The Borderland Community Orchestra—a 55-member ensemble comprised of residents from across the Rainy River valley—is getting ready for its eighth season, beginning with a rehearsal Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Donald Young School in Emo.
“We have two exciting programs that we’ll be working on,” enthused conductor Katherine Williams, noting the first will be a fundraising concert for the Fort Frances Public Library.
They plan to prepare a Christmas concert featuring selections from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” and Diane Maxey’s handbell choir will be making their stage debut, as well.
“People should keep their ears open for the date on that,” Williams said.
The second program the orchestra will be working on is a pops-type concert. It will feature tunes from musicals that are easily recognizable, including songs from the musical “Wicked,” “Hoe-Down” by Aaron Copland, and “Lord of the Dance.”
In addition, one of the pieces they are resurrecting is called “Hooked on Classics,” and it incorporates songs like “Flight of the Bumblebee” and “William Tell Overture” set to a disco beat.
This performance will take place in May, with $1 from each ticket sold being donated to the Emo Public Library.
“We’re trying something new,” Williams explained. “Last year we had five programs, different sets of music, and it was kind of crazy.
“So we wanted to come up with a different way to be there for everybody by having two very polished programs.”
Anyone who would like to book the orchestra then will have the option of choosing either program.
Although they have the programs set, Williams said they don’t quite have all the instrumentation they need.
“We’re looking for lower brass,” she noted. “So if you are a trombone player, double bass player, tubas, French horn, oboe, or even a baritone saxophone—that’s what we need.”
Any others interested in joining the orchestra should give Williams a call at 482-1417 to discuss the possibilities of getting involved.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
