Local volunteer orchestra gives more than just music

Bloomington Symphony Orchestra conductor Christopher Ludwa assures us orchestra has plenty of appeal.\nThe BSO is an organization that brings together professional and amateur musicians from around the community to do what they love: make music. \nThe organization is what Ludwa describes as "a melting pot of talent, background and experience level." \nMusicians range in age from 15 to 80 and many have been with the orchestra, headquartered in Suite 110 of the Johnson Creamery Building, 400 W. Seventh St., since its founding 35 years ago. \nA few of the members even have degrees in music performance and are involved in professional engagements outside of the strictly volunteer BSO. \n"Our members don't do it for money or fame," said Denise Valkyrie, the orchestra's general manager. "(They do it) for the pure enjoyment that comes from experiencing a live performance of well-rehearsed and played classical music." \nSue Hartin, director of marketing and education for BSO, has been involved with the group for many seasons, and her daughter is now a member. \nHartin said the atmosphere and the warmth among organization members is evident at every rehearsal and concert. \n"There are not too many egos in there," she said, nodding toward the practice room. \nThe BSO is performing "A Night in Old Vienna," a Valentine's Day-themed show featuring traditional, big band and dance music, on Feb. 11. \nNonetheless, the BSO is not strictly a performance organization. \n"The giving and diverse nature of Bloomington is honestly reflected in this orchestra," Valkyrie said, referring to the education and outreach efforts that make up about half of the orchestra's overall activities. \nThe orchestra manages a "Meet the Instruments" program, in which volunteers meet with children and demonstrate their instruments. \nThe BSO also performs a family concert each year in which half of the music is geared toward elementary school-aged children. The other half of the concert program involves a side-by-side effort in which students from area high schools perform with the orchestra. \nHartin said she sees a remarkably strong connection between participation in the side-by-side concert and the ever increasing interest of local high school students in music programs.\nStudent admission is professedly "dirt cheap" at $5 a ticket, according to the BSO Web site.\nSpeaking to all potential concert-goers, Valkyrie said it is important not to discount classical music because of stereotypes.\n"Classical music is the heartbeat of all music that we enjoy," she said. "You hear it in rock riffs, blues rhythms, hip-hop beats and when you watch a movie or television show. Classical music isn't stuffy and stuck up, it is for everyone."\nFor tickets and information, call 331-2320 Monday through Thursday from 8 to 10:30 a.m.or visit the BSO Web site, www.bloomington.in.us/~bso/.