By Tina Blake
Prescott is something special! I had the opportunity to meet one of Prescott’s more famous locals, Toni Tennille, while consulting about fundraising strategies for a group working on the development of a professional philharmonic orchestra. Besides being ahh-struck by seeing the writer of the songs I would dance to in my living room as a young girl, I was put at ease from her relaxed and kind spirit.
Toni knows how special Prescott is as this is her second time moving here. The first time was several years ago from a recommendation of a friend. She and her husband, Daryl Dragon (The Captain), came from Northern Nevada to Prescott to enjoy four seasons and get away from the snow. Over the first six years, you may have seen Toni and her dog Smoky volunteering at Yavapai Regional Medical Center as a therapy team, at a local dog show, hiking one of our trails or attending a local play.
Now, Toni is back in town after taking time to write her memoirs in Florida with her niece, Caroline St. Clair. The memoir goes from the challenges of growing up in a segregated Alabama to a recent divorce after 39 years of marriage. This was a great opportunity to tell her story and set the record straight with an honest glimpse into her heart. Toni sees the big picture of life and that is why she has succeeded in her career and finds joy in the little things.
Toni has sung with the best! Coming from a family of talented singers and musicians benefited her by giving her the aptitude and humility to be respected. Her father was a huge influence on her musically and she still dedicates a song to him every chance she can. She sings currently with the Prescott Pops and Master Chorales in town. Toni is also actively serving on the new Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) Board. AZ Phil is a regional professional orchestra and collaborates with Yavapai College, Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, Master Chorale, Prescott Chorale, Prescott Center for the Arts and Chaparral Arts.
Today, you can find Toni walking her two Australian Shepherds, Bebop and Lula, singing and writing at her piano and sharing the love of the arts with others in the community. You might see her having a cup of coffee at The Raven or going to a concert or an event.
To learn more about Toni Tennille and to order her memoir visit: www.tonitennille.net
The AZ Phil Inaugural 2018-2019 Season will include:
August 26, 2018, 5pm – Inaugural Concert: Currents is a full-orchestra retrospective of works by composer Henry Flurry, co-produced by Yavapai College and Chaparral Arts, at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. The concert features Prescott’s Steinway Artist James d’Leon and marimbist Maria Flurry, and conductor Peter Bay of the Austin Symphony.
October 6, 2018, 2:30pm – Bach Festival features Prescott Chorale with AZ Phil presenting Bach Magnificat in D and Brandenburg Concerto #1 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
December 1, 2018, 2:30pm – Messiah at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center with Yavapai College choral groups and AZ Phil will bring Hallelujah to Prescott as never before.
March 23 and 24 2019, 3pm – The Yavapai College Performing Arts Center presents Carmina Burana with Ballet Victoria, select vocalists from Yavapai College choral groups and piano and percussion from the AZ Phil chamber ensemble.
Tickets are on sale through the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center starting July 9, 2018. For more information about concert performances and to donate to the cause please go to www.azphil.org. The nonprofit Chaparral arts, Inc. serves as the Arizona Philharmonic’s nonprofit fiscal agent.