USD Orchestra Kim Evander, left, of Yankton and Mary Anne Wortmann, right, of Crofton pose with their instruments after a rehearsal for the University of South Dakota symphony orchestra. The two women have been part of the orchestra for more than 10 years. Photo By Elyse Brightman The symphony orchestra at the University of South Dakota is a way to earn credits and be part of an extracurricular, but not everyone who participates is a student. The orchestra is open to community members and Kim Evander, from Yankton, and Mary Ann Wortman, from Crofton, take advantage of the opportunity to continue a hobby they enjoy while being part of the ensemble. “Playing in an orchestra is just so much fun,” Evander said. “It’s the biggest thrill to have all of that music all around you. I can’t describe it.” The pair has been playing in the orchestra at USD on and off for years, Evander began as a graduate student at USD in the 1970’s and rejoined in 2006, and Wortmann started in the late 1980’s. Though both have found their way to the orchestra, they each took very different paths. Wortmann began playing the violin in her 40’s, while Evander began as a young girl with lessons in school. Wortmann, a retired Home Health and Hospice Coordinator at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, starting taking lessons while working full time. “When I first picked up the violin in my 40’s I was working full time and my director allowed me to go in the afternoon first,” she said. “I never even picked up the instrument until then.” Her instructor thought she needed help with her timing, so Wortmann was recommended to Dr. Rick Rongstad, a longtime music professor at USD, so she started making the trek to Vermillion. “I wish I would have taken lessons when I was just a tiny girl or a young girl. I took piano lessons which helped me a lot,” Wortmann said. “It’s a lot harder when you are an adult. You are just not as Allergy Attack? Fight Back. Talk to us today about an easy, convenient and noninvasive method for treating allergies. David J. Abbott, M.D. Micah M. Likness, M.D. Board Certified Otolaryngologist Board Certified Otolaryngologist Jackie Logue, CNP Needle Free Testing and Treatments We’re H“ear” For You! EAR, NOSE & THROAT ASSOCIATES, P.C. 2525 Fox Run Parkway, Suite 101, Yankton • 605-665-0062 • 1-866-665-0062 www.entyankton.com 20vHERVOICEvMARCH/APRIL 2017