The Lander University Chamber Orchestra is open to all members of the University community who have a strong background in strings. Several years’ experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass is expected.
The ensemble also functions as a community orchestra and is open to all string players in the greater Greenwood area, with current members spanning from high school age to retirees. While this group functions primarily as a string orchestra, repertoire selections vary widely, so that percussionists and wind players are often invited to join the group.
Music majors who participate in Chamber Orchestra are encouraged to take on leadership roles in the ensemble, while community members and non-majors will find a friendly and stress-free environment in which they may continue to grow as musicians. The group often performs as a true chamber ensemble without a conductor, so strong musicianship and collaborative skills are cultivated throughout the rehearsal process.
The Chamber Orchestra performs orchestral music from Baroque to contemporary with concerts given at least once per semester. Students of all majors can enroll in Chamber Orchestra for one credit hour, and scholarships are available for players with leadership potential. While auditions are not required to enroll in Chamber Orchestras, consideration for scholarships is based on auditions. The ensemble rehearses Monday evenings, from 5:45-7:15 p.m., and is led by Lander faculty member Amy Blackwood who participates in Chamber Orchestra as a violist. To obtain more information about the strings program or to ask about participating in Chamber Orchestra, please contact Amy Blackwood at ablackwood@lander.edu.
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