Hattiesburg Civic Orchestra Seeks Members for Inaugural Chamber Music Program
Wed, 01/29/2025 - 01:06pm | By: Dr. Mike Lopinto
If you ever played an orchestral string instrument and wanted a fun outlet to continue your passion, the Hattiesburg Civic Orchestra invites you to join them as they develop the area’s first adult chamber music program to serve this vibrant musical community. Aimed at aspiring musicians ages 18 and older, the group will meet on Sunday evenings beginning Feb. 16, from 6-8 p.m. at the Southern Miss School of Music’s Fine Arts Building Orchestra Suite. A short audition video is all that is necessary to be considered for participation.
“I had the idea of creating a civic orchestra for strings in Hattiesburg because I work full time with the string program at Hattiesburg High School (HHS) and noticed that several students stop playing their instruments after graduating high school,” said Dr. José Ottonello, the group’s founder. “However, many still have their instruments, and I am sure they would love the opportunity to play again.”
A unique part of Hattiesburg is the long history of local string programs, at both HHS and local universities. The number of string musicians still in the area makes a civic orchestra possible.
Instrumentalists should prepare a video of no more than three minutes, including a scale (octaves chosen by the musician’s abilities) and an excerpt of any piece of their preference. Auditions may be submitted via this Google form.
“I hope this creates a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters a sense of community among musicians, students and residents of Hattiesburg,” said Dr. Gregory Wolynec, director of Orchestral Activities at Southern Miss. “This has the potential to become an important cultural outlet in our community by nurturing local talent and serving as a bridge between educational and professional experiences. I am proud to have our orchestral program hosting this new venture at Southern Miss."
Visit the group’s Facebook page or email for more information.