By Erin Podlipnik
Hummie Mann has spent years writing musical scores for Hollywood films and television shows. In the Pontiac Bay Symphony Orchestra, he gets to be more than just the guest conductor — he gets to mentor aspiring young musicians.
A Mercer Island resident, Mann has worked on more than 40 films, taught classes in China, Scotland and Seattle, and is now rehearsing with the Pontiac Bay Orchestra for its March 5 production at the University of Washington’s Kane Hall.
“I think the orchestra is a great idea — to have professionals and teachers working side by side to mentor students,” said Mann.
Sheila Espinoza, who received the 2003 citizen of the year award for founding the orchestra, agrees with Mann and adds that it gives music students an outlet to do something different with their music.
“It’s nice because oftentimes students are attracted to the film and TV music we play, and it makes it fun for them,” said Espinoza.
For the second year running, the orchestra brings together 37 advanced music students and 15 adults who work as professional musicians or music teachers within the Puget Sound area.
Together, they will play showtunes such as the original James Bond theme, “Mission Impossible” and “Catch Me If You Can” in their fifth concert to date.
For each concert, Espinoza chooses a composer or theme to arrange the songs around. In this production, the songs highlight “Rogues, Spies and Ne’er Do Wells.”
While none of Mann’s scores will be included in this production, the songs he will conduct are some of his favorites.
“These songs are a lot of fun,” said Mann. “There is something wonderfully dated about the sound of the James Bond theme song.”
Espinoza first approached Mann last year to use his songs for an orchestra concert. Upon talking to him, she realized that he would be a perfect conductor because he enjoys working with people of all ages and levels, including the local community.
Some notable contributions include the theme song he composed three years ago for the annual Fine Arts Showcase at Mercer Island High School, and the Seattle film scoring program he founded.
“There are numerous paths to becoming a composer or musician,” said Mann. “The orchestra is great exposure to the different kinds of skills that come with different types of music.”
Mercer Island High School student Katie Rodgers, who has been playing second chair violin with the orchestra from its birth, agrees that it is a great learning experience.
“The mentor I sit next to is always pointing out little things that my teacher wouldn’t normally tell me, but are really helpful in an orchestra setting,” said Katie.
Her 13-year-old brother, Tommy, will play the cello for his first year in the orchestra, and her peer, Karen Zemplenyi, a second-year participant, will play the violin.
All 35 students went through auditions to receive their parts. Because of the growing interest, there has been a waiting list on certain instruments since last April, said Espinoza. Mann believes much of the interest comes from the unique presence of a showtune orchestra.
“I really believe that there is orchestra music in everyday life and it’s sad that most orchestras don’t take that into account like we do,” said Mann.
According to Katie Rodgers, Mann brings his Hollywood life stories to rehearsal every Saturday in order to bring up the energy level needed to rehearse the sometimes upbeat show tunes. She explains that you can’t play a cheery show tune if you are tired.
“He has got so much energy that sometimes it’s funny to watch him, he tells a lot of jokes and is lighthearted, which is nice for morning practice,” said Rodgers.
Mann enjoys turning young people on to show tunes.
“This kind of music is very near and dear to my heart,” said Mann. “I do this because I love it.”
Tickets can be purchased at www.tix.com for the 7:30 p.m. showing of “Rogues, Spies and Ne’er Do Wells” on Saturday, March 5.
