At Ohio University, students sometimes get so immersed in their college world that they forget that there is not only life outside the borders of campus, but that this community intermingles with student life.
This is where the Campus Orchestra comes into play. Consisting of ten violins, two violas, six cellos and two basses, the orchestra offers non-music major students and members of the community a chance to participate in a classic orchestral setting.
The group will be performing at the Glidden Recital Hall Tuesday evening. They will be playing a variety of music from more contemporary pieces like the theme song of Game of Thrones to more classical pieces like Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Symphony No. 44 ‘Trauer’”. The concert is free.
Steven Huang, associate professor of instrumental orchestral conducting and the director of Campus Orchestra, said he is very excited about the upcoming performance.
“Every concert is special,” he added.
Campus orchestra is not only made up in part by student musicians, but also has a student assistant conductor. Jordan Alfredson is a graduate student with his bachelors degree in bassoon performance, and he said being involved in the group is valuable experience.
“I’m still learning,” Alfredson said. “It’s good for me to have (Huang) there.”
What sets the orchestra apart from some other musical groups on campus is the inclusion of community members. Huang said that people have sought the orchestra out to get involved. If a community member wants to find an outlet for their musical needs, they will find it, he added.
However, getting the word out is important, Huang said.
“We want to provide the best experience for the community, since the community doesn’t actually have a symphony orchestra,” he said.
Members post fliers around campus and post events on the School of Music’s calendar. Huang does think that advertising efforts could be increased, but sees much hope in the continuation and success of the group.
To students within the music community, though, the orchestra hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“I’ve heard they’re pretty good,” said Jordan Francisco, a freshman studying plant biology and a member of OU’s University Band, a group open to all majors and community members that does not include string instruments. “I’ve always wanted to play the cello.”
Huang said music groups on campus that include non-majors allow for music outreach within the community and allows the School of Music to be a little more open. He added the inclusion of both non-majors and community members also diversifies the audience for concerts, bringing in people who might not normally attend these kinds of events.
“This is a dedicated group of string players, which makes [the orchestra] very significant,” Huang said.
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