The SAINT JOSEPH ORCHESTRA
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
Louis DeVries
Mr. DeVries (affectionately known as " Louie") assumed the position of principal conductor in May, 1998. Mr. DeVries received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Akron. While pursuing his degree, he served as student director of the University of Akron band. He received a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Michigan. He taught instrumental music in Lorain, Ohio, and was double bass instructor at both the University of Akron and Malone College in Canton, Ohio.
Louis has played professionally with the Blossom Festival Band, the Akron Symphony, the Canton Symphony, the Youngstown Symphony, the Erie Philharmonic, the Tuscarawas Philharmonic, the Orquestra Filarmonica de Caracas and the Mississippi Symphony. Louis was the former conductor of the Natchez Community Band and has performed several double bass recitals in Natchez. He was a member of the Natchez Baroque Ensemble. He currently also plays with the Baton Rouge Symphony and with the Natchez Opera Festival. Mr. DeVries is also the Conductor of the Saint Joseph Orchestra "Jazzers", Jazz Ensemble.
He and his wife, Allyn, who plays the flute, reside in Natchez, Mississippi, where he is a tour guide and free-lance author. His other interests include t'ai chi, chess, reading and theatre.
Founder and Past Principal Conductor
Dr. Eugenia E. Robbins
Dr. Eugenia E. Robbins is an Alabama native who started piano studies at age eight, became a church pianist at age nine, and since that time has continued to work in both church and community music. She has also taught at educational levels from elementary through postgraduate, and for the last eighteen years has been full time in psychotherapy and counseling, both as a college professor and full time private counselor. Eugenia holds various national certifications in this area, including certification as a Medical Psychotherapist, Fellow and Diplomat, by the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists.
Her professional degrees include a bachelor of arts, two masters, and a doctorate, as well as postdoctoral work in the United States, England, Scotland, and Mexico. Early in life, Eugenia expanded her music work to organ and vocal conducting. She has served various churches as minister of music and education with emphasis on community cooperation, She has founded and successfully developed large choirs in rural areas. Eugenia was the first music director/ conductor of the Community Chorus of the Ballet and Arts School and Performing Companies in Gilbertown, Alabama, which presented Broadway-type musical, as well as other type productions.
Most recently, orchestral conducting, and teaching beginning cello, violin, and viola (as well as being a student in these areas) have been added to her musical accomplishments. Eugenia led in the development of the St. Joseph Baptist Church Orchestra which ultimately "multiplied" into two: the SJBC Orchestra and the St. Joseph Orchestra, both of which she has conducted. She places strong emphasis on helping others to develop their maximum potential, whether in music or other areas.
Eugenia is currently residing in Hattiesburg, Ms, where she is continuing
a practice in private counseling and teaching orchestral music with the
Hattiesburg public schools. Thank you Geni for all that you gave
us!!
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