The Portland Community Orchestra

The Portland Community Orchestra was formed in 2005 by Michael Judd and Loren Wright, who met in Mason, Michigan, while performing with the Mason Orchestral Society there. Enjoying what they were doing in Mason, they decided to start up an orchestra in Portland. They placed an advertisement in the local newspaper asking for local musicians to respond to it, and enough interest was generated by the announcement to create the Portland Community Orchestra.

Original members of the orchestra included Judd, Wright, Joanie Stark, Chuck Minkley, Grace Snitgen, Heidi Alfastepher, and Suzanne Cape.

“I enjoy playing in the orchestra because it keeps me active in music,” said Judd. “I appreciate playing music with other local musicians and I have formed many friendships this way. I also appreciate the response of the audience when we perform. It’s a very satisfying experience,” he explained.

The community orchestra performs an annual Christmas concert at the Portland Playhouse. It also performs at the Day of Music at Portland High School as well as at senior venues and at rehabilitation centers.

“We play classical music as well as popular music,” said Judd. “These include pieces by the Beatles, music form the film Grease, all of the popular Christmas tunes, as well as classical music such as the 1812 Overture,” he explained.

Twenty-four people now comprise the orchestra. These individuals include seventh graders on up to senior citizens. They practice music every Thursday evening from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Portland High School band room.

“We are looking for new members,” said Judd. “We would like them to get their instruments out and to join us. We do not demand an audition. We simply ask that they are able to play and that they read music.”

“The orchestra provides local musicians with opportunities to perform that they wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Judd. “I believe that this fills a need in the community, both for those who wish to perform as well as for those who appreciate the experience as listeners.”

The orchestra’s next performance will be at the Portland Alternative-Adult School graduation ceremony.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in us to attend a concert or even to join us as a musician,” said Judd. “We find performance to be very meaningful. What we do makes people happy.”

Those interested in joining the orchestra or in arranging for a performance may contact Michael Suleski, director, at Portland High School.

Courtesy photo.