Press Release – ECSO Board Member appointments
ECSO Board Member appointments – 7.26.24
For Immediate Release
Contact: Caleb Bailey, [email protected]; 860-443-2876
The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra appoints two new Board members
The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra announces that following its annual meeting the organization has appointed two new Board members. The new board members are Lisa Marien, Steve Bousquet, and they represent a broad range of geographic affiliation and talents.
Caleb Bailey, Executive Director of the ECSO commented, “We are so thrilled to welcome these two fantastic people to our dedicated Board. They have each already contributed to the vibrancy of our organization and will help us have a landmark 78th season as we will be celebrating our Music Director & Conductor, Toshiyuki Shimada’s 15th year leading our orchestra!”
Steven Bousquet has owned and operated American Landscape and Lawn Science for over forty years, transforming it from a backyard garage operation to a thriving business with two locations, a team of thirty, and thousands of satisfied clients. In addition, Steven is a partner at Green Profit Academy, where he provides coaching and consulting services to small businesses, helping them achieve their growth aspirations. Aside from his business, Steve has been on the board for multiple organizations such as the Connecticut Landscape and Nursery Association, Norwich Greater Chamber of Commerce, Finnish American Heritage Society (President for ten years), and the New London County Extension Council where he was also Vice President and President for over ten years. Steve has sponsored numerous organizations and events including Norwich Music on the Green, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra (ECSO), Norwich Events and Norwich Community Development. Steven’s “Why” is to provide motivation and encouragement to continue forward regardless of the challenges, so we learn and grow in mutually fulfilling relationships. His Mission statement is: Enhancing a healthy, vibrant community that supports art, music, and culture.
Steve Bousquet was quoted as saying, “I am so excited to serve on the Board of one of my favorite cultural institutions in the area. I have been an ECSO subscriber for years and have also supported the orchestra’s activities through my business. I am inspired by the music and look forward to helping grow their mission impact throughout my term.”
Lisa Marien is experienced in both the arts and education as a performer, supporter, and music educator. Over her career, Lisa has performed with world percussionist Royal Hartigan, with the New World Jazz Orchestra, with jazz ensemble The J Hunter Group, The New London Big Band, tribute group The Collective, and with Christian artists Heart’s Cry, Roy Maclean, Mary Shuttleworth, and Tower of Praise. When Lisa’s not singing jazz, she’s “on stage” with one of her favorite audiences: music students in the Arts Magnet Pathway at New London Public Schools. Lisa got a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of Rhode Island then went on to earn a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with an Arts Concentration from Wesleyan University. She has been a music educator at local schools including Wildwood Christian school, Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, and Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London where she currently is the grade 6-12 Choral Director and World Music Drumming Instructor.Lisa has been on the Board of Directors for numerous organizations such as the Wildwood Christian School, Christ Church School of the Arts, Norwich Arts Center and the Chestnut Street Playhouse.
Lisa expressed, “My commitment to the ECSO was sparked by my participation in the Young People’s Concerts. As a lifelong music educator, feeling the immediate connection that the students made with music that was new in style to most of them convinced me that everyone should feel empowered to experience orchestral music. I hope to serve as a “bridge builder” towards this end and to help to spark new ideas and events to expose a wider variety of patrons to this amazing orchestra.”
Board President Liane Crawford had the following statement “I am delighted to welcome Lisa Marien and Steve Bousquet to our ECSO Board of Directors. Now celebrating our 78th year, we continue to present high caliber live orchestral music for the greater New London and Eastern CT communities. Steve and Lisa bring new talent, energy and commitment to our dedicated Board and to our mission to inspire, educate and connect our communities through live orchestral music.”
About the ECSO:
We are thrilled to announce our 2024-25 Season lineup, curated by Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada. Season Highlights include Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (Organ), Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 featuring our Instrumental Competition winner, Puccini & Verdi selections with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus and international guest artists. From early fall to late spring, the 75-plus member professional Symphony Orchestra presents six subscription concerts annually, most of which feature guest soloists. Subscription concerts are primarily performed at the historic award-winning Garde Arts Center on State Street in New London.
Visit www.ectsymphony.com for more information and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) @ectsymphony. In addition to a range of affordable single-ticket options from $70 to as low as $12. The ECSO offers those under 40 years of age and active or retired military members $12 tickets in selected sections.
Founded in 1946 by Norwegian immigrant, Victor Norman, the ECSO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the eastern Connecticut region, including New London, Norwich, Waterford, Groton, Mystic, Old Lyme, and East Lyme. Recent concerts in Norwich, Willimantic, and Stonington reflect our renewed dedication to serving a broader area.
Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect our communities through live orchestral music.