Whenever I am at a World Golf Village resident event or walking through Davidson Realty at World Golf Village, I ask people about the places and people that they find interesting so I can share them with you. The other day I was at Davidson Realty talking to Ashley Wood, one of their Realtors. She asked me why I hadn’t written about the St. Augustine Community Orchestra. I didn’t even know we had an orchestra here! Isn’t St. Augustine full of surprises? She told me she plays one of the three trumpets in the orchestra and that their first of four concerts for the 2009 – 2010 season is coming up! I can’t wait to see them on either October 30 or November 1 when they perform “A Little Fright Music” at the Lightner Museum.

For over 40 years, this group has provided a venue for volunteer musicians to perform light and varied programs. Right now, the full orchestra consists of around 50 musicians. They say their purpose is twofold. First, they want to contribute positively to the musical environment of the community by providing entertaining and educational concerts for the general public and special events. And, second, they want to provide opportunities for its members to learn orchestral literature and further develop both individual and ensemble musicianship and performance skills in a traditional orchestral setting. Doesn’t that sound like a fabulous organization?

For those of us less musically inclined, but that still love music and want to get involved, the orchestra is also looking for Guild members. If you simply want to support the organization by attending a concert, they will perform on October 30 and November 1, as well as, December 4 and 6, March 5 and 7, and May 1 and 2. The orchestra also performs four encore performances. Visit their web site for more details!