A contrast between contemporary and baroque musical styles will be showcased at tonight’s quarterly Campus Orchestra Concert.
The show, which will be held at Recital Hall, will feature approximately 30 musicians and is presented by the School of Music.
“We’re a non-major group, and members are encouraged to make music throughout their lives,” said Elizabeth Braun, the conductor of the concert and director of the Athens Community Music School. “This concert allows the School of Music to fulfill its mission to reach different people.”
The concert will feature two graduate student conductors who will use their podium time to lead the orchestra for two pieces. One composition will have rhythmic challenges, while the other tackles a baroque style, Braun said.
“I am looking forward to the concert because it is the most challenging music I have yet to play with Campus Orchestra,” said Taylor Brand, a senior studying math who will perform in the show. “I think we are all looking forward to actually performing finally after all of our hard work.”
The Campus Orchestra accepts not only students on campus, but also those in the Athens community. The group evolved into a mix of members after starting as only a community orchestra, said Braun.
“This group is unique in that we are made up of a great variety of people: music and non-music majors; grad, undergrad, and high school students, and even older community members,” Brand said. “We all come together once a week to rehearse because we really do enjoy playing music.”
The music that the Campus Orchestra practices is not as challenging or lengthy as those played by the university symphony orchestra, but the group still feels a sense of satisfaction with their work, Braun said.
“I believe this show can be enjoyable for everyone because all of the conductors pick great music every quarter for us to play,” said Shelbi Franklin, a junior studying social work who will perform in the show. “I have high expectations for the audience.”
