They will also give free performances at the Salvation Army Community Center near Military Circle Dec. 2, the Union Mission in downtown Norfolk Dec. 5, Virginia Union University Dec. 6 and Thomas Nelson Community College Jan. 17. The performances are designed to build interest in classical music among audiences that might not have been exposed to it before, said Amadi Hummings, director and assistant professor of music . I can just imagine how it might spark something in whoever is hearing it for the very first time. It might be a desire to find out much more about classical music or music in general.
Music can be very uplifting.
Under Hummings, the orchestra has seen something of a rebirth. Its debut came a year ago with performances at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Salvation Army Center and the Norfolk Boys and Girls Clubs, the first time a university chamber orchestra had actively performed in 16 years. The orchestra also conducted a tour last spring. This year's orchestra is composed of as many as 35 players, depending on the piece they're playing, and features primarily Old Dominion music students. Also in the group are other campus musicians, area high school students and a high school teacher.