Faculty and students filled the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center with melodious sounds of music that spanned all the way from the baroque to romantic eras.

On Friday, April 1, 2016, the Moorpark College music department presented their fourth annual “Chamber Music Series” which consisted of various ensembles from woodwinds to percussion.

James J. Song, co-chair of the music department, was thrilled with how the entire performance turned out and the emotions that were derived from the music that night.

“There’s passion you can definitely feel,” said Song. “Giving the students and faculty an opportunity to perform is exciting.”

According to Melissa Pinza, box office staff member, the show sold 206 tickets among whom were students, friends, and family supporting their teachers or loved ones.

Bethany Halstead, 19-year-old music major, acted as a volunteer usher for the perfomance, but also as an audience member there to support her friends. According to Halstead, her favorite piece was “Suite No. 1 for Percussion Ensemble” by Fred Emory Smith.

“It was really striking,” said Halstead. “It was fun to have something super rhythmic driven.”

Halstead added that taking a music theory class right now has helped her learn to understand the different aspects of the piece, which she found very interesting.

The show ended with a grand performance entitled “Encore in Jazz” by Vic Firth, which happened to be the audience’s favorite performance judging by the roar of applause and shouts following it.

Andrew Heminuk, 19-year-old health science major, really enjoyed that last performance of the night that ended with a thunderous pounding of the drums.

“I really enjoyed the feel of the overall performance,” said Heminuk. “It had a good vibe going on.”

In case you missed this orchestra show, the music department will be holding a two night performance of “Americana!” A joint performance of Moorpark College’s Symphony Orchestra and Choir conducted by James S. Song on May 6 and 7.

Tickets are available online at: http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/theatre-arts/performing-arts-center