The Dexter Community Orchestra will offer area music lovers a wide variety of tuneful delights this season.
New Music Director Dr. David Schultz, a Dexter resident, announced a series of four concerts, which go well beyond what many people think of as “classical” music. He hopes to attract a wider audience by offering an eclectic mix of musical genres, with each concert organized around a specific theme.
“Let’s Dance! (Sunday, Nov. 3): This concert will feature six dance pieces, ranging from Russian folk dances and a not-so-traditional waltz, to Flamenco and even hip-hop. The last will feature Lansing-based composer and performer Rodney Page, who will play electric violin with the orchestra on one of his own compositions.
Holiday Concert (Sunday, Dec. 15): This annual Dexter tradition showcases members of the Dexter High School Orchestra, as well as the DCO, in a holiday celebration featuring carols old and new, and concluding with an audience sing-along. This concert is always very popular, so come early to claim a good seat!
Fiddling with the DCO (Sunday, March 1): Chase away the late-winter blahs with an afternoon of hot fiddling! The DCO will be joined by the popular Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic in a program of pure Americana. Expect sonic depictions of the “wild west”, and an old-fashioned hoe-down.
Dreams and Pictures (Saturday, May 16): In its first-ever Saturday evening concert, the DCO will present pieces depicting images from the world of art and literature. Dr. Schultz hopes to incorporate drawings and paintings by local school children, who will give their personal interpretations of the music. Also featured on this program will be the winner of the DCO’s annual youth artist competition.
All concerts will be held at the Dexter High School Center for the Performing Arts. With the exception of the May 16 concert, performances take place at 4 p.m. Sunday. The May 16 concert will be at 7 p.m. Saturday (which should allow children to attend the concert and still get to bed at a reasonable time).
All concerts by the Dexter Community Orchestra are free to the public. Donations to help defray the expenses of the orchestra are encouraged, and gratefully appreciated.
See Dexter Community Orchestra on Facebook, or visit dextercommunityorchestra.org
