It’s not too often that you see a ninth grader and a grandmother sharing the same music stand, but that’s the magic of the University of Tampa’s Community Symphony Orchestra.
“I love the connection between the community members, both the high school students and adults, with the university students and I think that enriches the entire group,” said orchestra director Dr. Susan Robinson.
Robinson has already incorporated 10 non-university students into the mix and she is always looking to add more talent.
“Maybe they got married, they had children, they had a career and they didn’t really play as much but now they come back to their instruments and this is a great place for us to welcome them in,” said Robinson.
Nikoletta Metropoulos took a 10-year hiatus from the clarinet. She had no idea a non-student could join a student orchestra.
It’s been a breath of fresh air.
“I enjoy playing in an ensemble instead of just playing at home,” said Metropoulos. “I actually made some friends here in the trombone section, and the flute section and the oboe section.”
Then there is Isabella Brogey, she barely started high school and here she is plucking the strings with college students.
“In high school, I only got to play less advanced music,” said Brogey. “She is thinking about making a career with a violin under her chin. She said this orchestra is the perfect stepping stone.
“I’m hoping to learn more tips that I generally wouldn’t get from my private instructors or my instructors at school,” said Brogey.
If you’re interested in auditioning for the University of Tampa Community Symphony Orchestra email Susan Robinson at srobinson@ut.edu.
