Emporia Symphony Orchestra to be reinstated, holding auditions
Regima Murphy
Saturday, August 15, 2009
It has been many years since Emporia has had a community-based symphony orchestra, but that is about to change.
Jeremy Starr, interim upper strings professor at Emporia State University, is in the process of reviving this Emporia tradition. In addition to the long-functioning municipal band, there also was a full community symphony for extended periods.
“I’m just thrilled about having the orchestra back. It’s going to provide an important function for the department. It’s a tremendous opportunity and outreach to the community,” said Allan Comstock, interim chair, ESU Department of Music.
Musicians from all area communities who are interested in becoming a part of this group are invited to audition. This is an opportunity to participate in a full orchestral setting, complete with full string, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections. The Symphony will meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays on the Emporia State University campus in Beach Music Hall, Shepherd Addition.
Starr, who is in the final stages of completing a doctoral degree in music at the University of Iowa, has returned to his hometown to fill the opening left by his father, Jim Starr, who retired this past spring.
“It’s an honor to be working with this faculty, and I feel very privileged that my dad is still around to serve as a mentor,” Jeremy Starr said. “I’m really excited to be able to keep the ball rolling.”
The symphony will be offered as a university course for those who want to enroll. Otherwise, there is no cost to participate.
Musicians who wish to be a part of the Emporia Symphony Orchestra will need to play for and interview with the faculty members for their respective instruments.
“String players are in the greatest need.” Starr said. “String interviews will occur on Aug. 19 and 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. in Beach Music Hall, Room 132. Auditionees should prepare a scale (three octaves preferable but not required), a portion of a solo piece, and some sight reading and bring their schedule calendars. Each interview will be about seven minutes long.”
Starr can be reached at jstarr2@emporia.edu or 341-5226.
• lute — Kate Bergman, 341-5435, cbergman@emporia.edu
• Oboe, Bassoon — Allan Comstock, 341-5431, acomstoc@emporia.edu
• Clarinet — Dawn McConkie, 341–5431, dmcconki@emporia.edu
• Horn — Tess Ziek, 341-6673, tziek@emporia.edu
• Trumpet — Gary Ziek, 341-6673, gziek@emporia.edu
• Trombone, Tuba — William Biggs, 913-980–9350, biggsw@usd231.com
• Percussion — Tracy Freeze 341-5326, tfreeze@emporia.edu
Rehearsals for the Symphony will begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 24, at 7:00 pm.
“I really want to encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch with us,” Starr said. “Music is the heart of this community — I felt that growing up — and it’s wonderful to be able to help encourage that.
“We’re hoping that this group can become the heart and soul of the community, and something the community can be proud of.”
knute (anonymous) says...
I wish you the best of luck- I'd really love for this to work.
August 15, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
What a great idea. I hope this works too.
August 15, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
b3bill (anonymous) says...
More live music in Emporia would be great!
I have a few questions:
1. When was the last year of the Emporia Symphony Orchestra?
2. When and where are the concerts planned to be held?
3. Will there be an admission cost?
August 15, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcstarr (anonymous) says...
Thanks for all your postings and the questions! I needed to confirm some details before giving answers. Here they are:
1. The Emporia Symphony Orchestra was last a part of the community in the year 2000.
2. Here is the performance information for the 2009-2010 season:
Thursday, October 15, 7:30 pm = Albert Taylor Hall
Tuesday, November 17, 7:30 pm = Albert Taylor Hall
Sunday, December 6, 3:00 pm, performing “Many Moods of Christmas” (Shaw/Bennett) with Emporia State University combined choirs = Albert Taylor Hall
Thursday, March 11, 7:30 pm, Concerto Competition Concert = Albert Taylor Hall
Tuesday, April 27, 7:30 pm = Albert Taylor Hall
You may confirm these dates as they draw closer at the Emporia State University Music Department website:
http://www.emporia.edu/music/
3. Admission at this time for all performances is planned to be:
General Admission = $5
Students, Senior Citizens = $4
Hope this helps and that we see many of you at our concerts!
Jeremy Starr
August 18, 2009 at 7:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
This is GREAT but who us paying for thisthe University?
August 18, 2009 at 10:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Seems like the rain has created a few wet blankets. I sure hope they dry out soon!
Good luck on the concerts and thanks for the efforts!
August 18, 2009 at 11:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcstarr (anonymous) says...
Thanks for the good question about how the Emporia Symphony Orchestra is being funded. Emporia State University is generously providing the rehearsal space for free (since it is a class) and the music department rents Albert Taylor Hall for the concerts. Since the performers are not paid there are no other costs. People donate their time in order to participate in the group out of love for the music. It is comparable to the Community Chorus.
All the best,
Jeremy Starr
September 11, 2009 at 12:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marshapaulsenpeters (anonymous) says...
This is GREAT NEWS and, heck, I don't even live there! We here in Iowa have thoroughly enjoyed Jeremy Starr's deep musicality, leadership for some years and we are missing that -- but all his good energy now benefits the rebirth of ESO. My hat is off to Emporia for this resurgence and community cohesing effort. Fruitful auditions, rehearsals, perfs and concert attendance to all of Emporia.
-- MAPP in Iowa City IA
October 13, 2009 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )