Performing Music at a Higher Level Junior Rebecca Terrill and senior Terry Zikes, percussion players in the Symphonic Band , provide rhythm for the rest of the group. The Symphonic Band practiced to perform the highest quality of music possible. Photo by Daniel Dubois. Symphonic Band strives to model professional orchestra In October of each year open auditions an held for the most professional band on campti! - the Symphonic Band. Made up of 60 percent music majors, th, Symphonic Band consisted ofthe most seriou: musicians on campus, said Mike Chance, eli rector of the band. "We try to duplicate th, experience of playing for a professional or ches,tra for the students in Symphonic Band: Chance said. Most musicians found that playing in th, Symphonic Band was much more intense thaI playing in other school bands. "In high schoo the band was made up ofanyone who wanle( to play:' senior Shawn O'Brien, clarinetplayer said. "The experience is so much different ir Symphonic Band because ofthe talent level 0 all of the musicians." "It is helpful to play with a bunch of expe rienced musicians," said senior Jared Holton pianist and percussion player. "Symphoni' Band expands your horizons musically." The 50-60 member band performed only ir the spring semester. Three major performance: as well a few local performances made up th, band's schedule. last February the symphonic band was one 0 the featured performances at the Arkansas Stal< Music Convention. "A goal for the Symphoni, Bandis to pIayinsomeofthe more prestigious halls like Carnegie Hall in New York City and Myersor Hall in Dallas," Chance said. The Symphonic Band traveled to man) high schools to perform concerts. While a these schools, the members also worked wit! the high school band to help students wit! their music. "We try not only to presen concerts, but to encourage struggling higl school band programs," Chance said. "The best trip we went on last year was t, Mountain Home, Ark.," O'Brien said. "We went and played in their band room and th, kids sat in with us and played along." The music department at Harding has seer a healthy and rapid expansion during the pas few years. "We have more students reachin! high achievements within the program than ir the past," Chance said. Theaccomplishments ofthese students wil surely be a springboard for future growth iI the music department. - Mac Bell =Ba=n~d=s~~ ______________ ~~ Organizations ~
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