Jeff Reed has his final bow as Maestro for Orchestra Kentucky
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Orchestra Kentucky was founded right here in Bowling Green, playing all across the Commonwealth and nationally. On Monday night, the man who started it all is stepping down and passing the podium to a new leader.
“Twenty-six years ago, I never dreamt that the orchestra would grow to what it is today. It’s bittersweet because it’s been 26 years, and when I wake up tomorrow, there won’t be any concerts ahead in my schedule,” said Jeff Reed, now the former music director of Orchestra Kentucky, and the current president and CEO of SKYPAC, as he prepares to take his final bow Monday.
Instruments on the SKYPAC stage Monday were playing under one accord, all preparing for Reed’s final crescendo.
“I’m very proud that we were able to create this, and it was because of all the musicians and the public group support we’ve received,” Reed said.
Orchestra Kentucky has performed all around the Bluegrass State and even in London, England. Reed said he found his love for music behind the trumpet in fourth grade and then became inspired by his music teacher in middle school.
“My inspiration for becoming a conductor came from a teacher in seventh grade general music class. We talked about what conductors do and I said I want to do that,” he said.
Since then, he has been performing and went on to lead others by bringing another beat to Bowling Green.
“The idea of the orchestra was that at the time, we really didn’t have a professional orchestra in town, we had the university orchestra, but we wanted to start something that was completely professional. Everyone was paid, and that’s why we did it,” Reed said.
Reed’s career has landed him in front of thousands of people and more than 60 performers playing the tune he conducts. Now he’s closing a chapter that started off as a dream.
“The reactions have been very supportive. A lot of the musicians playing tonight haven’t played with me in many, many years but they’ve come together to help me celebrate tonight,” he said.
He’s moving from the best seat in the house as a maestro to an aficionado in the audience giving thanks to those who make up the orchestra and gave him a seat on the podium.
“Musicians are the cause of any success we’ve had, they’re the ones that make me look good or make me look bad. They’ve always made me look better than I am and I thank them from my heart,” Reed said.
The man taking over the podium is Bowling Green native Joseph Trafton. Trafton has made his way around the world too constructing for ballet in Germany and many more.
Reed’s final show was the night of Monday, Sept. 21 at SKYPAC.
