Fenton, MI — April 19, 2022
The Fenton Community Orchestra (FCO) and Simply Strings will hold their spring concert
at the Fenton High School Ruby F. Zima Auditorium on April 22 and 23. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the concert will begin at 7:30.
“I’m excited to bring a varied program of orchestral music that we’ve been looking forward to performing for a long time, as well as some music that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit,” said Andrew Perkins, FCO music director.
“The combined orchestras [FCO and Simply Strings] are planning to perform the Ukrainian National Anthem together, as an act of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”
“As we continue our return to normal operations, the FCO is excited to perform two shows this spring, said Eric Szczepanski, FCO board chair. Instead of an intermission, there will be a short transition so the full orchestra can set up after the combined ensembles perform the National Anthems.”
“We are grateful to the community for their strong support, especially the local businesses and foundations that allow us to share the orchestra experience with everyone. Because of their support, the concert is free, both nights, but donations are welcomed at the door and they help to secure matching grants.”
The FCO would like to thank the Marathon Flint Oil Company for sponsoring this season once again and First Choice Heating and Cooling for sponsoring our two-night spring concert. The FCO is supported in part by matching grants from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and Share Art Genesee.
About the Fenton Community Orchestra
The FCO is a community-supported orchestra that provides a place for musicians of all ages to connect through music by offering an educational and entertaining music program for its members and audiences. The FCO is under the artistic direction of Mr. Andrew Perkins and is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
The FCO 501c3 non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible. To make a donation and learn more about the Fenton Community Orchestra, visit: www.fentoncommunityorchestra.org
About Simply Strings
Simply Strings is an Intermediate Level String Orchestra geared towards Violin-Viola-Cello and Bass. Members have been playing a minimum of 1 year and/or have completed Suzuki Level 1 (or the equivalent). The orchestra consists of musicians aged 14 through adult.
Jane Ellen Ball is the Music Director and Conductor of Simply Strings. Mrs. Ball has been a Strings Educator since she was seventeen years old. She attended Miami University (of Ohio) where she pursued a Bachelor of Music Education with a minor in String Education. She did her Masters work in Music Education at Wright State University and Central Michigan University. Mrs. Ball enjoys the process that beginning students make – going from knowing not much of anything to being able to play a piece in 30 minutes!
