Murray Symphony Orchestra blends love of music with camaraderie

MURRAY — They come from all different walks of life, age groups and cities. But when the group of about 65 musicians meets for rehearsal each Wednesday night, they create a harmonious blend.

"We are just a bunch of people who have different jobs during the day. Charlotte's a nurse, I'm a grandmother," said Beverly Dalling of Murray. "To come together on a Wednesday night, it takes more effort to practice to come, and we're progressing."

Dalling is a 30-year veteran of the Murray Symphony Orchestra, and she, along with the other musicians, rehearse at Cottonwood High School every week.

"I love playing the French horn," Dalling said. "I love the people with whom I associate. Because if I wasn't playing this, guess where it would be — in the closet."

Dalling went to the very first rehearsal about 30 years ago. The symphony started in February 1975 as the Holladay Pops Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. It rehearsed at Churchill Junior High until June 1975 when it moved to Murray High School. In March 1976, the symphony changed its name to the Murray Symphony Orchestra.

Today, the symphony members come from across the Wasatch Front and beyond.

"It's a relaxing thing to do, and it's fun to get together and enjoy a common thing, music," said Charlotte Artigues of Midvale, who plays the French horn and serves as the symphony's president.

Four of the musicians drive one and a half hours from Evanston, Wyo., to the weekly rehearsals.

"We usually leave early because we like to make a night out of it and go out to dinner," said Carolee Bowen, who plays the oboe.

This is the 10th year Bowen has carpooled to rehearsals from Evanston with Cindy Adams, who plays the violin.

"It's 85 miles one way so 170 miles a week for the symphony," Bowen said. "I don't know how many miles that is for 10 years. It's worth it because we love the music and it's a fun group, and we have friends here now."

Bowen said there are limited opportunities for musicians in Evanston, and that is why the women make the trek to Utah. Evanston recently started a strings program.

"The Murray Symphony has gone up to Evanston to perform, and they have inspired the people there, and they started a strings program in the school district," Bowen said.

Some of the Murray Symphony Orchestra members are in high school while others are more seasoned players who dusted off their instruments after years of not playing.

"There's every walk of life in here," Artigues said.