RECORD STRINGS ENROLLMENT

This year, the Conservatory string area is enjoying record enrollment. Enrollment of string majors is up 70% since 2000. In 2000, the then Biola Chamber Orchestra fielded 22 string players; that number has almost doubled and the Biola Symphony Orchestra (BSO) now fields 41 string players. The growth is attributed to strong recruiting efforts and the development of an outstanding string faculty headed by Marlin Owen, cello, and conductor of the BSO.

Also on the full-time faculty is newcomer, Kangwon Kim, violin, (see Spring 06 Bravo!) in her first year on the Conservatory faculty. In addition the part-time faculty includes Sam Formicola, viola, a member of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and active studio player; David Black, double bass, a member of the Pacific Symphony; and Ji Young Um, violin, a Juilliard and Columbia University graduate, and conductor of the I Artisti Ensemble. Along with the orchestra and private lessons, a burgeoning chamber music program is taking shape at Biola, providing string majors with both large and small ensemble experience.

The growth in the orchestra has led to the performance of more ambitious repertoire. The Fall, 2006, BSO program included Smetana’s Dance of the Comedians from The Bartered Bride; Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in Eb, featuring Kangwon Kim and Sam Formicola; Ginastera’s Variaciones Concertantes, and Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, which was narrated by Biola University President, Dr. Clyde Cook.

The Conservatory string area is enjoying record enrollment.

Biola University President, Dr. Clyde Cook narratedCopland’s "Lincoln Portrait".