From NGU Orchestra to NGU Community Orchestra
Delaney Blackburn, Features and Entertainment Editor
Students from the NGU Orchestra, which will become the NGU Community Orchestra in the fall, have shared how the orchestra has helped them overcome challenges and grow as musicians.
Maryanna Dill, junior music education major at North Greenville University, said, “I have learned so much in my three years in the NGU Orchestra that I never would have known otherwise.”
Dill began playing violin when she was in elementary school. She said she was around music her whole life, and her older brothers played instruments as well.
Dill said she knew she would be joining the university orchestra when she decided to pursue music education.
Dill explained that being a concertmaster for North Greenville University’s orchestra has helped her grow as a musician and a person by pushing her to be a leader.
Dill said playing at a higher level can sometimes be stressful, but she described it as a wonderful addition to the music she played in high school.
She added, “I was very excited to have the opportunity to delve into romantic, classical, and other period style pieces.”
Dill said a lot of people may not realize the orchestra is what’s called a “full orchestra,” which is an orchestra that includes woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
She said having a full orchestra gives students who play string instruments an opportunity to learn how to play alongside other instruments.
Dill advises students who would like to join the orchestra to go for it. She added that she would like nothing more than to see the NGU Orchestra grow.
Silas Losh, freshman music major at North Greenville University, said, “The orchestra gives me time to play and to practice styles that I may never have played before.”
Losh began taking violin lessons with Michael Weaver, string director of orchestras at North Greenville University, in middle school.
His sophomore year of high school, he moved to taking lessons on campus. Once he came to NGU, he wanted to continue his orchestral experience.
Losh said that conflicting interpretations of how music should be played can be a bit of a challenge. He added that orchestra music does not have as much freedom for interpretation as solo music.
Losh said the most rewarding part of playing in the orchestra is practicing for hours and knowing he can play every note at tempo and the way the composer wants.
Both Dill and Losh noted that musicians can sometimes be perfectionists, which can also be a challenge to overcome.
Losh said, “I am always driven to be better at the violin, and that can leave me thrilled after an incredible performance or it can put me in terrible disappointment.”
Dill said to overcome this, she has learned to sit back and let herself play. She described it as one of the most freeing and happy experiences.
Losh said after 14 weeks of working on music, he feels a sense of accomplishment and joy from playing with his friends.
Losh encourages any students who want to join the orchestra to come play with them.
In the fall 2021 semester, the NGU Community Orchestra will be meeting Monday evenings at 7 p.m.
Those who play an orchestral instrument and are interested in joining can contact Michael Weaver at michael.weaver@ngu.edu.
