The Effingham Community Orchestra will present its 4th Annual Patriotic Concert and a Silent Auction fund raiser on May 15.  Silent auction bidding will begin at 2:30 p.m.  The Concert at will begin at 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Venue for the event is Faith Presbyterian Church, 2000 Lexington Ave. in  Rincon.

“This is a very special program of patriotic music that honors our nation and our brave service men and women who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedoms,” said Orchestra Director Andrea Huff. “The Orchestra members are putting in many hours of rehearsal and work to provide a wonderful program of patriotic music for the entire community.

“We’ll begin with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by The Star Spangled Banner, and several traditional patriotic favorites, including ‘Stars and Stripes Forever.’

“We especially want to invite all active duty military personnel and veterans, their families, and their friends.  The Orchestra will play marches of the various armed forces to honor present and past members of our military.”
Orchestra fundraising coordinator Melissa Miles said many nice items have been donated to the auction, including gift certificates to local businesses, art items, small appliances, tools, cosmetics and much more.

Effingham Community Orchestra is a four-year old, non-profit, tax-deductible organization with 40 active musicians and many support volunteers.  None of the orchestra’s musician members, leaders, or support volunteers receives any compensation.  It is funded solely by contributions from participants and interested supporters in the community.

In 2011, the orchestra is accepting additional adult and high school student members.  Interested musicians can obtain additional information by contacting Huff at 826-5300, ext. 25; at effinghamcommunityorchestra@windstream.net; or by visiting the orchestra’s Web site at www.effinghamcommunityorchestra.org.