Penn Symphony Orchestra: Hitting All the Right Notes

January 11, 2013

Shostakovich, Debussy, Sibelius: you name the best classical composers, and we’re playing their greatest hits!  The conductor of the Penn Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Brad Smith, has the most amazing taste in music.  When I walk into the enormous and beautiful Irvine Auditorium for rehearsals twice a week, I am always excited to play alongside other talented undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and community members (the principal cellist is a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra!).  Everyone in the orchestra loves playing their instruments, listening to classical music, and spending time with Dr. Smith, so it is an absolute pleasure to be a member of this loud and friendly group.

Back in September I joined the orchestra board. In between our debates about the best orchestras and the best symphonies, we plan social events for all of the members of the orchestra where we always make sure to offer our favorite Philadelphia treats: Insomnia cookies, Philly pretzels, and fruit snacks.  Most recently we organized a “Secret Sibelius” gift exchange for the holidays.  The University of Pennsylvania has exceeded my expectations and dreams for my college experience, so I guess you could say that my M&T curriculum and extracurricular activities are hitting all the right notes!

Danielle is a current M&T freshman in the Class of 2016. She is majoring in Bioengineering within Penn Engineering and has yet to declare her concentration in the Wharton School.