Penn State Abington is proving the college’s commitment to the music department yet again. In addition to the Meiravi String Quartet, the college created Pro Musica, Penn State Abington’s orchestral ensemble. The ensemble was founded by Dr. Peter Nocella and contains five registered members. The group has its first concert on Wednesday, April 26, in Sutherland Auditorium.
Pro Musica will be performing “Hungarian Dance #5” by Johannes Brahms, “Prelude #2” by George Gershwin, and “Hoedown” (from Rodeo”) by Aaron Copland, among other selections.
Nocella and the members have been working diligently to be prepared for the concert, battling the difficulties of a lack of space and being a commuter campus where many students travel great distances to get to rehearsal.
Each student has some prior musical ability and uses the ensemble to grow as a musician.
Nocella is hopeful for the expansion of the music program and expects to have a music major at the college within the next few years.
Pro Musica is a reflection of the musical prowess of Dr. Nocella and his leadership as a composer and conductor. Nocella is hopeful for the expansion of the group as time goes on.
The addition of a music major would be a draw for students who may be interested in joining the orchestra. As of now it seems that Pro Musica will be having annual concerts at the end of the spring semester.
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