For the first time, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is handing over its instruments to amateurs for a “Civic Orchestra” show premiering Saturday.
One of those lucky “civilian musicians” is Nathan Perriello.
On Wednesday, Perriello walked backstage at the Florida Times-Union Center, where the orchestra usually plays for a packed house.
The concert hall was empty, save for a couple of janitors vacuuming. Perriello is there often. After all, he works for the symphony.
“I work in development, which does the fundraising for the symphony, but I heard about this opportunity to be part of the Civic Orchestra, and I really wanted to do that,” he says.
Perriello is not a professional, but he isn't exactly an amateur either. He’s practiced music for much of his life.
“I’ve studied piano since I was very young, and I picked up percussion while I was in school,” he says.
Perriello will be banging the symbols during Saturday's performance. He says he hasn't had a chance to play for an audience since taking a job in administration. He’s a little anxious.
“You can’t really get away with nobody noticing you playing the crash symbols,” he says.
To hear more of Perriello’s percussion skills — and 60 other amateurs playing alongside a handful of pros — go see the Civic Orchestra’s first performance Saturday.