Angela Arnold was suggested for an Eagle Mountain Resident Spotlight by Andrea Butler. Andrea Butler has the following to say about Angelina and Kayla, another Eagle Mountain Resident, “Kayla and Angelina both co-founded the Eagle Mountain Symphony. It is still in an infantile state and they’ve had to work really hard to get it going and recruit members. It is sad to see the arts struggle to survive and to bring it to a small town is no easy job, but it benefits us as a community to have such organizations. They are both very talented, Kayla is a masterful violist and Angelina is a wonderful vocalist/flutist and band instructor. Talented people live out here in Eagle Mountain and Kayla and Angelina are creating a venue for people to share that talent and in rich the lives of those who call this place Home.”
Angelina has been a resident of Eagle Mountain for over a year. She has been married to her husband Gary for 5 years, and they have two sons, Gabriel (3) and Ezra (1). With their growing family they felt it was time to take the jump and buy a house. They looked at Eagle Mountain because they felt they could get the “best bang for a buck.” Angelina says, “We were hesitant at first because of the distance but we have come to love the area and the people here.”
Angelina says that she doesn’t see herself as “an extremely unique person.” She continues, “I am half Brazilian and I feel that my Brazilian/American upbringing uniquely shaped how I see the world and the people in it. As part of that I was very determined to do specific things in my life such as get a college degree and serve an LDS mission in Brazil in a time when it wasn’t as popular for woman to so.” She says she likes to “organize and clean”, read, study foreign languages, and anything music. “I also love being involved in music, whether it be performing, directing, teaching, or organizing musical events.” Angelina graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Music, and strives to continue “to do things that will keep up those skills.”
Angelina’s love for music, as Andrea Butler pointed out, has given her the drive and desire to share music with the residents of Eagle Mountain. She has helped form the Eagle Mountain Symphony Orchestra (EMSO). The EMSO “is a group of community members that have come together to make great music together for the enjoyment and unifying of the EM community.” When asked where she sees the EMSO in the next 5 to 10 years, she stated:
“We would love for the EMSO to grow to be a high quality group that can increase cultural literacy in our community. We see ourselves being involved in the city’s events and providing great music and support there. We also want to be an influence in the schools and in the lives of the students there to help them find great joy and balance, not only through music but through all of the arts. We hope that the EMSO can be a positive force in the community and be another great reason that people want to live in EM.”
“When I moved here I wanted to continue performing music and was hoping to find something close to home. I reached out to the EMAA (Eagle Mountain Arts Alliance) and asked if there was a group in the area that I could contact. They told me there wasn’t but that they would love if someone started one. Kayla and I were put in contact and she and I have been moving this forward ever since. She and I are co-conductors for the orchestra and currently serve as President and Vice-president on the Symphony’s Board of Directors. We love music and know that there are many others in EM that do too. We wanted to provide a place close to home that people felt they could come and grow musically and provide a great service to their community as well. We really appreciate the other board members that work so hard to make this group a success, Jenn Kelley, Andrea Butler, Rebecca Jensen, Carl Johnson, Keith Castleton and Rebecca Pehrson.”
As Angelina mentioned, the EMSO is not a single persons endeavor, but requires a large group of people to make it successful. Besides the members of the board, Angelina mentions some of the other groups that have helped get the EMSO off the ground. “We would also love to thank the Faith Community Church for allowing us to use their facility for our rehearsals, the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra and the Kensington Symphony Orchestra for mentoring us through our early stages and provided so much needed and appreciated support, the Eagle Mountain Arts Alliance for recognizing us as an organization, Heather Godfrey for designing our logo and all our wonderful community members who have supported and encouraged our existence. ”
Angelina Arnold is just one example of the quality residents that are making a difference in the lives of those who live in Eagle Mountain, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield.
This is an Cedar Valley Sentinel (formerly i84005) Resident Spotlight. If you know a resident that you would like for us to spotlight, please let us know. You can view other resident spotlights on our Resident Spotlights page.
Additional Resources
Eagle Mountain Symphony Orchestra – Facebook Page
EMSO Email Address: eaglemountainsymphony@gmail.com
Eagle Mountain Arts Alliance – Facebook Page
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.