The Rocket

Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Focus

Media Credit: Submitted Photo Warren Davidson, a music instructor, was recently named director of the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra. In the past Davidson's worked jobs such as recording music for a Tim Robbins' film and the TV show "Mr. Rogers." [Click to enlarge]

Some people discover their passion at a young age, but few are lucky enough to turn it into something special. For SRU instructor Warren Davidson, his passion of music has taken him around the world, most recently leading him to the new position of director of the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra.

Davidson has been an instructor at SRU since 2001 and has been involved with the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra since high school. He said joining gave him an opportunity to play the violin, something he couldn't do at his high school because they didn't have an orchestra.

"I took my only opportunity to play the violin (by joining the orchestra)," Davidson said.

When the previous director resigned, the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra conducted a search, Davidson was selected as one of three finalists who had been chosen based on their applications. After auditioning with the other two finalists, it was decided that Davidson was the most qualified for the job.

Davidson said he is excited about his new position because of how much fun the people are to work with. He said that since it is a volunteer amateur group, the people actually come to play because they love it, not because of the money. He said that the talent varies, but that's what he is there for, to help make them sound better.

"They won't sound like the Pittsburgh Symphony, but it's more about enjoying making music together," he said. "Getting paid is just a bonus."

As far as nerves go, Davidson said he is nothing but excited about his new position. He said that sometimes before a performance he'll get what most people call nervous, but he sees it as being "full of energy."

Since Davidson started at SRU in 2001, he said that the string program has developed enormously. When he first began teaching here, SRU had five string majors. Currently, there are 15 and they are expecting to have 20 by next year, he said.

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