Spooktacular Program Notes

Paul Kimball has been associated with the Stockton Symphony since 1982, when he played seventh horn in The Rite of Spring under the baton of Kyung-Soo Won. In 1983 he won the job of third horn and stayed for twenty-seven years. In that time he played solo horn in a section of Mozart’s Third Horn Concerto in a family concert under the baton of George Buckbee. Paul also conducted two Mervyn’s Family Concerts and has sung the title duet from The Phantom of the Opera and “Ghostbusters” under the baton of Peter Jaffe. Most recently he made an acclaimed conducting appearance on last spring’s Whodunit and is delighted to return to the Halloween Pops stage after a memorable appearance in 2020.

A dedicated teacher, Paul just retired after thirty-five years teaching in the Lincoln Unified School District, first at Tully C. Knoles and then at Lincoln High School, impacting thousands of students with his knowledge and enthusiasm. He is also the conductor of the Zion Chamber Orchestra and has been the music director for many local musicals. The latest was Beauty and the Beast at Stockton Civic Theatre. He and his wife received the Star Award from the Stockton Arts Commission in 2018.

Appearing with the Stockton Symphony for the first time, Siry Smith, a seventeen-year-old senior at Lincoln High School, has cultivated a profound appreciation for theater, which has played a pivotal role in shaping their personal and professional development. Their dedication to the craft is evident in their extensive performance experience within the California arts community. Siry starred as Morticia in Lincoln High School’s production of The Addams Family and as Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Delta College. These roles represent highlights in their acting career, underscoring a deep commitment to excellence and growth in the theater.

Siry is a fervent advocate for Stockton’s local theater scene, particularly Stockton Civic Theatre (SCT). With a rich history spanning seventy seasons, SCT has been a cornerstone of the community, and Siry’s family has played an integral role in its continued success. Watching their father perform on stage at SCT ignited Siry’s desire to pursue acting, a drive that continues to inspire their artistic endeavors today. Looking ahead, Siry is enthusiastic about continuing their journey in the performing arts, eager to explore new opportunities and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape that has so deeply influenced their life.