Simpson University and Shasta College partner to form the New Shasta Symphony Orchestra
For Immediate Release
07.09.2010
REDDING, Calif. – The music departments of Simpson University and Shasta College announced today that they will collaborate to form the new Shasta Symphony Orchestra.
The Shasta Symphony Orchestra will consist of student and community musicians from the former Simpson Sinfonia and Shasta College Symphony. Dr. Dwayne Corbin, assistant professor of instrumental music at Simpson University, has been appointed to direct the new orchestra.
“This is a win-win for everybody,” said Dr. Corbin. “With this merger, we will now be able to better fulfill the artistic and educational missions of both orchestras. Additionally, the community will benefit from enhanced symphonic performances, and the students at both colleges will gain a more valuable, enriching experience participating in a collaborative ensemble.”
Practices, held on the Shasta College campus, will begin Aug. 31. The Shasta Symphony Orchestra will feature three performances during the 2010-2011 academic year, with the first performance on Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Shasta College Performing Arts Center.
“Many musicians from the community, as well as some of our own faculty, provided very positive input regarding what Dr. Corbin can bring to a new Shasta Symphony,” said Dr. Ralph Perrin, dean of arts, communications & social sciences for Shasta College. “I am confident Dr. Corbin will continue the high degree of talent, leadership qualities and professionalism within our music programs that the local community has enjoyed at Shasta College for many decades.”
The Shasta College Symphony recently celebrated its 60th year, with Dr. Richard Fiske leading the past 23 seasons. Formed in 2000, the Simpson University Sinfonia has been led since 2006 by Dr. Corbin, who came to Simpson from Cincinnati, where he completed his doctorate in conducting. Under his leadership, the Simpson Sinfonia has nearly doubled in size. Many musicians were already playing in both groups and have enthusiastically supported the merger.
Dr. Stanley Clark, Simpson University provost, said, “We are pleased to have identified another area for significant cooperation with Shasta College. The new combined symphony will provide significant benefit for both of our institutions, and it represents a creative and positive step forward for our instrumental music program.”
For more information about the Shasta Symphony Orchestra, including how to audition, contact Dr. Corbin at dcorbin@simpsonu.edu or (530) 226-4175.
Simpson University is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson’s academic programs includes ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. Simpson’s recent curriculum expansion includes degrees in biology, nursing, outdoor leadership, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737
