Effingham Community Orchestra presented its third annual “Our Favorites” concert and silent auction on Aug. 25.
“We were delighted to see attendees arrive smiling and excited to be there,” said orchestra director Andrea Huff. “It is very rewarding to us that our audience is larger each time we perform and that the community is responding positively and enthusiastically to our music.”
The orchestra treated the audience to a broad range of pieces including classics, marches, favorites from the movies and Broadway and medleys of Disney and Beatles pieces. The jazz ensemble brought loud applause from the audience as they performed three classic jazz numbers.
Jonathan Rud and Charles Patterson, both participating musicians with Effingham Community Orchestra and current college students majoring in music, each conducted one of the pieces. This marked Patterson’s conducting debut.
Upon completion of the concert, the audience rewarded the musicians with a standing ovation. Huff then conducted the musicians in an encore performance of pieces from “The Nutcracker Suite” to give the audience a sampling of what to expect at the orchestra’s holiday concert and homemade cookie sale, set for Dec. 8.
In addition to the concert, the orchestra held a silent auction fundraiser.
“It was nice seeing our attendees socializing and having fun as they bid on the many items donated by individuals and community businesses,” Huff said. “We depend totally upon donations, sponsors, and fundraisers for the orchestra’s financial needs — and our very existence. We are very thankful for this continued support which enables us to provide for our musicians and bring these free concerts to our community.”
The six-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 is accepting additional adult and high school student musicians. Information is available at 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. 110.
