Correction added

Richard Rossi is thrilled about the $10,000 donation the Eastern Symphony Orchestra received.

“This helps with publicity, community outreach and helps foster our SHIP program,” said Rossi, the director of orchestral and choral activities.

The Charleston Area Charitable Foundation donated $10,000 to the Eastern Symphony Orchestra last week.

The orchestra has received donations from this organization for about 10 years.

Rossi said with the Doudna Fine Arts Center opening, the money helps with costs.

“This helps subsidies bringing in extra players from the community,” he said.

The orchestra is comprised of students, community and faculty members.

Rossi said the donation also assists with their outreach program, the Symphonic Honors Initiative Program.

This program brings mentors to high school and middle school students who play stringed instruments mainly in the Coles County area.

Janet McCumber, a graduate student conducting major, said the program is a wonderful opportunity for younger students.

“For these kids to come and have the opportunity to do that is pretty amazing,” she said.

McCumber said the donation the orchestra received from the charitable foundation is fantastic.

“People are going to be willing to donate when they can see performances in a place like this,” she said. “They are going to see this and say ‘wow this really is worth it.'”

McCumber said the quality of the orchestra has always been there.

“They are so well prepared,” she said. “They are just so good that it makes the conductor’s job really easy.”

McCumber said she is excited about Doudna and the orchestra.

“We have this beautiful new building,” she said. “It is really great to put forth a quality product.”

Rossi said Doudna will help increase enrollment.

“The caliber of the students is continuing to increase,” he said. “There will be a healthy competitive spirit.”

Rossi said healthy competition helps the students to work hard, and go for higher-level ensembles. Rossi said the orchestra would start the school year off with 20th century and romantic era music.

“There will be a lot of instruments, and there are a lot of more students involved,” he said.

Rossi said the whole season for the orchestra is expansive.

“It’s going to be a big bang,” he said.

Jessica Leggin can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmleggin@eiu.edu.