The Portland Community Orchestra meets weekly from September through May. Join us on Thursday nights from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM in the Portland High School band room.
Portland High School 1100 Ionia Rd, Portland, MI 48875
How We Got Our Start
Since organizing in 2005, the Portland Community Orchestra has been delighting local audiences with their assortment of classical and popular music. Portland residents and orchestra members Mike Judd and Loren Wright actually met while performing in the Mason Orchestral Society. After discussing their background, the duo decided to make use of local talent with the formation of the Portland Community Orchestra.By gathering nearby musicians and reaching out to the schools, members have formed a viable orchestra that celebrated its tenth anniversary on March 15, 2015.“Most little towns have their own band or orchestra, and we’ve got a strings program going now that will get kids playing and into the orchestra. Someday they’ll join us,” said Wright.
The orchestra has openings for instruments, and Judd encourages those who have not picked up their instrument in years to consider joining the group. No audition is necessary to join. Additionally, the orchestra invites students to likewise consider joining the orchestra.
After obtaining a 501(c)3 status last fall, members of the orchestra are looking for individuals to make tax-deductible donations to the group, which can be used to purchase sheet music and instruments.To keep student members interested, Judd said the group tries to switch up playing classical pieces with popular tunes, such as numbers by the Beatles.Another way the orchestra cultivates the musical abilities of students is through offering opportunities to conduct for the orchestra. We always encourage others to dust off their instrument and come join us,” said Judd.For more information on the Portland Community Orchestra, find us on Facebook: Portland Community Orchestra, or contact Judd at 517-285-0972, Loren Wright at 517-526-1562, or Pat Duff at 517-647-4345 or 517-526-3273.