President
Joanne Dodd
Joanne is a longtime member of HBSO where she plays prima, tenor and bass domras. She brings a wealth of talent to HBSO through her performing and background in multicultural studies. Ms. Dodd holds a B.A. from the University of Arizona, and a M.A. degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from the University of Houston Clear Lake. Joanne taught history in the Houston Public School system and in addition to her work with HBSO, serves on the Advisory Board for MECA (Multicultural Education & Counseling through the Arts). Joanne grew up in Tucson, Arizona playing cello throughout her school years and currently performs in the cello section with the University of St. Thomas Orchestra. Her enthusiasm and dedication to HBSO is a major force in our success!
Vice-President
Paul Cooper
Paul plays the prima balalaika and also arranges some of the music for HBSO. A guitar player for over 60 years, Paul says he got interested in Eastern European music about 8 years ago. He liked the sound of the balalaika and tuned a tenor guitar, with three strings like a balalaika, to try to learn how to play it. A mutual friend put him in touch with Pamela Bingham , our orchestra’s Director, who said she’d loan him a balalaika if he would play for HBSO. The rest is history. Paul says: “I wish I had discovered this music 40 years ago”. Paul also plays fiddle, Irish bouzouki, and guitar plus he sings in the Celtic group Wylde Accord.
Concert Master
Vassily Rodionov
With parents originally from Russia and Yugoslavia, Vassily’s Eastern European background has been a strong influence on his musical life here in the United States. His younger years were filled with playing the violin and performing as a dancer with Russian Dance ensembles. Vassily became a U.S. citizen and attended California State University, graduating with a B.S. degree. He also holds an MBA from West Coast University and is a registered Professional Engineer in California, Texas, Illinois and Queensland, Australia. While working and raising a family, he continued with his love of music, teaching himself mandolin and later switching to domra. He then became a member of the domra section of the Los Angeles Russian Orthodox Church Balalaika Orchestra. In addition to serving as our Concert Master, you’ll find him performing in numerous Houston folk groups including Contra Dance, old time music & more. Vassily’s talent, leadership and rehearsal skills create a strong foundation for HBSO!
HBSO is a community orchestra who welcomes new members from any musical background. Some instruments and instruction materials are available for domra and balalaika. All musical levels are accepted: just bring your love of music and dedication to developing your skill on one of these beautiful instruments. Other instruments accepted are: violin, accordion, percussion and woodwinds. Orchestra rehearsals are held on Sundays in the Meyerland area from 3:00-5:00 pm.
Artistic Director
Pamela Bingham Sheppard
Ms. Bingham (Sheppard) graduated with a Master of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and served as an adjunct professor of music at Houston Community College for many years. Pamela was an alternate musician with the Houston Symphony for six years and has performed as a feature clarinetist with local Klezmer Bands. She currently leads several bands of her own including, The Kosher Klezmer Band and The Ziggy Band.
