Havre community orchestra being formed

After four years of performing the score for the Montana Actors' Theatre's musical productions, the band is branching out.

Montana State University-Northern announced an endeavour to have the college "hosting, supporting and encouraging a community orchestra this semester.

"With MSU-Northern as its new official sponsor, the orchestra will now be able to practice in Pershing Hall as well as expand its performance venues to include campus events and live concerts in addition to the MAT musicals, " the announcement said. "The group will be open to accepting skilled musicians who possess the ability to read music well and who desire to gain experience playing in an orchestra. High school and college students may use this opportunity to gain one college credit in the arts and humanities section of general courses. Community members are encouraged to join as well. "

Following an introductory meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 7 p. m. in the music room on the second floor of Pershing Hall, the group plans to continue meeting every Tuesday, at the same time and same place.

Anyone looking for more information on the community orchestra is encouraged to call the band's leader, Havre Middle School choir teacher and new Northern adjunct music professor Rhonda Minnick at 265-5987.

Minnick said the group doesn't require complete mastery, just "musicians who can read music, have some fun and play at a variety of events on the college campus and in the community. "

"A common response was. 'I played a long time ago but I can't because it was a long time ago. I'm not proficient, '" Minnick said. "We want to give these people an opportunity to pick up these instruments again. "

While a few events loom, including a February musical and possible December concert, Minnick said "this first semester we'll be concentrating on playing a lot of different kinds of music to see what people can play. "