cbumusic FALL 2012
Wheeler to conduct CBU’s first symphony orchestra California Baptist University’s Collinsworth School of Music has announced the formation of its first symphony orchestra this fall, with Ruth Noemy Wheeler as conductor and violin instructor. “Our principal goal is use our talents in music that God has given us and use them for His glory by performing outstanding music and giving our best to Him,” Wheeler said. “At the same time, in this group, we will be developing a professional character and competence in an environment of excellence, discipline and integrity.” Dr. Judd Bonner, dean of the Collinsworth School of Music, described Wheeler, a graduate of CBU, as the “perfect candidate” to head the creation and leadership of the new orchestra. “Over the past 10 years, our choirs, bands and university choir and orchestra have grown in quality and number, and we believed it was time to increase our range with a symphony devoted exclusively to symphonic works,” Bonner said. Created to broaden CBU students’ musical experience, the orchestra will perform symphonic repertoire including classical music and popssymphonic works. “(The symphony) is going to lift the entire sophistication of the university, that is what I think it is going to do,” said Dr. Glenn Pickett, assistant professor of music. “Because now we are dealing not just in both the popular arts and the sophisticated arts and that is really important.” The group’s first performance is set for Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in room 101 of the JoAnn Hawkins Music Building.
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