Hannibal Area String Orchestra looks for new members as it prepares for Feb. 5 concert

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal Area String Orchestra is looking for new members. The orchestra will begin rehearsing Feb. 5 for its spring 2022 concert. The theme this year is nature. 

Practices are on Saturday mornings at the Hannibal-LaGrange University’s Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road. Beginning string orchestra, under the direction of Katie Schisler, meets at 9:15 a.m.. Intermediate string orchestra, also under the direction of Schisler, meets at 10:10 a.m. Advanced string orchestra, under the direction of John Ferguson, meets at 11:05 a.m. 

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.

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. Guitar and percussion are added for some pieces.  Members are from the Hannibal area as well as other counties in Illinois and Missouri. 

For any information about the joining the orchestra, contact Ferguson at 573-406-9971 or jd.ferguson@charter.net.