By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Orchestra fills the air with the sounds of the season
1213 orchestra concert 1
Members of the Effingham Community Orchestra perform during the annual holiday concert and cookie sale at the Clyo Community Center. - photo by Photo provided

A festive holiday mood filled the Clyo Community Center on Dec. 4 as the Effingham Community Orchestra presented its Fifth Annual Holiday Concert and Homemade Cookie Sale.

Nearly every seat was filled, and the audience was treated to a broad range of holiday favorites. Included were selections from “The Nutcracker Suite., several traditional Christmas Carols, popular holiday songs such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “The Christmas Waltz,” “The Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah,” and many more.

“This was our second concert in Clyo,” said orchestra director Andrea Huff.  “We were absolutely delighted with the large turnout and the enthusiastic reception we received. Clyo has been a great venue for us.”

After conclusion of the musical program, concert attendees bought over 100 dozen homemade cookies provided by orchestra members, their families, the culinary arts students of Effingham College and Career Academy and orchestra volunteers.

Funds raised from this sale will help support the orchestra’s activities over the coming months.

“We depend totally upon donations, sponsors and fundraisers for our financial needs — and our very existence,” Huff said. “The generosity of our audiences and supporters enables us to bring these free concerts to our community.”

The four-and-a-half-year-old Effingham Community Orchestra is comprised of both adult and high school youth musicians. They have performed quarterly concerts and for community events at various locations throughout the county.

The orchestra will resume rehearsals in January 2012 and will be accepting new adult and high school student musicians.

Additional information may be obtained by visiting the orchestra’s Web site, www.effinghamcommunityorchestra.org.

Huff encourages all interested musicians to email her at effinghamcommunityorchestra@windstream.net or call the orchestra’s office phone, 826-5300, ext. 25.