~ u i 0 > < 0 >- 0: ~ 0 :r: 0.. A unique and talented music group One of the unique characteristic that Harding University possessed wa the many diverse mu ical groups that existed on campus. One of these unique groups was the Chamber Oreb stra , a small string orchestra directed by Patricia Cox. Cox, who ha been in charge of the Chamber Oreb stra since 1986 said, "A lot of colleges and universities that are the size of Harding do not have chamber orchestras. So, just the fact that one existed at Harding is unique in itself. " Throughout the school year, the Chamber Orchestra participated in many activities, including dinners , banquets, club functions and weddings. The orchestra took part in the homecoming musical , Fiddler on the Roof, had its own homecoming pe1/ormance, and played with a larger orchestra in a spring concert. According to Cox, most of the members of the Chamber Orchestra were students . The others were faculty members and a wife of a faculty member. However, not just anyone wa allowed in the orchestra. Cox said, "We had auditions to determine membership. The auditions were not strenuous ones but rather were for the purpose of picking people who would help the Chamber Orchestra rather than hurt us or hold us back.'' Those who auditioned and were selected gained many things from being a part of the 104 Organizations orche tra. Cox said, "These musicians needed a place to develop their talents and satisfy their needs as musicians. A personal identity is developed between a musician and his or her instrument, and if there is no place to validate that interest, then something is lacking in that musician's college career. " Cox added that these string musicians sometimes felt "buried " underneath all of the emphasi on bands and chorales. Because string players usually play their instruments all of their lives , they need a place where they can play and develop their skills. The Chamber Orchestra was that place. Another benefit was that the members gained some unique experiences. Cox said a group of about five of the members would rent a van once a week and go to Conway to play in the Conway Civic Orchestra. She said, "It was good for those who wanted to play in big orchestras, and was ve1y beneficial for those wanting to pursue careers in music education." When the Chamber Orchestra did get together and play, their music was focused on the Baroque period, which is basically 17th and 18th century music. Cox said, "You did not find us playing any 'hot stuff' off of the disk jockey's top 40 list. Instead, we played what the members wanted and enjoyed to play, which is the music from the Baroque period. It is the heart of our repertoire. " - David Jacobs Tony Slate models his 3-D creation. Kappa Pi was an hono r society for art students . Desiree Rees prepares to perform. The ChamberOrches tra played forthe Homecoming musi ca l, Fiddler on the Roof C-MENC. 1st row (! to r): Matt Mellor (president), Amy Grant , Kami Shores, Lynn Hunt, Chris Cash. 2nd row: Denise Repaal, a ncy Bellcock, Michell Cox, Jenny Adamson , Kim Scott, John cott. 3rd row: Alan Nesbitt , Chuck Roe, Steve Bennett, G. E. Bagget , ]. Warren Casey.
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