Hannibal Area String Orchestra asking potential new members to attend Aug. 19 event

HANNIBAL, Mo. — If you are a string player and have had at least one year of playing or lessons, you are encouraged to check out the Hannibal Area String Orchestra.

Potential new members are invited to join current orchestra members at Huckleberry Park at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, for an evening filled with fun and music. Several current members will play a selection of music to expose potential members to the type, style and level of the orchestra.

The orchestra has more than 45 members ranging in age from grade school through senior citizens. The string orchestra consists of violins, viola, cello, string bass and piano. For some pieces, guitar and percussion are added. Members are from the Hannibal area as well as other counties in Illinois and Missouri.

The organization is made up of three groups: the beginning and the intermediate orchestras, under the direction of Katie Schisler; and the advanced orchestra under the direction of John Ferguson.

The first rehearsal to prepare for the Christmas concert will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, at Hannibal-LaGrange University’s Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road. All practices are held on Saturday mornings as follows:

• 9:15-10 a.m. – Beginning String Orchestra
• 10:10-10:55 a.m. – Intermediate String Orchestra
• 11:05-11:50 a.m. – Advanced String Orchestra.

Reservations for the Aug. 19 event are required and can be made by contacting John Ferguson at jd.ferguson@charter.net or 573-406-9971. Ferguson also can be contacted to answer any additional questions about joining the orchestra.

The mission of the Hannibal Area String Orchestra is to bring fine string orchestra music to the people of Hannibal and the surrounding area, to provide an organization for local musicians to perform string orchestra music and to provide a way to encourage young string players to continue the experience of performing string orchestra music. It is hoped that the younger members will eventually become part of the Quincy Youth Orchestra.