Effingham Community Orchestra delivered another successful performance on May 4 with its “Something New and Something Patriotic Too” concert.

“It was wonderful to perform for another large audience,” said orchestra director Andrea Huff. “Our audience size continues to grow with each concert. We are thankful for the community’s strong support of our concerts. It is rewarding to know that the quality entertainment we bring to our community is appreciated and enjoyed.”

The orchestra began the concert with an arrangement of “Shenandoah,” followed by selections from the “Star Wars” movies and an upbeat medley of rock and roll classics. In addition to these new pieces the orchestra had not previously performed for an audience, the orchestra delighted attendees with several marches and patriotic favorites. The orchestra’s jazz ensemble had the audience tapping its toes as it performed three pieces, including a jazz version of “God Bless the USA.”

Charles Patterson, an Effingham Community Orchestra musician for six years and a student majoring in music studies at Georgia Southern University, made his second appearance as guest conductor. He conducted the orchestra in the playing of “National Emblem” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Huff and the musicians were rewarded with a standing ovation from the audience for their superb performance of “1812 Overture.” The orchestra concluded the concert by playing marches of the armed forces, during which active duty members and veterans of the armed forces stood and were recognized as the marches of their respective branches were played. Several participating musicians with the orchestra are veterans and also stood during their branches’ marches.

“We sincerely appreciate the service and sacrifices of our active duty military personnel and of our veterans,” said Huff. “We are honored to have opportunity to recognize and publicly thank them.”

When the concert was finished the audience enjoyed socializing and shopping at the used book sale fundraiser presented by the Orchestra’s BRAVOS support team.

“What a fun day,” Huff said. “Great music, good books, happy people. What could be better.”

Effingham Community Orchestra is comprised of both adult and high school youth musicians. The orchestra is accepting additional musicians.

Information is available on the Web site www.effinghamcommunityorchestra.org. Huff encourages interested musicians to email her at effinghamcommunityorchestra@windstream.net or call the orchestra’s phone, 826-5300, ext. 110.