WCU Orchestra holds concert on the Quad

WEST CHESTER >> Wednesday was a beautiful spring evening at West Chester University. As students made their way to evening classes, others tossed frisbees or worked on laptops, serenaded by the University Symphony Orchestra, which played its first outdoor concert on the Quad

Hundreds of students and lovers of music turned out to hear the orchestra, directed by Joseph Caminiti play selections from film scores including “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” as well as Tchaikovsky’s rousing “1812 Overture” and Chabrier’s “España.” The music was picked by the votes of 900 students.

Sumatra Sundar of Avon Grove was there to hear her daughter, Sa-

hana, a sophomore at Avon Grove High School play with the University orchestra.

“She was in the District Orchestra and Joe Caminiti directed it so he invited her to participate in this,” Sundar said. Sahana was one of 11 high school musicians from Downingtown East High School, Henderson, Rustin, and Avon Grove high schools invited to play.

Like many of the people in attendance Darlene and Rick Rothenberger were there to hear their child play. Their son, Rick Rothenberger plays the trombone. The Rothenbergers live in Horsham and brought their dog Tucker with the to enjoy the evening.

“It’s a great evening to enjoy the music,” Mrs. Rothenberger said.

The orchestra has been practicing the past few weeks for the concert. One item that was popular with the musicians was clothespins to keep the sheet music from blowing away. To encourage the movie theme, free popcorn was given out to concert-goers.

“I love it,” said West Chester senior Simone Dorsey. “I’m so glad I found out about it through Facebook live.”

“It was so much fun,” said graduate student, Nick Pignataro who guest conducted on “España.” “The students have been so excited to show what they do outside of the music building.”

To view a video of the concert go to https://livestream.com/wcupa/ConcertOnTheQuad/vid-eos/154016060.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Wednesday was a beautiful spring evening at West Chester University. The University Symphony Orchestra played its first outdoor concert on the Quad.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA This first-ever concert on the Quad was attended by hundreds to hear the West Chester University Symphony Orchestra.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Junior Lauren Blackwell plays cello with the West Chester University Symphony Orchestra.