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Text Box: Vernon Parish Community Orchestra

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Serving West Louisiana and East Texas—-Grass-roots Involvement in Cultural Development

Meet the Conductor

Professional Musician. Orchestra Conductor, Dr. Karen Gordy, played violin professionally while working full time as a classroom teacher in Indianapolis.

In local and union orchestras, she played for Henri Mancini, Andy Williams, Liberace, Robert Preston, Juliet Prowse, Ann Miller, Ray Bolger, Harry Belafonte, Don Ho and many others at Clowes Hall in Indianapolis while associated with Footlight Musicals and Starlight Musicals.

Read MORE about the conductor.

Text Box: How It All Began…. Dr. Karen Gordy had support. Her husband, family, friends, civic, business and church leaders all encouraged her to start an orchestra, but it was Karen who provided the driving force to channel energy and enthusiasm for more performing arts in the West Louisiana and East Texas area, including beginning work in 2004 toward a full orchestra. Get the whole story. Click HERE.

Members in the News:

Click here for article and photo of CR², Connie, Ron and Ron.

To read about members of the Scoggins family involved in music and VPCO, click on: http://www.leesvilledailyleader.

Click here for a Leesville Daily Leader article on VPCO plans:

http://www.leesvilledailyleader

Text Box: Spring Concert Sunday, March 21 3 p. m. Leesville H.S. Auditorium VPCO’s string section ended its Fall 2009 season with a rousing concert in Jasper on Sunday, December 6. Young musicians in the beginners Presto orchestra set the tone with their opening numbers, rating a standing ovation from the approving audience. Developing musicians in the transitional group, Serenade, followed with a performance that maintained the standard. Flutist Barbara Schroeder-Buck soloed with “Suite in A Minor for Flute,” and Jerod Prewitt provided percussion accompaniment for the strings. Jasper pianist Quincy Martindale added piano accompaniment, and two of Martindale’s students played during intermission. Father Ron’s parishioners were delighted to hear an adult violin trio, CR² composed of Father Ron Foshage, Connie Hughes, and Ron Yule, performing an original composition written by Ron Yule. . A youth string quintet of Michler family members played “O Come Emmanuel.” Vernon Parish Community Orchestra’s string section also presented the “Cheers for America” program Sunday, November 15 at Leesville High School Auditorium and again at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1 in Wooten Hall in DeRidder.

“Cheers for America”

Text Box: Vernon Parish Community Orchestra (VPCO) is a talented ensemble that comprises about fifty volunteer musicians of all ages, from middle school age up. This locally grown community orchestra flourishes with dedicated members from Louisiana and Texas providing free concerts for the community. Orchestra members include advanced high school students, college students, music teachers, non-music community professionals, music professionals and seniors. Any persons interested in playing with the Vernon Parish Community Orchestra are invited to contact the director, Dr. Karen Gordy. Membership is by audition in order to keep balance in sound. Find out more about VPCO!

From Beethoven to Broadway!

Vernon Parish Community Orchestra presented its Spring Concert on Sunday, May 3 at Leesville High School Auditorium. Playing a mixture of show tunes, popular and classical music, performed by strings and full orchestra, the volunteer musicians offered an exciting program.

Vernon Parish Community Orchestra means:

· Free concerts

· Music instruction

· Instrumental performance

· Music appreciation

· Teamwork and leadership development

Friends

If you would like to be a Friend of the Orchestra, contact VPCO, c/o Betsy Scoggins, 108 W Lee, Leesville, LA 71446.

Click on Friends for more information.

Supporters who donate a larger amount of money are urged to send their donation to Betsy Scoggins, treasurer of VPCO Friends, at 108 W. Lee, Leesville 71446 in the name of the person they wish to vote for.

All monies go to the account of Vernon Parish Community Orchestra. VPCO is grateful for the generosity of the Friends.

Projects

SIZZLIN’ STRINGS STUDIO

Prospective students are invited to contact us and leave your name, address, phone number and email address. The student roster is currently filled, but as openings occur, students will be added. If you wish, let Dr. Gordy know your age, experience, instrument, and your goals. She looks forward to hearing from you!

Calendar

Ensemble Performances

VPCO provided music for a mayoral campaign event for Robert Rose on February 1 and for the grand opening of Threads Boutique, a new store in Leesville. Playing on February 1 were Dr. Karen Gordy, Ron Yule, Darlene Thompson, Elaine Kelley, Connie Hughes, and Marilyn Barry. The January 15 group at left: Ann Miller, Karen, Marilyn, Connie, Ron, and Frances Simmons.