The Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra will present an encore performance of its "Just for Fun Favorites" spring concert at 7 p.m. May 16, at the Avenue Theater, 307 Washington Ave. in West Plains.
Sponsored by the Willow Springs Arts Council, the performance will feature a full orchestra playing a variety of highly recognizable pieces. The musical lineup includes "Pirates of the Caribbean," "The Pink Panther," "Pinball Wizard," "Nights in White Satin" and "Bohemian Rhapsody," as well as medleys such as "Doors on Tour" and "Eagles on Tour".
Tickets will be available at the door for $10 each, and children younger than 5 will be admitted for free. Advance tickets can also be reserved for will-call pickup by calling 417-855-0152.
The orchestra features musicians from surrounding communities, including current and former music teachers from Ava, Cabool, Houston, Mtn. Grove, Mtn. View, Thayer and West Plains.
Jodie Forbes, who has lived in the region for more than 40 years, will conduct the performance. Forbes has served as the orchestra's musical director and conductor since 2017. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Music in education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University in Ohio. She has previously taught music in Cabool, Houston and Willow Springs, and she currently provides private lessons for the Stars Foundation.
The Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra has served the area since 2009. The organization is currently seeking new members, specifically noting a need for string players on the violin, viola and cello. The full orchestra and its smaller ensembles are also available to book for outside performances.
Musicians interested in joining the group can contact Brandy Taylor at 417-259-7634 or Forbes at 417-217-0542. For more information about the concert or the organization, visit www.willowspringsartscouncil.org or find the Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra on Facebook.
