Larissa Stafford discovered her passion at 6 years old — music.
Stafford, who plays the viola and the violin, carried that young love well into adulthood, joining the University of Idaho Orchestra.
“It is invigorating … a refreshing, challenging and beautiful hobby, and I didn’t want to drop my talent,” she said. “Music is exquisite and personal and heavenly.”
Stafford said music played a large role in her coming to Moscow, but it wasn’t the only factor.
The UI freshman has another muse: food and nutrition — her major.
One day, Stafford said she hopes to help others achieve their best selves through diet and lifestyle changes. But for now, she’s focused on the music, particularly her role in the UI Orchestra.
“Orchestra is my break, my relaxing time,” Stafford said. “I love the challenge of learning the notes and making the music sound beautiful.”
Led by UI professor Jason Moody, the orchestra is composed of 36 members who fill four different sections — strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
“We have plenty of room to grow, particularly in the string sections,” Moody said.
Olivia Heersink | Argonaut
Moody said many in the group are majoring in something other than music, but played an instrument in middle or high school and want to continue performing at the college level.
Hired in June, Moody said he loves how a diverse group of people playing a wide range of instruments can work together to create something powerful and beautiful.
“A full orchestra can create some of the wildest and compelling musical sounds,” he said. “However, in order to create these sounds, each section of the orchestra needs a strong voice to maintain balance for both volume and color.”
For instance, Moody said a single violin cannot compete in terms of volume and carrying power of most brass instruments. But, when you have a section of ten violins, a “rich and lush timbre” can be created and the section has a stronger sound to contribute.
He said it is impossible for a single person, or even a small group of people to replicate the sound of an entire symphony orchestra.
“It’s very much a team sport and it takes concentration and commitment from everyone,” Moody said. “Musicians spend a lot of time learning technique and theory, which is crucial, but we also become better musicians when we learn about ourselves, our place, our time and our world and that can definitely occur in courses in any department across campus.”
Stafford believes her participation in outside courses makes her a better musician However, she said the opposite is also true.
“I believe it helps academic performance, at least for me,” Stafford said. “It can engage the whole brain in an invigorating way and helps a person stay in tune with life.”
Stafford said the balance between the two can be tricky, but it’s an act she enjoys navigating — a sentiment bassoonist Oliver Blumenstein echoed.
Blumenstein, a UI freshman who is double-majoring in music and film studies, said the orchestra does add to his workload. However, he’s happy with the exposure and practice he’s getting at the university.
“Music has been taking precedence,” he said. “It’s worth it, though … I wish a lot more people did music — there’s just so many benefits. If I didn’t have an outlet it would be pretty hard.”
Eventually, he’d like to meld his two passions — film and music.
But in the meantime, he’s taking advantage of all opportunities he can at UI and within the orchestra.
“Music is a universal language that transcends generations,” he said. “Being at UI has only made me love it more.”
Blumenstein said he is looking forward to the year ahead, especially the group’s upcoming performances.
Their first concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2, and a second event will be held 4 p.m. Dec. 2.
Moody said anyone interested in joining the UI Orchestra should contact him or visit the Lionel Hampton School of Music’s office.
“It’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet people,” Moody said. “I’ve met some of my closest friends while playing in orchestras.”
Olivia Heersink can be reached at [email protected]