Among the many groups of talented musicians here at Stevens, one that must not be forgotten is the Stevens Orchestra. As one of the main ensembles of the DeBaun Performing Arts Center, the orchestra offers an opportunity for students to participate and play in a classical setting, regardless of their skill level, instrument, or musical preference.
An orchestra is a composition of instruments, mostly classical, that focuses on instrumental pieces. Orchestras are made of different sections. One is strings, which contain violins, violas, violoncellos (or simply cellos), and contrabasses (also known as double basses or just basses). Next are winds, which typically consist of flutes, clarinets, oboes, and occasionally bassoons or saxophones. Then, there is the brass section, which can include French horns, trumpets, trombones, and tubas. The final section is the percussion section, which typically includes timpani, cymbals, snare drum, and bass drum but can range to a wide selection of instruments (even as far as non-typical instruments like the typewriter, which was recently played by the Stevens orchestra’s percussionist at their last concert). The repertoire that the Stevens orchestra performs is also primarily of the classical genre. The classical genre, while being sometimes difficult to define exclusively, typically refers to the Western Genre of “art music,” with most pieces being composed from the 1400s to today.
The Stute reached out to the Stevens Orchestra Director, Steve Rochen, to learn more about the orchestra and the opportunities it offers Stevens students throughout the year. Rochen explained that the main mission of the orchestra here is to “provide a way to develop musical technique, musicianship, and camaraderie through our ensemble at the school.” Rochen explained the performance opportunities for students, saying, “The group performs twice a year and has had members invited to play in other venues and occasions are affiliated with the school.” Other than their two concerts, one typically towards the end of the fall semester and the other towards the end of the spring semester, the Stevens orchestra also provides musicians to different events around campus as Rochen explained, like faculty events and student events such as Fall Fest earlier this year.
Rochen explained that the orchestra is welcoming new members, though they would need to play a classical instrument. Rochen directs students to keep an eye out for flyers at the beginning of each semester about how to join the orchestra, or any Stevens ensemble, or to reach out to the director to learn more.
