On Wednesday (3/23) at the Minnesota Orchestra’s website, Connor Neill, a biology major and music minor at the University of Minnesota, writes about his experience as one of the orchestra’s inaugural 2015-16 Student Ambassadors. “I’ve come into contact with hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students who are not involved with music at the university level…. Many of my classmates had played in their high school band or orchestral ensembles. Most had fond memories of these experiences … but most are unable to find time to practice…. The orchestra has … made it easier for students to attend with reduced-price student rush tickets and flexible easy-passes…. I and the other Student Ambassadors have worked to advertise these concerts across the U of M campus…. All our efforts culminated in the two Gopher Nights at Orchestra Hall on October 23, 2015, and February 12, 2016, which drew a significant number of U of M students…. Many of them were non-music majors.… they described to me how badly they missed being able to take an hour in the middle of the day to make music.… The Gopher Nights facilitated a mental ‘lane change’ for these students, allowing them to reconnect with their musical roots.”
Posted March 28, 2016
