THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 7, 1995 TAG: 9504050241
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04B EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: TEENS AT LARGE
SOURCE: BY ADRIENNE BOYD, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
Hard work, friendship, and fun. They're all part of the Tidewater Area Musicians Orchestra, which is celebrating its 20th birthday this year.
The orchestra was founded in 1975 by Jerlene Harding. Harding, a retired Portsmouth music teacher with 34 years in the field, said that she started the group 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 is also part of the areawide group.
``It's something different as far as music,'' said Davon, a viola and string bass player who has been in the orchestra six years. ``You have a lot of different people. I like being around different age groups.''
Students from all over South Hampton Roads are welcome and there are no formal auditions to join.
``They sit in (with the orchestra), if they can handle the music they can join,'' said Harding. As long as there is space in the sections of the orchestra, ``I like to let those who like to play to play.''
The group usually has 25 to 35 members at a time. The ranks swell when members who are away at college return to the area. Practice is held from 7 to 9 p.m. on a weeknight.
Soon after it was formed, members were invited to play at the National Association of Negro Musicians Inc., in Indianapolis, Ind. It was the group's first major performance.
It has since played in many major cities, including San Diego and New York. The orchestra's first international trip will be to Germany in June to perform in Frankfort, Heidelberg and other cities. In their travels, members not only perform, but also explore the cities history and culture. They also have had the opportunity to meet professional musicians such as Jester Harrison, Sounds of Blackness and De La Soul.
Students say the broad experience they get in the youth orchestra is valuable.
``You learn a lot from Mrs. Harding and our different experiences,'' said Danielle Griffin, junior at Indian River High School who has played clarinet in the group 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 it because of the camaraderie. ``They were like a family,'' Hermoine said. ``They seemed united in musical ability and friendship.''
Another player agreed. ``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 members around Christmas to mark the 20th anniversary of the group. How many musicians have been on the rolls?
``I can't even imagine,'' Harding said.
For information about joining the Tidewater Area Musicians Orchestra call 393-9064. ILLUSTRATION: ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adrienne Boyd is a senior at Kempsville School.
Staff photo by TAMARA VONINSKI
The Tidewater Area Musicians Orchestra, made up of musicians from
the ninth grade to college graduates, practiced recently at
Hunt-Mapp Middle School in Portsmouth under the direction of Jerlene
Harding.
by CNB