2008 Woodie Awards
Professors sound off on classical music
Johnson, Samantha
Issue date: 10/14/08 Section: News
When browsing through UNH students' musical interests via Facebook, favorites usually include rock, rap, pop and country. For most students, classical music is not the sound they crave.
Christopher Hill, first-year director of the Orchestras at the University of New Hampshire, wants to try to change this by teaching students about classical music, starting with the UNH Symphony Orchestra's concert this Sunday, Oct. 19.
"Our job as musicians is to do a better job at educating," said Hill.
At 2 p.m., an hour before the concert begins, Hill will lead a discussion about the pieces and how they were composed. This dialogue will aid in the audience's experience throughout the awaited show.
"With classical music you have to decipher the code," said Julie Gerhardt, president of the UNH Symphony Orchestra. "This music can be more difficult than others to understand, [so] you have to listen more carefully."
Similar to rap and rock music, the pieces Hill will be directing relate to everyday lives and struggles. The only difference is the absence of lyrics.
"One of the pieces depicts the duality of war," said Hill. "It is a melancholy, majestic and haunting piece that was written during World War II. It is very relatable nowadays with our world."
In his first concert at UNH, Hill wants to reach out to the community. He is very passionate about students enjoying the music, so he strives only for the best from the talented musicians he directs.
"His potential [as a director] is unbelievable," said Gerhardt. "Chris demands and expects excellence at a high level while being encouraging at the same time."
Hill's passionate directing is meant to make his musicians shine through more than he already sees it.
"These musicians are capable of doing anything," said Hill. "I am very impressed with the talent. Now it is just about releasing their potential."
The musicians in the UNH Symphony Orchestra auditioned for their place in the ensemble. All range from freshmen to seniors, as well as a mix of majors.
Christopher Hill, first-year director of the Orchestras at the University of New Hampshire, wants to try to change this by teaching students about classical music, starting with the UNH Symphony Orchestra's concert this Sunday, Oct. 19.
"Our job as musicians is to do a better job at educating," said Hill.
At 2 p.m., an hour before the concert begins, Hill will lead a discussion about the pieces and how they were composed. This dialogue will aid in the audience's experience throughout the awaited show.
"With classical music you have to decipher the code," said Julie Gerhardt, president of the UNH Symphony Orchestra. "This music can be more difficult than others to understand, [so] you have to listen more carefully."
Similar to rap and rock music, the pieces Hill will be directing relate to everyday lives and struggles. The only difference is the absence of lyrics.
"One of the pieces depicts the duality of war," said Hill. "It is a melancholy, majestic and haunting piece that was written during World War II. It is very relatable nowadays with our world."
In his first concert at UNH, Hill wants to reach out to the community. He is very passionate about students enjoying the music, so he strives only for the best from the talented musicians he directs.
"His potential [as a director] is unbelievable," said Gerhardt. "Chris demands and expects excellence at a high level while being encouraging at the same time."
Hill's passionate directing is meant to make his musicians shine through more than he already sees it.
"These musicians are capable of doing anything," said Hill. "I am very impressed with the talent. Now it is just about releasing their potential."
The musicians in the UNH Symphony Orchestra auditioned for their place in the ensemble. All range from freshmen to seniors, as well as a mix of majors.
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