The West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mitchell Arnold, is one of two collegiate orchestras invited to perform at the 2014 College Orchestra Directors Association National Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

The conference will be held Jan. 23-25 at Texas Christian University.

“This invitation represents the widening recognition of the achievement and growth of the WVU Symphony Orchestra program,” said Mitchell Arnold, director of orchestral activities at WVU since 2007. “To be one of only two orchestras invited to perform at this important annual conference is quite an honor for our students, the School of Music, and the College of Creative Arts.

“We have seen tremendous growth in the program over the last few years. It is very gratifying to have been invited upon our first ever submission to the College Orchestra Directors Association.”

The WVU performance will be live-streamed Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. (CST), and later the WVU Symphony Orchestra will perform for a conducting master class, which will be live-streamed on Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. (CST). The performances can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheTCUSchoolofMusic/

The invitation process includes a review of submissions by a panel of judges.

Conference host Texas Christian University, a Big 12 institution, will also give a performance from its ensemble. The other invited orchestra, from Baylor University, is also a Big 12 institution.

“Just as our athletic teams have had their first taste of Big 12 competition, so will the WVU Symphony Orchestra, one of WVU’s outstanding performing ensembles, have its first exposure among other Big 12 organizations,” Arnold said.

“Participation in this conference gives the WVU Symphony Orchestra exposure among many important institutions. CODA has a large and growing membership and serves as the only national organization of its type.”

The WVU Symphony Orchestra was also recognized as one of the best in the country by being named one of six finalists in The American Prize Competition in 2013 for excellence in orchestral performance by a college or university orchestra.

The WVU Symphony Orchestra is known for performing with precision and intense passion and these performances celebrate great music played by a young, vigorous and dedicated group of musicians.

Last fall, the WVU Symphony went on its first tour of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia, which is also a reflection of the growing status of the WVU School of Music as one of the region’s most important music programs, and of the WVU Symphony as one of the premiere ensembles of its kind in the region.

Contributions to the WVU Performing Arts Touring Fund will help to reduce the substantial cost of the WVU Symphony’s trip to Texas. Individuals who wish to make a gift should visit www.mountaineerconnection.com/givetoCAC and select Performing Arts Touring Fund from the dropdown menu.

Arnold, who has been director of orchestral studies at WVU since 2007, received a doctorate in conducting from Northwestern University and has an extensive background in new music.

Before coming to WVU, he was director of orchestras at Northern Illinois University and assistant director of orchestras at Northwestern University. He has also served on the faculties at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and Baldwin-Wallace College. In the spring of 2013, Arnold made his guest conducting debut with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

-WVU-

12/03/13

CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu

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