In October 2007 Mitzi Mecham, Andrew Lewis, and Sue Mendelsohn invited musicians who wanted to play in an orchestra to come to our first rehearsal.
The first rehearsals included adults and students and, as it grew, the Wood River Orchestra needed a place to practice. This fledgling group met in various places, including Notes Music, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Wood River Middle School band room and Andy’s home. Seven months after our first rehearsal, we were ready to perform for the public.
Our first concert was held at the Liberty Theater on May 4, 2008, with 29 musicians, ages 13 to 80. This was followed by concerts at many different locations and community events
Now the WRO presents 3-4 concerts each year, with 30-35 musicians performing in each concert. All concerts, typically held at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater and, for our Holiday concert, at the Argyros, are free and open to the public. In addition, members of the orchestra have performed for Souper Supper, The Sawtooth Botanical Gardens, the Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation, and the Community Library.
We welcome string, woodwind, brass and percussion musicians. We encourage those who have not played an instrument for some time and want the joy of playing with others in an orchestra to join us.