The Online Reflector

The University of Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra performed in Ruth Lilly Performance Hall on Nov. 3.

James Spinazzola, associate professor of music, directed the orchestra. He teaches the orchestra, wind ensemble and undergraduate conducting courses. He also strives to facilitate the growth of his students.

“My job is to help the students really learn the music,” he said. “I help them through the rehearsal period to prepare for performances. It is a process.”

The program commenced with a piece by Vivaldi, “Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor.”

Following the Vivaldi piece was Schubert’s “Symphony No. 1,” for which Spinazzola conducted the students.

For the third composition of the evening, Assistant Music Professor Ariana Kim joined Spinazzola and the orchestra on stage for the performance of “Adagio for Violin and Orchestra” by Mozart.

The concert ended with Bartók’s collection of “Rumanian Folk Dances.”

Sophomore information systems major Mariama Kamara thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

“I love classical music, and I was so excited that the orchestra played music from some of my favorite composers,” she said.

The Nov. 3 performance was completely composed of Spinazzola’s music students. According to him, it was an opportunity for students to demonstrate to the audience that they had mastered the concepts they had learned in class.

Kamara thought the versatility of the concert made it enjoyable.

“Even though they were all the same genre, each composition was unique and sounded different from the others,” she said.

As a music professor, Spinazzola said he translates his love for music into his teaching.

“I always knew music was very important to me when I was growing up. I played in my high school band. In college, I majored in music, and after college, I worked as a high school band director,” he said. “I really enjoyed doing that, and I wanted to work with students who are truly serious about music. And that’s why I got into teaching in college.”

Spinazzola said that music majors need to know that making a life as a professional musician requires constant work.

“I think students arrive at college unaware of the degree of commitment and dedication they’ll have to put in to be successful as a musician,” Spinazzola said.

Spinazzola was pleased with his students’ performance and said conducting them is an extension of his love and passion for music

“Interacting with students is the most beneficial thing about teaching,” he said. “They are so much fun to work with, and it’s always gratifying to see them learn and to improve as musicians and mature as people.”