Alumnus founds orchestra, creates student performance opportunities

Alumnus Matt Martz had, in 2008, created the Student Symphonic Orchestra of Fairfax that was made up of only Marshall students; now it has students from more than 15 different schools.

The Student Symphonic Orchestra of Fairfax is beginning its fourth performance season and the program’s season opener performance, free, is on Mar. 24 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Through each performance, Martz has enjoyed watching the gradual improvements with the music.

“I love getting the opportunity to work with the students and hear the progress they are making from week to week,” Martz said via email. “The final product has always seemed to turn out great.”

Martz believes that the most difficult part of running the organization has been the business aspect.

“I felt that we (students) were lacking in some performance opportunities and I wanted to make a difference in the community somehow,” Martz said via email. “So I figured I would see if I could get a group of friends together to play some music.”

Martz believes that the most difficult part of running the organization is the business aspect.

“All of this [business] was brand new to me when I started the orchestra but because of doing it, I know more about running an organization than if I sat in a class learning about it,” Martz said via email. “There is no better way to learn how to do something than getting your hands dirty and doing it.”

Martz says that the best thing about the program is the ability for students to play in front of the community and know that the music effects others.

“Getting to play music for our community and know that our music is touching the lives of so many,” Martz said via email. “There is no better feeling in the world.”

Sophomore Olivia Martin is a member of the Student Symphonic Orchestra of Fairfax, but was not able to be interviewed due to press time.