Effingham Community Orchestra performed its annual spring concert April 21  for the largest audience yet to attend one of its performances.

“We were absolutely delighted with the large attendance,” said orchestra director Andrea Huff. “Our audience size continues to grow with each performance. It is gratifying to our musicians that their efforts are appreciated by our community.”

The orchestra treated the audience to a broad range of pieces celebrating spring, including classics, TV themes, favorites from the movies, and Sousa marches.  The jazz ensemble had the audience smiling and tapping toes as they energetically performed three classic jazz numbers.

Jonathan Rud, an orchestra member since 2007 and a student majoring in music at Georgia Southern University, made his conducting debut by leading the orchestra as it performed “Fanfare to Joy” based on Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”

Upon completion of the concert, the audience rewarded the musicians with a standing ovation.

 
Huff conducted the musicians in the performance of a moving and emotional encore entitled “Hero.” This piece was performed in honor of the victims and heroic first responders and volunteers involved in the Texas plant explosion and the Boston Marathon bombing.

Orchestra information is available on the Web site www.effinghamcommunityorchestra.org.