Written by Maggie Samples // Graphic by Ben Evans
The University orchestra played at Searcy High School April 15. They were accompanied by the Searcy Junior High and High School orchestras as well as other ensembles from the area as a community building event. The event was organized by former Harding band and orchestra director Michael Chance, who is currently the orchestra director for the Searcy Public Schools.
The Searcy Junior High and High School orchestras performed before the Harding Orchestra. This was followed by a mass performance by the string performers from the orchestras, the Cross Pointe music group, and other string groups and individuals from the area.
Harding Orchestra Director Eric Colgrove said Chance organized the event to showcase the musical talent in the area.
“He was looking for an opportunity to show the community of Searcy just how many orchestral musicians there are here in the Searcy area and just so they could see how prevalent orchestra is here in this area,” Colgrove said. “We are one of the few communities in Central Arkansas that hosts an orchestra.”
Colgrove said music is a lifelong growing and learning experience, so it’s important for musicians to have a community.
“It’s just a great thing for the community,” Colgrove said. “I think the Searcy community appreciates art, and I think it’s a valuable thing for us to keep supporting and growing.”
Colgrove said he wanted to highlight the need for support and also the current support that musical programs in the community have. He encouraged people looking to support or join musical groups to reach out to local directors.
“We’re always looking for new musicians to fill in the ranks, whether we’re at Harding or especially high school or any of the other programs that are here,” Colgrove said.
Junior Andrew Williams plays trombone in the Harding Orchestra and said the performance was good.
“I think getting to play with all these different groups between Orchestra and Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band creates little sections of community, but also brings everyone together under the big umbrella of music,” Williams said.
Junior Kylie James plays the clarinet in the Harding Orchestra and said the event was a good opportunity for outreach and promotion of the various orchestras.
“It was inspiring to see high school musicians dedicated to music and passionate about performing for others,” James said. “Likewise, I hope it was an enriching experience for them to see that you can continue music in college and the ensemble environment is an important community to be a part of. I hope we will be able to perform there in the future and create more of a connection between Harding and the music programs in Searcy.”
The Harding Orchestra will perform Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Anthony Wright Administration Auditorium. The concert is free to the public, and they will be performing several pieces from the Star Wars films.
