The Bryan Symphony Orchestra is entering its 48th season and is back with a new performance which will highlight a beautiful array of notation from the neo-classical era. The orchestra consists of professional musicians from various other symphony orchestras from Nashville and Knoxville, as well as a few extremely gifted students from Tech. The students that perform with the BSO are considered to be on the professional level of musicianship, and are provided with the elite opportunity to perform with those of the highest caliber. Their next concert begins at 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb.13, in Wattenbarger Auditorium.
Tickets are $8 for students, $26 for seniors 65 and up and $30 for adults. The performance is made possible by proceeds from the Bryan Symphony Orchestra Association.
Some of Tech’s faculty members, such as principal flutist Roger Martin, perform in the orchestra comprised of woodwinds, brass and percussion. Other professional musicians from various organizations are contracted to the BSO to make up the string section. Next Sunday’s performance will also highlight the winner of the Joan Derryberry Memorial Concerto Competition, which allows students the chance not only to perform as a soloist in the concert, but also provides them with scholarship money.
Traditionally, soloists for the BSO are brought in from outside Tech to perform, but for February’s performance, the winner of the competition will be spotlighted in this special installment.
A panel of judges who are not affiliated with the campus will be appointed to decide the winner of the competition, in order to ensure a non biased decision.
“This is really the highest honor for students here to win the Joan Derryberry Competition” Gail Luna, executive director of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra Association, said. “Not only are they competing for a chance at scholarship funds, but they are given the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the best of the best.
