The Emporia Symphony Orchestra has gone from being a plan to being a dream realized this semester.
It’s been nine years since the Emporia Symphony Orchestra has played in Emporia and this year, the orchestra is making its re-debut into the community. The orchestra is made up of community members, students, both high school and university, and Emporia State University faculty. There are 65 people in the orchestra this semester, said Jeremy Starr, conductor.
The orchestra will perform at least twice. Concerts so far are set for Oct. 15 and Nov. 17.
Starr is filling the shoes of his father, Jim Starr, who retired this past spring. He’s even in his father’s former office. His father had previously conducted the Emporia Symphony Orchestra and is still playing an instrument.
“He’s been a really, really great support,” Jeremy Starr said.
Jeremy Starr, who is finishing up his doctorate degree in music, said he is glad the orchestra is rolling again.
“It was a matter of really getting it going again,” he said. “It’s been a really unique experience so far.”
Those in the orchestra had to go through a playing interview to assess their skills, Starr said.
“It helped us get to know the whole entire string section from the start,” he said. “Everyone is really focused ... It went from talk of the town to being happening in a matter of a couple of weeks. We’re going full steam ahead.”
Although the orchestra is housed at Emporia State University and offered as a class, community involvement is a big driving force behind the survival of the orchestra, Starr said.
“This is something that should be a part of the community,” he said. “We really want it to become a true community orchestra.”
Community involvement isn’t just centered around those who play in the orchestra, Starr said. His hope is the community will support the orchestra by attending the performances.
“In the orchestra you can do so many things,” he said. “Emporia having one gives us a lot of flexibility and live performances for people to attend. It’s a full experience for everybody involved — the audience and people playing.”
Competition
The Emporia Symphony Orchestra will be holding the ESO Concerto/Aria Competition. It is open to the public ages 30 and younger. Auditions will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 20 in Heath Recital Hall on the ESU campus.
The audition piece must be either vocal or instrumental and must be a maximum of 15 minutes and have an accompanist. The winners selected will be performing with the first Emporia Symphony Orchestra spring concert. To apply or sign up contact Jeremy Starr at jstarr2@emporia.edu or 341-5226.