A geologist, a high school student and a music major walk into an auditorium together. The punchline? They are all members of the University of Oklahoma Civic Orchestra.

The OU Civic Orchestra is currently holding registration for musicians, both students and non-students, said Gene Moon, co-conductor. The group intends to educate audiences with a diversity of members and styles of music.

"When I first started with (the orchestra) last year, it was the first time after I finished a concert I heard hooting and hollering and cheers and yells and screams," Moon said. "It was like I was at a rock concert. It was a very different experience."

Through the OU Outreach College of Continuing Education, participants can audit the class or take it as an elective. The group rehearses 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in 124 Catlett Music Center, according to the Web site at cafe.ou.edu/civic.

Musicians interested in auditions can contact Moon at genemoon@ou.edu, and registration concerns can be directed towards Sharon Gou at 325-5101.

OU Civic Orchestra

o Auditions for the group are open to all OU students and Norman residents who are interested.

o For auditions contact co-conductor Gene Moon at genemoon@ou.edu.

o Rehearsals are 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

o The group has one performance free to the public, April 21.

Source: Gene Moon

"The future goal is to establish this as a major ensemble for OU that will not only help fortify the School of Music but also fortify relationships with the community as well," Moon said.

The accessibility of the orchestra to the community often results in a variety of members of different ages and backgrounds.

"We have one really nice old lady who always sits there in the violin section," said EJ Lada, co-conductor. "She just loves to play."

Dan Boyd, OU petroleum geologist, said he knew one member who was also the assistant concert master in the OU Symphony Orchestra.

Moon estimates that 90 percent of the members are students, most of whom are non-music majors.

"There are some like me who haven't played for a long time and want to get back into it," Boyd, who plays violin, said.

The group's unorthodox members allow for performances that attract an equally diverse audience.

"For the common man or woman, sometimes they feel a little intimidated by going to a professional orchestra," Moon said. "It's a good way of easing someone into listening to classical music live."

Lada said the group tends to perform shorter pieces with a variety of styles and composers.

Rehearsals begin Jan. 24 and end April 18. It will play a free performance on April 21.

Mark Emde, University College freshman, played with the OU Civic Orchestra last semester and plans to participate again this semester.

"It allows me to take regular classes but play the music that I love," he said.
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