mountain Bell/USWEST/Qwest, where he managed the Corporate Television Studio, supported executive staff by writing speeches, employee newsletters, and producing internal videos used for training and employee communication, and served as
Director of Executive Development, both as the administrator of the program as well as one of the teaching faculty, among many other responsibilities.
Don made the move from Scottsdale to Prescott in 2016, bringing that wealth of experience with him.
AZ Phil is so lucky to have him - Thank You Don!
Sandy Stutey - Original Organizer and Stage Beautifier
The Organizer Sandy Stutey was initially involved with AZ Phil as the Board representative from the Prescott Chorale during the ambitious and exciting efforts by Henry Flurry and others to bring together the diverse performing arts organizations in Prescott, in collaboration with the Prescott Unified School District, to form the Ruth Street Theater Project in 2019. The various community groups, including chorale groups, folk music artists, dance companies, instrumentalists and, of course, AZ Phil, were hoping to assist PUSD in renovating the Ruth Street Theater and build a community performing arts season that would showcase the variety and quality of what Prescott had to offer. Unfortunately, COVID arrived just as the Gala Kick-off for the RSTP and its first season were about to happen in 2020 and everything was put on hold.
The Beautifier Three years later AZ Phil has found its new home at the Ruth Street Theater and is enjoying the top-notch renovation that PUSD undertook. Sandy is part of the team that helps set up and take down the stage for performances. Her particular role is to provide seasonal decorations that visually enhance the space to be welcoming and complimentary to the musical experience. She has worked "back stage" since high school, and as a volunteer with several musical organizations over the past many years, as well as with corporate and community events, in this role and enjoys the creativity, and sometimes just plain work, involved.
Retired from a career in public and school transportation, she and her husband moved to Prescott from western Washington state. They are enjoying the many days of sunshine here, and the incredibly diverse arts community they have found.
Big Thanks, Sandy!
Larry Currell - AZ Phil's Banner Buddy
You may have seen the AZ Phil banners around town, promoting the upcoming concerts. Those are made by Larry Currell, Better Deal Printing, in his massive shop out by the airport. Although not a volunteer, Larry is a key member of the AZ Phil marketing team, producing all our promotional products from banners to bookmarks. In addition to running a huge print operation, Larry's a great supporter of local nonprofits, an Army vet, a pilot, an airplane owner and a coffee roaster. His brand Rugged Pilot Coffee is franchised and delicious (I'm partial to the Pinon myself). We count on Larry to get the banners, direct mail, programs and other pieces printed, and he always goes above-and-beyond. On our most recent print job he flew to Phoenix to pick up a job ahead of a storm blowing in.
(Here he is showing us an example of a shirt AZ Phil ordered.)
Thank You, Larry!
Nancy Timper - Web and MailChimp Diva
Nancy Timper of Timper Arts, LLC (https://timperarts.com) builds and maintains web sites for visual and performing artists and other organizations. A 16-year resident of Prescott, Arizona, she and her artist husband Phillip recently relocated to New Mexico to be closer to family. Nancy loves baking, music, watching football, yoga, and time with her grandchildren as well as exploring the outdoors by camping and hiking around the Mountain West. She is proud to be a part of the AZ Phil family and enjoys the opportunity for musical education that the azphil.org web site offers. Referred to us by one of our season ticket holders and a member of Prescott's Ukelele Guild (thank you, Marion!) we are delighted we get to work with Nancy, especially when MailChimp is misbehaving.
Thank you!!
Marju - Our Beloved Graphic Designer
Marju Berger has worked with AZ Phil since 2021, but we've worked together since 2006 at many Prescott organizations. Her skills and patience are outstanding. She's been responsible for the design of the banners, programs, posters, ads and everything else for AZ Phil.
This year Marju decided to retire, and although a decision we applaud for her, it's one we lament for AZ Phil. We will miss working with her, her meticulous work, calm demeanor and talent.
Arizona Philharmonic
Excellence in Arts and Culture Award 2021
We invite you to come to one of our monthly Volunteer Introduction meetings.
We could use your help realizing our vision of professional music, community arts building, and authentic youth outreach. Let us know if you'd like to volunteer, apply for our board, or host a musician during their visit.
Reach out to us, and we'll get back to you very soon.
Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is in its sixth season in 2023-2024 as Prescott's regional professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization performing at Prescott High School’s Ruth Street Theater. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org and on Facebook.
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Don Baltzer, shown here on his way out to a holiday party with his lovely wife Susan.
Sandy Stutey was initially involved with AZ Phil as the Board representative from the Prescott Chorale during the ambitious and exciting efforts by Henry Flurry and others to bring together the diverse performing arts organizations in Prescott, in collaboration with the Prescott Unified School District, to form the Ruth Street Theater Project in 2019. The various community groups, including chorale groups, folk music artists, dance companies, instrumentalists and, of course, AZ Phil, were hoping to assist PUSD in renovating the Ruth Street Theater and build a community performing arts season that would showcase the variety and quality of what Prescott had to offer. Unfortunately, COVID arrived just as the Gala Kick-off for the RSTP and its first season were about to happen in 2020 and everything was put on hold. 
You may have seen the AZ Phil banners around town, promoting the upcoming concerts. Those are made by Larry Currell, 
Nancy Timper of Timper Arts, LLC (
Marju Berger has worked with AZ Phil since 2021, but we've worked together since 2006 at many Prescott organizations. Her skills and patience are outstanding. She's been responsible for the design of the banners, programs, posters, ads and everything else for AZ Phil. 
