The Best of Berlin: After many years, this LS conductor is setting down his baton

From his childhood in Manhattan, Kansas, to now approaching his 80th birthday, music has always been a part of Russ Berlin’s life.

His life will make another milestone this month when he retires as music director and conductor of the Lee’s Summit Symphony.

Berlin’s last concert will be at 7 p.m. March 19 at the Pavilion at John Knox Village. The program, “Best of Berlin,” will include some of the conductor’s favorite pieces, including “Procession of the Nobles” by Rimsky-Korsakov, “Irish Tune from County Derry” by Percy Grainger and selections from “The Phantom of the Opera.”

“I have tried to pick a repertoire for our spring concert that has variety, emotion and represents different periods of music,” Berlin said.

“All of the pieces are my favorites.”

Oboists Sheri Mattson and Karl Hayes will be featured in Handel’s “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” and Berlin’s former colleagues and friends Gloria Helmer and Paul Shrout will sing the selections from “The Phantom of the Opera,” which was also performed at the symphony’s first concert.

Berlin’s interest in music began when he was a youngster listening to his parents’ collection of Big Band music. He started playing trumpet in fourth grade.

“From then on, I worked to be the best I could be on the instrument,” Berlin said. “I would try to emulate and memorize what I had heard on the recordings.”

He participated in every music activity at school: band, orchestra, jazz band, pep band and choir.

“Music became my life blood,” he said.

Berlin majored in music education at Kansas State University. He gave trumpet lessons and began playing professionally in area jazz groups. And while he taught at all levels in all different kind of groups, from band to orchestra and choir, something became clear to him.

“I decided the orchestra repertoire and sound of the orchestra is what I wanted most to work on,” Berlin said.

After he earned his master’s degree at the University of Kansas, he sought an opening at the Lee’s Summit School District.

“I learned what a great community and school district Lee’s Summit had,” Berlin said. “Each year, I loved seeing the improvement of the students and the expressions on their faces.

“We, as teachers, implanted the seeds that became the love of music for life.”

That lifetime love of music also helped determine his next chapter.

“After retiring from the school district, it became evident that many of our graduates were coming back and needed a place to play their instrument,” Berlin said.

Seeing no such opportunity, Berlin set out to start one.

He worked with co-founder Phyllis Hamilton to organize a nonprofit organization. The opening concert was held in October 2003 at the Longview Horse Barn, which was refitted for a symphony orchestra to perform.

“That was a big highlight,” Berlin said. “It was so exciting for both our musicians and audience. Our symphony gradually got noticed by our community and we thrived making symphonic music.”

For the symphony’s 10th anniversary concert, the symphony performed in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

“What a magnificent place to play with such great acoustics,” Berlin said. “It was a rousing success and all of us were so proud of what we had accomplished.”

Executive Director Bob White agreed.

“For us any number of performances that have brought excellent, live performances to Lee’s Summit are highlights,” White said. “Certainly, Kauffman was a high point in Russ’ career since it allowed many of our musicians to perform in a world-class venue and showcase their talents.”

Berlin said he is very hopeful about the future success of music in the schools and the community.

“We have a vibrant art culture in our city, great parental support, dedicated teachers, and a supportive administrative board,” he said.

“Our local symphony has enjoyed having wonderful help from volunteers serving in all capacities. Music definitely does something to our soul that makes us come alive.”

For information about the March 19 concert, including how to purchase tickets, go to lssymphony.org.