Featured Story
Going The Extra Mile
Apr 18, 2009
By Alex Mendoza
It goes without saying that the level of dedication staff members contribute to their ensembles is astonishing. Regardless of talent, class or otherwise, staff members tethered to this activity know that self-sacrifice is something that comes with the territory; one of those unwritten rules that one learns as they progress through the season. Yet, there are the unexpected road bumps and obstacles that tend to manifest through the creative process. Logistic issues become commonplace and opposed to worrying about writing drill for the next movement, or finishing up the latest composition, one finds themselves concerned about transportation, housing, etc. Again – things an instructor/director comes to familiarize themselves with over the course of their career.
In the case of Evolution Percussion Ensemble, however, their unexpected obstacle was something no one ever anticipated in regards to the winter percussion season – the recent passing of their director, Jeff Hoke. Given the role the director has within the context of an ensemble, the expectation would normally insist closing up shop and putting an end to the season. In a completely selfless act of astounding courage and inner-strength, Jeff’s wife Beth Hoke, decided to push through until the last hurrah – culminating with their performance at the UD Arena.
“It wasn’t a difficult decision – moving on with the season. The kids, the staff and myself knew it was the right thing to do,” Beth states. “We’ve been doing what Jeff would have wanted and it’s been smooth sailing in light of everything. I think it helps that most of us have been together for quite some time as a staff and as a group.”
Evolution’s standard message is to provide an educational experience – something the group puts into practice as they heavily invests their time in the local community, going as far as starting youth groups based around the 9-10 year old range, which is dubbed “Pre-cussion”. Most groups tend to lightly touch on reaching out to the community to provide these sound educational experiences, but Evolution has made it their primary initiative to enrich and educated; even more so in light of a significant loss.
“Some of these kids have been with us since the very beginning with our Jump Start program, which is our junior high program, and it’s great to see them grow with the group. We’ve only been around for seven years or so, but we’ve developed this idea of family that has been helpful in pushing forward to finish the season,” Beth recollects.
“We’ve made the jump from a small “A” organization and now we’re a world ensemble. That’s not to say it hasn’t been a struggle, but we always try to make sure we educate the kids in the performing arts. Something to give to the kids who may not have these programs at their high schools. And we intend to keep things going because we have a lot of involvement within the community. Plus, it’s truly a family organization. Everyone involved helps me with whatever is needed - they feed me and build me tarp carps – and it’s been a big group effort that’s been helpful in making it to where we are now.”
Dealing with such a personal loss and managing to perservere is an inspirational story; one that has not gone unnoticed to people involved with the activity. It illustrates the great lengths these staff members – as well as the kids – place into their passion; their unrivaled dedication to the activity that not only assures of the bond developed across the season, but the intensity that drives these ensembles to draw from a deep place and emerge victorious. It’s easy to forget that victories are not always catergorized by a medal, or a series of numbers. It’s something far more poignant: reaching the end of a destination and feeling fulfilled, content and satisfied with the journey. Evolution’s experience this past season is a perfect example of selflessness, inner-strength and the will to persist even in the darkest of times. It’s something we can take with us not only as performers, staff members, or volunteers – but as human beings.
“Jeff Hoke was a guy that was completely committed to his kids and his organization,” Mark Thurston – Percussion Coordinator – recalls. “There’s not a lot of people that give that kind of time, energy or effort that he did for his members. We will certainly miss him for that, as we respected the fact that he always set out to provide the best experience possible.”
View Past Featured Stories>
