Symphony Orchestra

"Orchestra has been a really exciting experience for me. It is an amazing way to be involved in the Coe culture and to meet people you may not normally encounter. We're diverse: different majors, different social groups, different ages. It's great to break in the humdrum of classes and homework--to be able to use your brain for something else besides numbers and words. I think the best part is the satisfaction that comes with being part of a professional orchestra. You don't have to be a maestro to join, you just have to love to play."

Amelia J. Vohs, violinist
Fairbault, Minnesota
B.A., English '08

Since its rebirth in 1995 under the direction of Dr. Jerry Owen, The Coe College Symphony Orchestra (CCSO) has grown both in size and musical stature. Serving the liberal arts mission of the college, as well as providing a foundation for future music professionals, and with the help of a few dedicated community musicians, the CCSO annually embarks on performances of major works from the symphonic repertory, works of historical importance, and works from the contemporary menu.

Recent performances include Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" concertos using four student violin soloists, student soloists performing concertos by Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Chaminade, and modern works such as Howard Hanson's "Romantic Symphony," Barber's "Adagio," Hindemith's "Konzertmusik for Brass and Strings," and Jeffrey Prater's "Kinetics." Student soloists include vocalists as well, documented by regular Opera Gala concerts wherein students sing operatic arias and choruses. The CCSO also serves as an oratorio orchestra joining the Coe College Concert Choir in performances of works such as Bach's "St. John Passion," Owen's "One By One" and Poulenc's "Sabat Mater." The tradition continues under the direction of Dr. Joseph Dangerfield.

"One of the joys in working with the Coe College Symphony Orchestra is that I'm able to teach students from every discipline. Regardless of where each student's primary interests lie, we all come together twice a week to work on high quality repertoire with a common goal: the presentation of superb concert performances. I often program works that feature student soloists, allowing each student to be artistically involved in shaping the final outcome of the work(s) presented. Such a unique experience can only be offered within the liberal arts environment."

Dr. Dangerfield

"Orchestra is a chance to make music with your peers, which to me is what playing music is all about. An orchestra is a community, and music is the language. Metaphors aside, it's good to belong to a group where we can explore the orchestra repertoire and create beauty."

Nathan Barford
Chicago, Illinois
B.A., Music '08

Click here for Coe College Symphony Orchestra history.