The public will be in for a musical treat May 1 when the 56-member Carroll County Community Orchestra presents a rousing spring concert in Berryville’s Bobcat Arena. There will also be a halftime performance by the Brass Ensemble from the University of Arkansas Music School.
CCCO will join opera houses and concert stages around the county by opening its performance with the Ukrainian National Anthem. The music has been called one of the most stirring of all national anthems, with lyrics beginning “Ukraine is not yet dead…” A performance of the anthem was recorded during a recent CCCO rehearsal to be posted on Facebook and YouTube alongside existing videos of famous performances of the anthem to show that people everywhere know and care about what’s going on in Ukraine.
Currently under the baton of former Opera of the Ozarks Director, Jim Swiggart, the CCCO was organized around 2003 and today has members ranging in age from school students to senior citizens from across Carroll County. Swiggart played trombone in the group for 10 years.
“Anyone who can play an instrument is welcome,” Swiggart said, “the point is to come and play and have fun while using your talents for the common good. This is the most fun I’ve had since we came together.
“We want students to be able to experience a lot of music that they don’t see in their public school. When they do, they are better musicians because they have experience playing more difficult pieces.”
Orchestra members range from people with other careers who just like to play, to retirees wanting to keep their chops up to those aspiring to a career in music. Students participating in the orchestra said the wide variety of music offers a welcome challenge for them
This is Lily Stephenson’s second year in the CCCO. The Alpena High School sophomore has been a percussionist for six years. “It’s brought me a lot of joy because I’m from a small school and coming here allows me to play more difficult music and share my talent with others,” Lily said, “It makes me a better player.”
Seeing everyone come together to play the Ukrainian anthem was a favorite part of the concert for her. “It makes me aware of things going on around us. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. I’m just grateful it’s not happening to us.” Lily said.
Gray Squires has been playing bass in the CCCO since 2003. “It’s great to see kids coming in,” he said. “Playing with them has been a lot of fun. And people that haven’t played in years get their horns out and come join us… it’s great.”
A highlight for Squires is the CCCO Scholarship Program. “All the funds from our concerts go to the program,” he explained. “We send kids to summer band camps, mostly in Arkansas, but sometimes as far away as the Interlochen. But we’re open to any adults to come and try out for the orchestra. Come and play!”
Berryville High School senior and clarinetist Lauren Spurlock won a spot in the All State Band Clinic and qualified to audition for the All State Concert. “There were 18 clarinets in my year,” Lauren said. “I played bass clarinet in the band, but this is a B-flat soprano.”
She started playing in eighth grade, harmonizing as her dad, who still plays in the CCCO, played his cello. Growing up she tried and can play a lot of instruments and scored high on the flute but chose the clarinet. She plans to continue a career in music and aspires to a spot in a professional orchestra or becoming a music education teacher. In any case, she’ll keep on playing.
Swiggart said he hopes to send 30 students to band camps this year through the CCCO Scholarship Program with funds raised from the group’s concerts.
For the spring concert on May 1, Swiggart promises some marches, jazz, traditional band selections, and more. “We’re hitting a lot of categories,” he said.
The concert begins at 3 p.m., door 2:30, at the Berryville Bobcat Arena. Tickets are $10 adult, $5 child.