Orchestra Hits 80!

2005- A Much Smaller Orchestra

To observe the orchestra today compared to just a few years ago is to observe many more strings, more woodwinds, more brass and more percussion.

Patron Bill McNabb has noticed the orchestra has grown to a point that the orchestra fills the stage. It is amazing how close the cellos are to the edge of the stage. With this growth we have also seen a significant sound quality with an obvious increase in the number of musicians of all sections.

Student trumpet player Nicholas Counts attributes the orchestra’s success and popularity to the competition there is now to be a member, one must challenge themselves for seats. The orchestra is able to play much more challenging music as a result.

Another patron, Dr. Lois Potter, has also been impressed with the “physical effect” the orchestra’s volume had on audiences. She attributed this to not just the sound of all instruments, but the ambitious pieces and energetic conducting.

Conductor Dr. Brian Stone has attributed the orchestra’s growth to an effort made to not only publicize the orchestra all over campus, but also to the ties made between other University music courses and orchestra repertoire. He explained, “Students play the music that they are learning about in the classrooms.”

Dr. Stone recruits talent from all over campus. One of every three orchestra musicians now comes from outside of the Department of Music. There is even a philosophy professor is in their midst. The change in rehearsal times to early in the evening has also helped with the recruitment of members.

It would be remiss if we did not mention Dr. Stone's contribution to the orchestra's success both in number and quality. Not only does Dr. Stone bring out the best in the musicians and and the music but his efforts to increase publicity and the number of performances for the University community has brought about a real following for the group. He explains that he feels the orchestra is obliged to provide enrichment in the community.

Patron Bill McNabb confirms “The enthusiasm and commitment of Dr. Stone is a great value to the University itself and to those of us who witness the performance which are clearly of first class quality; both artistically and musically."