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PrintPresenting the Lake Area Community Orchestra
Orchestra holds Christmas concerts
The annual concert at Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a popular performance.
File photo
The Lake Area Community Orchestra was founded in 1987 and celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. It is composed of musicians from the communities surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks, some from as far away as Jefferson City. Members range from talented teenagers beginning their love affair with music, to old timers who have resumed their playing days after as much as a forty-year hiatus. Some of the original members of the orchestra are still participating. Two of the current members played together in Marching Mizzou in 1953. The size of the orchestra fluctuates from season to season, but usually hovers in the 50 to 60 musician range. The music performed ranges from traditional to light classical.
The orchestra has two concert seasons a year. Christmas concerts begin immediately after Thanksgiving with performances on Sunday and Tuesday evenings. The summer session begins in late May and ends in the first week of August with Tuesday evening performances. A favorite spring locale for the orchestra is their annual visit to Ha Ha Tonka State Park where the background of the castle ruins creates an atmosphere like no other. There is a commitment to the entire Lake community. Performances are held in Laurie, Versailles, Eldon, Barnett, Jefferson City, Lake Ozark, Osage Beach and Camdenton.
No admission is charged, but donations are accepted as the orchestra is entirely self-supporting. Contributions are used to purchase new music instruments and other operating expenses. The musicians donate their time.
The Lake Area Community Orchestra is always recruiting new members. If you're so inclined, and will dust off that old instrument and get your lip in shape, you're invited to the Lake Ozark Christian Church on Bagnell Dam Boulevard on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. for rehearsals. Percussionists don't need to have an instrument and the condition of their lips isn't an issue. It's okay if you just want to come and sit and listen before making a commitment. Rehearsals start shortly after each concert season, with no more than a three-week gap between them. If you'd like more information, you can call the conductor, Rose Adams, at (573) 375-5403. v
Editor's note: Leon Wahlbrink is a longstanding member of the percussion section of the orchestra.
