It’s just noise.
Nothing but a cacophony echoes off the ceiling and windows and floats out into the night through open doors.
Without saying a word, only by standing up from his instrument, he is met with silence. The conductor at the front of his symphony raises his arm, and the air is filled with music.
The Washington Idaho Symphony, conducted by Jeremy Roberts, played at Rendezvous in the Park Sunday at Moscow’s East City Park. Roberts said this was the second year the symphony has performed at the event, a “one stop shop” for all music lovers.
“There (was) all different music for all different kinds of audiences,” Roberts said. “It provides us with a great summer concert for patrons to come to.”
David Betts | Argonaut
Roberts said the symphony will dedicate their 44th season to the late Dr. Elson Floyd, the president of WSU who died due to complications with cancer June 20.
Matt Holman, a percussionist who played the timpani Sunday, has been playing different instruments since he was 2 years old. Holman said he has participated in the symphony since 2007, but took a break in the middle when he worked toward his doctorate degree. He is now a section leader with a doctorate in music composition.
Holman said he enjoys being a part of the symphony.
“I enjoy the repertoire and the people,” Holman said.
The symphony is made up of a mixture of students, professors and area professionals. Roberts said students from Washington State University and the University of Idaho probably account for 20-25 percent of players. The symphony pays all their players and offers scholarships for students, but those are limited.
At rehearsal Friday, Roberts said the symphony will dedicate their 44th season to the late Dr. Elson Floyd, the president of WSU who died due to complications with cancer June 20. Many of the members appreciated the dedication and murmured stories about Floyd.
“We are committed and proud to present in this area,” Roberts said.
The symphony performs in Pullman at St. John’s Theater and in Clarkston at the Clarkston high school. Throughout the year, the symphony plays six concert cycles. Tickets are on sale for individual concerts as well as all season tickets.
“Each concert is unique and different,” Roberts said. “They are a great chance to have date night.”
Claire Whitley can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cewhitley24
Anyone interested in joining the symphony can contact [email protected] or call (509)332-3408.
Auditions begin in September.