Effingham Community Orchestra presented its fifth annual “Our Favorites” Concert and Silent Auction on Aug. 23 to an enthusiastic audience that filled the Effingham County Recreation and Parks gymnasium.

“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.”

For this “Our Favorites” concert, the musicians voted on which pieces they would like to perform. The result was a large variety of pieces that the audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy. The performance included classics, favorites from movies and Broadway shows and a medley of rock-and-roll favorites. Both during the performance and at the concert’s conclusion, the audience rewarded the musicians with standing ovations. The jazz ensemble brought the loudly applauding audience to its feet as it played three classic jazz numbers.

“It was nice seeing our attendees socializing and having fun as they bid on the many items and gift certificates 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 eight-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 may be obtained by visiting www.effinghamcommunityorchestra.org. Huff encourages all interested musicians to email her at effinghamcommunityorchestra@windstream.net or call the orchestra’s office, 826-5300, ext. 110.