The Fredericksburg Community Orchestra returns on Friday, December 16th at 7:30 p.m. with a Classical Christmas Concert at Hill Country Evangelical Free Church, 107 Lower Crabapple Road. Casual visitors to Fredericksburg might think our live music is confined to bars and restaurants, but this is not the case.
Phil Houseal
Things to Do
Classical Christmas Concert Coming to Fredericksburg
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Young People Learning the Classics
Photo: www.fullhouseproductions.net
Yes, these are young people playing string instruments in an orchestra led by Theresa Britt. The program includes Hornpipe by Handel, arranged by Meyer; Arioso – Bach, arranged by Fry; Ode to Joy – Beethoven, arranged by Chase; The Gift – Hofeldt; Prayer of St Gregory – Hovhaness, arranged by Longfield; and Christmas Day – Holst, arranged by Wagner.
The orchestra is made up of community members of all ages and musical experience. The mission of the non-profit Fredericksburg Community Orchestra is to promote string instrument education in Fredericksburg and surrounding communities, and all are welcome to join. For more information and to donate check their website or call 806-549-2483.
It’s not just kids!
Photo: Facebook/Fredericksburg Community Orchestras
Phil Houseal, pictured above on the right, became involved as an “adult beginner” violin player. He said,
“I simply wanted to play in a community orchestra, and Fredericksburg–which had multiple choral groups, dance organizations, a theater, art scene, and music clubs–did not have one. In 2010, when I worked with Theresa Britt to set up a 501(c)(3) and research the history of music here, I learned from Kenn Knopp that Fredericksburg always had people in chamber music and any number of orchestras. They had all faded away by the 1950s. So, we were pleased to learn that by forming the Fredericksburg Community Orchestra we were reviving a Fredericksburg tradition. As a true community orchestra, we welcome musicians of all backgrounds, ages, and ability levels. That means you’ll see retirees seated next to 8th-grade students, with the students often the more accomplished performers! That age difference, which for some felt awkward at first, has personally become the most cherished part of being in FCO. We all learn from each other and cheer each other on. Of course, the best part is that we are able to bring classical string music back to the community, with five free concerts a year. We appreciate the support we are receiving from the community. We invite everyone to come enjoy our music, and, if you play, to join us!”
Upcoming performances:
- Van der Stucken Festival: Saturday, April 1st, 2017
- Spring Solo Recital, April 22, 2017
- Spring Concert, Saturday, May 20, 2017
- Bach at Luckenbach, June 15, 2017
