Voice and instruments combined on the Dvorak Concert Hall stage during “Stagestruck” on Sunday.

The Eastern Symphony Orchestra joined with Four Voices and a jazz quintet to present music composed by Americans.

Four Voices includes members Allan Horney, a retired Eastern trombone professor; Thomas Birkner, the director of instrumental music at Belleville West High School; Craig Lindvahl, an Educator and documentary filmmaker from Effingham; and Joe Wolfe, a teacher and arranger.

Paul Johnston, director of the Jazz Lab Band and coordinator of the combo program, also accompanied the orchestra and Four Voices on the jazz piano.

Four Voices focuses on American music and mainly music by the Four Freshmen.

Horney said he was excited to perform with the Eastern Symphony Orchestra.

“This is the first time we have ever performed with a symphony orchestra,” Horney said. “The Four Freshmen never played with a symphony, so this is a red letter day for us.”

The orchestra performed “Overture to Candide” by Leonard Bernstein, “The Blue Bells of Scotland,” by Arthur Pryor, and “An American in Paris” by George Gershswin before Four Voices joined them on stage.

Mark Rheaume, a trombone player and the Concerto winner and a member of the Symphony Orchestra, performed a guest solo during “The Blue Bells of Scotland.”

Rheaume said he enjoyed his performance.

“I was pretty nervous before hand, but now I feel like a huge weight has been lifted, I feel great,” Rheaume said.

Rheaume said he enjoyed playing during the performance.

“It’s cool to play with a quality ensemble, it is just a wonderful experience in college,” Rheaume said.

The orchestra also accompanied Four Voices during “Girl Talk” by Bobby Troup, arranged by Neal Hefti and orchestrated by Wolfe, and “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home” by Roy Turk, arranged by Greg Stegeman and orchestrated by Johnston.

Horney said they enjoyed the performance.

“It was a great opportunity for us to sing with the orchestra and I think it went well,” Horney said.

Katie Krabel, a cello player with the Symphonic Honors Initiative Program who played with the orchestra, said she liked playing with the different groups.

“It was a really good experience,” Krabel said. “I’ve never accompanied vocals before, it was a really good experience.”

The SHIP program is an outreach program that allows middle and high school string players to perform with the Eastern Symphony Orchestra.

Krabel said she has enjoyed the experience.

“It’s a lot more challenging so it motivates me to work hard to learn the music,” Krabel said.

Wolfe said he enjoyed singing with the orchestra.

“It’s a real great experience when you hear the combo, and then the orchestra, it’s great to sing to that,” Wolfe said. “To me, it enhances the music that much more.”

Wolfe said he thinks the audience enjoyed the performance.

“All you have to do is feel the excitement after the concert,” Wolfe said. “I think only music can create that excitement.”

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or slmcdaniel@eiu.edu.