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Chattanooga Times Free Press
March 28, 2009
By: Susan Pierce
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One of the city’s oldest volunteer orchestras will present a free community concert Sunday afternoon at Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road.
The 55 musicians in the Senior Neighbors Orchestra meet weekly to rehearse in the Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors center on Newby Street. They range in age from people in their 40s to 89-yearold trumpeter John Webb, according to director Herman May.
“We are an amateur orchestra in the best sense of the word: Everyone is a volunteer,” Mr. May said.
Sunday’s program: A medley from “Phantom of the Opera,” a suite from “Forrest Gump,” Cole Porter music and medley of Armed Forces hymns.
Featured soloist: Concert violinist Ann Rylands will join the musicians on Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “A Lark Ascending.” Founded: 1967. Senior Neighbors Orchestra and the Monday Nite Big Band were both formed in the late 1960s. Membership records: Longtime members of the orchestra include Maxine Bell, 29 years; Willene Pardue, 25 years; and Phyllis Burke Applewhite, 23 years.
“I joined when I had empty-nest syndrome,” said Mrs. Bell, a clarinet player. “My kids were grown, and I was looking for something to do. I’ve always played music since fourth grade. It’s been my life. I’ve stayed in the orchestra for the joy of music.”
To join: Mr. May said no auditions are held for membership in the orchestra. The only requirement is that musicians be able to play the level of music performed by the group. September and January are enrollment months. Rehearsals are Mondays at 10 a.m. in Senior Neighbors center, 10th and Newby streets.
“This is a special opportunity for older musicians to start again on instruments that they played early in life,” said the director.
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