Staff
The Rainy Lake Orchestra will be holding a concert to kick off summer tonight at the Fort Frances Library Technology Centre.
“It’s called ‘Summer on the Border’ and it [starts] at 6:30 p.m.,” noted children’s librarian Andrea Avis.
The concert will be held in the “great room” at the library, where the orchestra will perform for about 45 minutes.
Last year, the concert drew a pleasant crowd that thoroughly enjoyed the music.
Avis encouraged people to stop by and support the orchestra as it is a great opportunity to see them.
“We have a variety of music; some classical, some popular,” noted orchestra member Margaret Sedgwick.
“It’s strictly a string orchestra—just cello, bass, viola, violin. . . .
“[And] we always like to play to an audience,” Sedgwick added.
Sedgwick said the orchestra has been playing together for quite a few years, and features a range of ages.
“It’s people who like to play music and who like to get together,” she explained.
The group sports about 15 members but Sedgwick encourages people to come join.
“New members are always welcome,” she remarked, adding the orchestra is open to residents on both sides of the border.
“We meet in ‘The Dungeon’ at Backus School [in International Falls] once a week on Mondays [at 5:30 p.m.],” she noted.
Some of the orchestra’s upcoming events include a concert in the band shell in International Falls on Aug. 7, followed by a string music camp for a week in mid-August.
They also play for weddings and graduations, and also hold fundraising concerts for “The Dungeon” at Backus.
Those interested in finding out more can contact either Sedgwick or director Joe Belanger, who lives in the Falls.
