The Morgantown Community Orchestra is the largest music ensemble of the Community Music Program at WVU. Membership is open to everyone from youth to non-music and music major collegiate students to adults and senior citizens throughout the greater-Morgantown community or other counties of the state.
The orchestra welcomes intermediate and advanced level players who wish to share and develop their artistic talents while enjoying music-making in a friendly orchestral setting.
The next play-in rehearsal will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday (Aug. 26) in Room 2070 of the Creative Arts Center. Early registration will remain open through Sept.10.
Weekly rehearsals, under the baton of Alyssa Schwartz and Shaun Hancher, will lead the ensemble into its final concert slated for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre of the Canady Creative Arts Center.
In honor of Veteran’s Day, the orchestra will perform works that weave together the threads of history, romance and patriotism in celebration of those who have devoted their lives to their country.
The performance will feature musicians from the Youth Strings Program, suitable for elementary and middle school students as well as beginner adults. It will also feature the world premiere of Isabel Johnson’s new work, a high school composer and pianist.
Participation in the Morgantown Community Orchestra may qualify for community service hours, depending on the requirements of each area school.
The Orchestra’s fall 2023 repertoire includes the following:
“Tale as Old as Time” by Alan Menken, arranged by Alyssa Schwartz
“Por Una Cabeza” by Carlos Gardel and Alfredo Le Pera, arranged by Michael Tan and Alyssa Schwartz
“Valse No. 2” by Isabel Johnson
“Hoedown from Rodeo” by Aaron Copland
“Bamboula” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
“1812 Overture” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
“Armed Forces Salute” arranged by Bob Lowden
“The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa, arranged by Keith Brion and Loras Schissel
In-house rentals for double bass, bassoons, cellos and violins are available on a first come, first served basis.
For questions, contact Eftihia Arkoudis, WVU Community Music program director, at evarkoudis@mail.wvu.edu.
Find more information and register to join.