Symphony orchestra increases range for CBU music program

The brass section of CBU's symphony orchestra added richness to the performance. Photo by Grace Ferrell

RIVERSIDE (Nov. 29, 2012)--California Baptist University's symphony orchestra made university history when they played the first chords at their concert on Nov. 27. The symphony orchestra is CBU's first.

"Over the past 10 years, our choirs, bands and University Choir and Orchestra have grown in quality and number," said Dr. Judd Bonner, dean of the Collinsworth School of Music. "We believed it was time to increase our range with a symphony devoted exclusively to symphonic works."

Bonner said CBU hired Ruth Noemy Wheeler, violin instructor, to create and conduct the symphony.

"Noemy was the perfect candidate for the position because of her training both here at CBU and her experience abroad, playing in symphonies and teaching violin," he said. "She is an outstanding violin player, conductor, and musician."

The orchestra performed Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Johannes Brahms, Bolero by Maurice Ravel, selections of Carmen Suite No.1 by Georges Bizet and a Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson.

"Our principal goal is use our talents in music that God has given us for His glory by performing outstanding music and giving our best to Him — Colossians 3:23," Wheeler said. "At the same time, in this group, we will be developing a professional character and competence in an environment of excellence, discipline and integrity."

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