November 17, 2011
Music professor to conduct area youth in Gold Orchestra Saturday and Monday
On any given Saturday morning during the fall, one can hear the groggy yet excited sounds of youth hailing from many municipalities across northeastern Kansas gathering in the halls of McCain Auditorium. Violin, viola, cello and double bass cases are being opened and bows are quickly rosined as the students anxiously anticipate what their rehearsal will bring.
David Littrell, university distinguished professor of music, founded the Gold Orchestra in 1989 with 10 students in grades 3-6. This fall, he will conduct 74 students enrolled in grades 4-10, and area residents have the opportunity to hear them at two performances this month.
This unique ensemble has performed across the country as well as abroad. Most recently, the orchestra was selected by highly competitive audition to perform at The Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference offered each December in Chicago. In summer 2012, the students will be performing and traveling through the central U.S. to experience musical Americana.
The orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Junction City High School auditorium and at 7 p.m. Monday in All Faiths Chapel.