10/01/12 Marshall County Church Orchestra member Cindy Flagg was the guest speaker at the Thursday morning meeting of Marshall County Triad. She shared the twelve year history of the orchestra by stating the Marshall County Church Orchestra seems to be one of the “best kept secrets of Marshall County”.
“After twelve years of playing in the Marshall County area I am always surprised at the number of people who say they had no idea Marshall County has an orchestra,” exclaimed Flagg.
The MCCO is an inter-denomination, multi-generational, not-for-profit organization. Under the direction of founder Don Harness, the group plays at nursing and assisted living facilities, churches, fairs and festivals, and for private parties. They also hold their well-known “Concert In The Park” series each summer. Their concert year culminates in November with a Concert & Dessert held at Christos’ Banquet Center in Plymouth.
“The orchestra does not charge for playing a concert,” said Flagg. “We are a volunteer organization who believes in sharing our talents and using them to serve God. However, we will accept donations. Music is one of our greatest expenses and donations are greatly appreciated. The only concert we charge a ticket price for is the annual concert and dessert and that is only to cover the cost of the food.”
Upon mentioning the cost of music Flagg showed some of the different books and sheet music the group uses. The MCCO plays all different styles including classical, movie and Broadway tunes, hymns, pop music and patriotic. Flagg also likes to collect gently used musical instruments for the person who indicates they may be interested in playing with the group but no longer has an instrument. This way she can offer a “loaner” instrument and the person can decide if this is really something they want to pursue before spending money on an instrument.
The MCCO’s concert schedule for the remainder of 2012 includes: Sunday, October 7th at Jacoby Church on King Road at 3:00 p.m.; Thursday and Friday evenings November 15th and 16th at Christos’ Banquet Center in Plymouth at 7:00 p.m.; and Thursday, December 6th at Miller’s Senior Living Community at 7:00 p.m.
New members are always welcome to attend rehearsals held each Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the R.E.M.C. building located at 11299 12th Road in Plymouth. Those interested in joining may call Harness at 574-936-7357. Those interested in a “loaner” instrument may call Flagg at 574-952-3661.
Photo Caption: Marshall County Church Orchestra member Cindy Flagg speaks at the Marshall County Triad meeting in September.
