Successful Orchestra Perfomances

CofO Community Chamber Orchestra, directed by Chris Benham

        The Music Department is proud to report that the College of the Ozarks Chamber Orchestra successfully performed two concerts on October 13th and 14th. Under the direction of C of O Alumnus Christopher Benham, the Chamber Orchestra has doubled in size and diversity, including students, faculty, and members of the community. The ensemble performed Camille Saint-Saens' The Carnival of the Animals and Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 8 ("Unfinished") on both Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon. The Carnival of the Animals featured a duo piano part played by Dr. Clara and Mr. Brian Christian, both of whom are C of O music faculty The concert program was intended for the enjoyment and education on the community's children. On Wednesday, the orchestra performed the concert especially for an audience of students from the School of the Ozarks lower school.

        The concert featured narration by C of O senior James C. Zeller, who read American poet Ogden Nash's  "Verses for Camille Saint-Saens' Carnival of the Animals" throughout the performance of the piece. James also read his original poem entitled "Unfinished Sailboat" before the orchestra performed Schubert's symphony.

        Tuesday night's audience responded with a standing ovation and the children of the School of the Ozarks responded with laughter and excitement throughout the Wednesday performance. Thank you to all who attended. Your support is sincerely appreciated!

Collins Hill, played the solo for Saint-Saens' Swan  

from Carnival of the Animals

Players focus while playing Saint-Saens' Aquarium