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As Asbury's church orchestra celebrates its 30th anniversary, we spoke with its founder, Laurie Kennedy, to reflect on three decades of bringing musicians together in worship.
It's hard to believe the orchestra is celebrating 30 years. Can you tell us how it all began?
Time has flown! As a music educator, I was noticing that only hired, professional instrumentalists participated in Asbury First’s worship services, accompanying the choir or performing solos. While the music was beautiful, I began to wonder if the church would be open to having non-professional musicians play in worship. During a maternity leave when I had some time to devote to a project, I started asking others if they thought there were folks with instruments "under their beds" who might be interested in playing together. Jeff and Ailleen Fraser, fellow music teachers, thought it was a great idea. Our then-Senior Minister Bob Hill encouraged me, and the orchestra was born.
What made the timing right for launching something like this?
The Eastman School of Music had recently started a program for seniors whereby they took lessons and participated in an ensemble. Several Asbury First members had joined that group and were excited to have another opportunity to play. Dave and Shirley Pethebridge had picked up the tuba and bass clarinet, and Ted Doerner had recently begun to play oboe. Ted told me that although he had played trombone in high school he wanted to try something different. He walked around his home looking in closets to find the instruments his kids had played, and of the many choices, he opted for the challenge of studying oboe.
Who can participate in the orchestra, and how do you make it work for musicians of different skill levels?
The group has always been open to anyone with 2-3 years or more of performance experience. This included seniors just beginning, as well as kids of all ages. If the music is too difficult, I rewrite the parts to make them accessible. The glue that has held the group together is the professional and experienced musicians who have come to share their love of music with the church and each other. Jeff and Ailleen were always at rehearsals leading their sections. Rick Kuempel, on trombone, sat next to my son for eight years providing support for every note and adding jazz riffs that Andrew would copy. Today, members like Brian Donat, Jolene Harrigan, Faith Chan, John Ormsbee, Tammi Vinci, Annette and Jim Farrington, among others, continue to provide models for less advanced players, and their accomplished technical skills enhance our sound. We’re also grateful that our wonderful organist Duane Prill lends his support and time, particularly to make sure that we sound great as we accompany the hymns.
Tell us about the special commission for your 30th anniversary.
The realization that this would be the 30th year came at the same time that I learned of Jeff Fraser's bequest to the church to support instrumental music. Having heard two of David Temperley's compositions during worship the previous year, I wondered if he might be willing to help us celebrate by composing a piece specifically for our group. I asked and he came back with a resounding, "Yes!" His work, Meditation, is in honor of those who have supported and participated in the work of making music and building community.
Looking back on 30 years, what has made this experience so special?
It has been a joy to lead a group of folks who come because they love to play, and to watch as young and older musicians develop new skills and new friends. Among all of Asbury First’s groups and activities, we are a unique space where people of all ages sit and work together toward a common goal, each participating to the best of their ability. Orchestra members come from all walks of life. We have several long-time players who are not members of Asbury First, but who nonetheless love to make music with us. Together, we create and share our musical offering.
Any final words for potential new members?
If you have ever played a band or orchestra instrument you are welcome to join our group! We will play Christmas Carols in the Gathering Space December 21st. Rehearsals begin in Wesley Hall on December 7 and December 14, 9:30-10:30. Dig out your instrument and join us!
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