Big Bend Community Orchestra celebrates 30th anniversary, 100th concert

The Big Bend Community Orchestra celebrates its 30th year in 2023 and on Feb. 11 will hold it's 100th performance with a concert at Tallahassee Community College. The concert will feature the first place winners of the 2022-23 Young Artist Competition.

The Community Orchestra brings musicians together to share the benefits of music with one another and the community. It provides opportunities for community musicians to learn and practice orchestral music, encourages school age children to become interested in music through educational programs, and performs orchestral music for the public.

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Over 30 years ago, Ginny Densmore, a retired Tallahassee elementary music educator, and Waldie Anderson, a retired vocal professor and bassoonist, saw a need for a community orchestra in the Tallahassee area. Both gifted musicians, the two shared a vision and passion to bring local amateur musicians together to rehearse and share their love of classical music. They reached out to other musicians with publicity in the Tallahassee Democrat, the Florida Flambeau, and on WFSU/WFSQ-FM. They received an immediate and enthusiastic response.

On Feb. 10, 1994, at Florida State University School, Waldie Anderson led a large group of Tallahassee area musicians in the first rehearsal of the Big Bend Community Orchestra. This newly formed ensemble was eager to learn and perform. They rehearsed weekly and held the first concert on a stormy Sunday afternoon in the auditorium of Godby High School on May 15, 1994. 53 musicians including 21 string players, a pianist, as well as 31 wind and percussion players made up the inaugural performance.

While not professional musicians, the BBCO has given members of the community the opportunity to rehearse as a group and make connections over their shared love of music. Over 850 musicians have participated in the orchestra since its inception.

The group is comprised of voluntary musicians from all walks of life and represent a wide range of backgrounds and professions: teachers, nurses, doctors, professors, engineers, lawyers, state workers, and students.

Over the years, BBCO has rehearsed and performed at many venues including the Florida State University School, Godby High School, Rickards High School, North Florida Christian School, Leon High School, Lincoln High School, Florida A&M University, the Maguire Center at Westminster Oaks Retirement Community, and Fairview Middle School.

They were supported by The Artist Series of Tallahassee from 1994 until 2009 when it secured a separate nonprofit status. In 2006 it became affiliated with The Tallahassee Community College, which provides rehearsal space and the use of Turner Auditorium.

BBCO has also teamed up with local universities. For the last several years, the Florida A&M University has partnered with BBCO and included rehearsals as part of their string class requirements. They have also provided guest conductors. The Florida State University College of Music has assisted the BBCO by providing assistant conductors who seek experience working with a community orchestra. The FSU College of Music has also generously allowed access to their orchestra music library, which helps the BBCO expand their classical music repertoire.

The group has had several talented conductors over the years including Waldie Anderson, Florida State University Professor of Music and Director of Bands Dr. James Croft, and Director of Bands and Professor at Florida A&M University Dr. Shelby Chipman. It has also had many short-term Assistant Conductors from both FAMU and FSU as well as Associate Directors including Dr. Ed Kawakami (five years), Lisa Foltz (three years), and Dr. Michael Douty (2019 to the present).

While the BBCO was having such a successful impact on bringing adult musicians together, they realized an even broader impact on the community could be made by connecting with younger talent.

In 2007, they developed the Young Artist Competition, which it hosts annually. Local young musicians have the opportunity to audition and compete for cash prizes and an opportunity to perform as a soloist with the orchestra.

The Javacya Conservatory has been a strong supporter of the competition as well as the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra, the Home School Orchestra, and area music teachers who have encouraged their students to participate in the BBCO Young Artist Competitions.

The first place winners of the 2022-23 Young Artist Competition will be featured at the concert, which will also include a silent auction, including a raffle drawing for a Gem Collection Jewelry Package. All proceeds benefit the Big Bend Community Orchestra. A special reception will follow. The concert event is free and open to the public.

This year’s competition comprised of several youth participants performing pieces by composers such as Bela Bartok and Antonio Vivaldi. Competition judges, Dr. Michael Douty, William Sahely and Amanda Frampton, were all impressed with the level of youth talent and musicianship displayed. All winners earn a cash prize.

2022-23 Young Artist Competition Winners

Age Category 15-18 Winners:

1st Place: Param Mehta, cello

2nd Place: Nia Morgan, viola

Age Category 11-14 Winners:

1st Place: Laura Green violin

2nd Place: William Adams, violin

If you go

What: Big Bend Community Orchestra 100th concert

When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11; free

Where: Turner Auditorium at Tallahassee Community College, 444 Appleyard Drive

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Big Bend Community Orchestra marks 30th year, 100th concert