FMU string ensemble sells out PAC

The FMU Department of Fine Arts hosted a string ensemble that included students and professors from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Performing Arts Center (PAC).

The ensemble was directed by Terry Roberts, coordinator of the music program, director of instrumental activities and associate professor of music, and was open to the public. All of the tickets sold out, leaving many people without seats.

The people who did not get a seat at the string ensemble were encouraged to go to the upcoming jazz performance.

Music major Zamari Chandler said he attended the event as a student worker, stamping tickets. Chandler said these events expose people to new music.

“I think it’s important for FMU to have events like this because it exposes students to real life performances and helps them grasp the understanding of different music and broadens their music spectrum,” Chandler said. “I think they should go to these events because they never know, they might hear something they like or spark an interest for a different genre of music outside what they normally listen to.”

Madi Church, a freshman psychology major, said she attended the event because her roommate, Samantha Myer, was playing in the ensemble, and she wanted to show her support.

“This is something I don’t do, or don’t listen to normally, but I think it’s important to come to these things because it teaches us about it,” Church said.

Freshman biology major Jacob Mouzon said he enjoyed the experience of learning about older genres of music, because new music has roots in the older genres.

“It’s important to me that FMU holds these kinds of things so it won’t be forgotten, to get it out there.” Mouzon said. “It’s the basis of everything else, all our music is built on top of it. I actually found it interesting and I didn’t think I would since I don’t listen to music like that.”

Lori Turner, associate professor of biology, played in the ensemble and said she enjoyed being able to perform because she has had a love for music for a long time.

“I play the violin, and I’ve been playing with this group since I started at Francis Marion in 2009,” Turner said. “I’ve played the violin since I was three, and when I came to FMU I realized there was a group that played together weekly that I could sit in with. It’s a great way to relax a little bit and keep my skills up. I think it’s very important as an activity and a program for our music majors and for a strong liberal arts education. I think it only adds to what our students and community can enjoy by coming to listen to these kinds of things.”

Turner said this was an educational experience, even for those who are unfamiliar with chamber music.

“Even for non-music or arts majors, I think Terry does a really good job of explaining the context of each piece and some things to listen for and some things about the composer, and I think that helps people hear different parts of the music,” Turner said. “It’s fun to play it, We’ve practiced all semester and to sort of hear it in its hopefully best form. It’s fun to see different people coming out and listening. I love to come out to the PAC and hear all the great events they have.”

Turner also said she doesn’t usually feel anxious before performing.

“Every once in a while, I get a little nervous, but not really since I’ve been playing for so long,” Turner said. “I mean, I think I started to play before I really was old enough to get nervous, so not usually, but sometimes.”

Sophomore mechanical engineering major Lyle Detalo said he attended the event because his little sister was playing as part of the ensemble.

“My sister made me come,” Detalo said. “I also like classical music. I think it’s important for FMU to host these events to kind of expose people who aren’t really into classical music. Have an open mind. I used to play in the orchestra, so for me hearing this, especially the violin, I like hearing it. It’s a whole new experience for people who haven’t gone to one yet.”