Print |
E-mail to a friend
NEWS
Youth orchestra presents annual Christmas concert
The Tri-State Youth Orchestra presents its annual Christmas Concert Sunday, Dec 14, 2008, in the Ballroom of the ARTS Renaissance Center.
Purchase this photo
Related:
A young orchestra didn't get to play the venue they wanted for Christmas, but students and parents worked together to make the Christmas concert very different from years past.
The Tri-State Youth Orchestra presented its annual Christmas concert Sunday evening in the Ballroom of the ARTS Renaissance Center. The concert strayed from the typical auditorium-style performance, because the room was not available.
"We just decided to make an informal presentation of our concert this year," said director Ron Caviani. "All the parents pitched in, and we really made lemonade out of lemons for this show. It's a great event with a great food and drink spread for everyone to enjoy during the concert."
While guests dined, more than 47 students ranging from 12 to 19 years old played traditional Christmas music with strings, brass, percussion and wind groups. Terri Clark said her daughter Katie Clark, 11, has been practicing her violin every day in preparation for the show.
"Her grandfather started teaching her how to play, and when he passed, he left his violin to her," Terri Clark said. "She's playing his violin tonight."
Lee Chirpas, a freshman at Huntington High School, just started playing with the orchestra this year. He said the youth orchestra offers a lot of opportunity for the community.
"We learn a lot from it, but it's great for the audience, too," Chirpas said. "Coming here to see our show is a lot looser of an experience. You don't have the stiff, suit and tie types here. You can just enjoy the music."
Chirpas said he enjoyed working with Caviani because he doesn't "conduct the music like he was angry with it."
Caviani said he does it all for the students.
"When I see them smile while they play, I know I am doing what I am supposed to do," Caviani said. "That is when I know that student has experienced a little bit of magic."
