Orchestra

The Fine Arts Orchestra is yet another important area to F.A.C.E. This group performs with the Community Singers as well as for many Effingham area organizations and activities.

The Orchestra is open to all those who desire to express themselves through music. The Orchestra welcomes all levels of playing ability and promises to expand your abilities to a higher level of performance. Come join and share in this outlet of artistic expression.

The F.A.C.E. Community Orchestra was originally organized as a string ensemble, but quickly grew into a full fledged small orchestra. As many as thirty musicians now play with the group.

Bob Bennet directed the orchestra for a short time, after which Rachelle Cekander took over the baton for a number of years, and still directs when needed.

A half dozen or more have led the orchestra since Rachelle's term. Some of the past directors, Kendra Johnson, Vickie Ludwig, Irene Koester, Suzie Hopper and Jessica Fearday, pinch-hit when needed.

Sacred Heart School band director, Beverly Marshall is the current director.

The orchestra is made up of amateur and professional musicians from surrounding communities. Bassist Warren Besing comes regularly from Olney, Illinois to play with the group.

There are no standards for joining the orchestra. The only requirement is a love for and a desire to play music. Ages of the musicians vary from ten to eighty five years.

Thanks to violin teacher, Steve Jones, the string section has recently grown to nine violinists. Steve has also trained and recruited many of the string players. More strings are welcome to join the group.

The orchestra practices every Thursday from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Sacred Heart School band room.

If interested in joining the orchestra, please contact Beverly Marshall at 217/347-5881 or Kendra Johnson at 217/868-9505.