One of Pierce’s oldest traditions Student orchestra brings together a variety of skilled musicians to perform classics

Nadim Abu-Hasmeh nabuhasmeh.roundupnews@gmail.com

High up on the Art Center on campus resides the meeting place for the Pierce College Student Orchestra, a class of experienced musicians being conducted and instructed under the wing of professor James Domine. Domine is a musician himself and can play several different instruments. During class he’ll show off his skills by playing and leading the students along to the music.

In MUSC 3400, the orchestra meets every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. or 7p.m. depending on Domine’s schedule. They meet to sharpen their skills and communicate about—well, the musical things in life.

“We usually have a group of around 18 to 25 students in the class each semester, and the ages and skill levels always vary,” Domine said.

The varied background and experience of each player may sound inviting for onlookers that are curious to join, however Domine stresses that the course is meant for students who have a visible proficiency with orchestral instruments.

“It’s great to hear kids wanting to learn more about this kind of music”, Domine said, but he recommends the available introductory courses offered for students on campus before they decide to join the orchestra.

Though the class is comprised mostly of string instrumentalists, additional textures including specific wind and percussion instruments are sometimes added in for concerts as well as solo performances.

“We’ve had alumni among other outside performers come and play with us, including members of the San Fernando Valley Symphony,” he said.

The orchestra has been around long before Domine’s hiring, long enough for it to be called a Pierce tradition.

“Before I was hired, a man named Ronald Taylor was at the head of this orchestra which has been around since 1959,” Domine said.

The types of music preferred by Domine are mostly from the Baroque and Classical eras simply to compliment the relatively specific size of the orchestra class.

Domine mentioned a Clarinet Concerto by the early-Romantic composer Carl Weber and Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as a few