THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 2, 1995 TAG: 9503310230
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ADRIENNE BOYD, TEEN CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
Hard work, friendship and fun. They're all part of the Tidewater Area Musicians (TAM) Orchestra, which is celebrating its 20th birthday this year.
The orchestra was founded by Jerlene Harding, a retired Portsmouth music teacher with 34 years in the field. She started TAM to keep talented young musicians interested in music.
``I was being transferred from one school to another and when I left, the kids would get out of the orchestra - and they were so talented,'' Harding said. ``So I started them in community orchestra.''
Even though Davon Yonkers, a senior at Woodrow Wilson High School, is involved in his school's orchestra, he also is part of TAM.
``It's something different as far as music,'' said Davon, a viola and string bass player who has been a TAM member for six years. ``You have a lot of different people. I like being around different age groups.''
Students from all over Hampton Roads are welcome and there are no formal auditions to join.
``They sit in (with the orchestra). If they they can handle the music, they can join,'' Harding said. As long as there is space in the sections of the orchestra, ``I like to let those who like to play play.''
The orchestra usually has 25 to 35 members at a time. The ranks swell when musicians members who are away at college return to the area. Practice is held from 7 to 9 p.m. on a weeknight.
Soon after TAM was formed, members were invited to play at the National Association of Negro Musicians Inc. in Indianapolis. It was the group's first major performance.
The orchestra has since played in many major U.S. cities, including San Diego and New York. The orchestra's first international trip will be to Germany this June.
In their travels, members not only perform but also explore the historical and cultural aspects of the cities. They also have had the opportunity to meet professional musicians such as Jester Harrison and Sounds of Blackness.
The experience they get in TAM is quite valuable, students say.
``You learn a lot from Mrs. Harding and our different experiences,'' said Danielle Grissin, a junior at Chesapeake's Indian River High School who has played clarinet in TAM for four years. ``(The trips) will make it easier when I go away for college.''
But being in the orchestra means more than just traveling, performing and practice.
Hermoine Hamlin, a junior at Indian River High School who has played the clarinet in the orchestra for four years, was attracted to TAM because of the camaraderie.
``They were like a family,'' Hermoine said. ``They seemed united in musical ability and friendship.''
``Everyone knows each other and we're friends even though we're in different grades,'' added Tinesha Sharpe, a junior at Indian River High School who has played the clarinet in the orchestra for four years. ``If we get a new person, they're accepted.''
Harding plans a reunion of orchestra members around Christmas to mark the 20th anniversary of the group. MEMO: For information about joining the Tidewater Area Musicians Orchestra,
call 393-9064.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Adrienne Boyd is a senior at Kempsville High School.
by CNB