The Oak Hill Symphony Orchestra and the Capitoline Ensemble have recently come together to provide a venue for local classical musicians to develop their craft.
The Capitoline Ensemble began in October as a way for adult string players to practice together.
“It’s for those people who want to come together to play light classical and show music,” said personnel director for both groups, Marie Griffith. “It’s partly a social group. Anyone who’s an intermediate and above can join.”
With 10 members in its roster and a dinner concert under its belt, Griffith said the ensemble is a mixture of professionals and non-professionals and is conducted by Bill Robison.
The group practices on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at First Christian Church of Rome located on Second Avenue.
Younger musicians also have another avenue to pursue their talents. The Oak Hill Symphony Orchestra held auditions in August and gave its first concert on Nov. 16. The 45-member group was needed in Rome, Griffith said.
“Young musicians in Rome had nowhere locally to play at the symphony level,” she said. “They had to go to either Atlanta or Chattanooga. This is a big step in nurturing our talent here in the community.”
Griffith said there is no age requirement for the symphony, although current members range from high school to college age. She said their performance level is equal to All-state.
The Oak Hill Symphony Orchestra practices Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Ford Auditorium at Berry College.
Musicians interested in being a part of the symphony can contact conductor John Davis at jdavis@berry.edu or Griffith at 378-0677 before rehearsals begin on Jan. 11.
“Both these groups are a big step for classical music in this community,” Griffith added. “This means that there is a ladder, a continuation. Before, we only had groups at the beginner level and the adult symphony level. Now there’s a progression.
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