U. musicians getting in tune

Marianne Alves' tuba was almost as tall as she, and just getting herself and her instrument through the door of the Annenberg Center audition room was a struggle. Finally she made it through and settled down to play her piece for Claude White, director of the University Symphony Orchestra. The notes were deep and resonant, but halting. "I haven't played all summer," Alves said, giving the tuba an absentminded pat. "This is certainly not my best." White, music director of both the University Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble, was surrounded again by the sound of music last week as past and potential members lined up for auditions. In a few weeks the whirl of concerts by student musical groups will begin, and the University's student musicians, whether they are nervous first-timers or more seasoned players, are busy getting in tune. Thursday afternoon was a hectic medley of students on the flute, piccolo, cornet, French horn and tuba. Lisa Flehinger, still in tune after the summer, moved to the slow rhythm of the tune she played on her flute. White urged her to play on. "You skipped something there, can you go over it please?" he asked. The clear notes started up again, and that time it was a perfect rendition. In addition to the symphony and wind ensemble, the University's Choral Society is also holding auditions. Peter Woleslagle, a French horn player who was in the Soviet Union last semester, had the common fall complaint. "I'm really out of practice," he said. "Haven't played through all of spring and summer."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.