art/music 167 Musical groups like Belles and Beaux, the Concert Choir and Chorus often provided entertainment on campus and represented Harding at different places around the nation and globe. Also in this mix was the Harding University/Community Orchestra, which gave students a unique opportunity to get involved with the community and escape from the demanding collegiate lifestyle by doing something they enjoyed. The orchestra brought people together from inside and outside of the music department as well as from the community. “The unique thing about the orchestra is that we not only have college students but also high school [students] and older adults,” junior violinist Sam Strange said. Senior Jennifer Wimberly, another violinist, also considered the communal aspect of the orchestra to be beneficial. “Being with younger and older string players makes me feel more connected because we have a common interest and goal,” Wimberly said. The orchestra provided plenty of opportunities for people to shine. “Typically, the fall semester concerts feature the orchestra as a string orchestra only, while the spring semester concerts feature a full orchestra,” Dr. Michael Chance, director of the orchestra, said. There were three major concerts on campus, as well as opportunities for string players to perform in the Homecoming musical orchestra. “As a member of the orchestra, I also get the chance to perform in the musicals, which is something I love,” Strange said. “I have been in the musical the past two years. It’s such a different and fun experience.” The orchestra performed standard classical works for strings, opera overtures and modern compositions, as well as a few different pop tunes. It also enabled its members to do other related things, such as counting towards a lab credit for performance majors. “Like everything that students are involved in around campus, these students often get chances to audition and perform professionally as members of various orchestras around Arkansas and surrounding areas,” Chance said. “Also, many upper-level university string players teach privately through the Searcy Community School of Music.” Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the orchestra was that it provided players an escape from the anxieties of classes and other demands. “I have a very busy schedule,” Strange said, “but orchestra forces me to take time to sit down and play music. It’s actually very therapeutic.” Wimberly also viewed the orchestra as a stress reliever and mental vacation. “I kind of get in a different part of reality and become totally focused on the music and people around me,” Wimberly said. “Life outside of orchestra doesn’t even cross my mind in the two hours we’re playing. In a way, it’s a stress reliever because I’m able to clear my mind of everything and just play what I love.” The orchestra provided many different outlets for its players, but it was occasionally difficult for the group of talented musicians to remain united. Despite the sporadic disconnect, the orchestra was wholly considered to be a positive activity. “[A big challenge is] staying connected as an orchestra as we play,” Wimberly said. “We all get into our own little worlds while playing and start to forget the other string players. But really, I don’t feel like we have many challenges. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves pretty well when we get together.” Farron Martin and Rachel Klemmer Stringed Ensemble Students and community create harmony
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