| By Rachel Brandes Moapa Valley Progress Published September 10, 2008
The Moapa Valley Community Orchestra began rehearsals on Thursday, September 4 in the multi purpose room at Bowler Elementary School. This group performs under the direction of Torann Bender with Trish Andersen as the Orchestra’s conductor. This will be the third season for the Orchestra. The Orchestra is holding strong with approximately 15 players. The group is looking forward to a busy year. They have recently been taken under the wing of the Moapa Valley Arts Council. The Arts Council will handle scheduling performances and locations for the Orchestra as well as grant writing. “We are excited about this opportunity, it happened at just the right time,” said Bender. |
 The Moapa Valley Community Orchestra has performed at many community events over the past two years. Pictured here they perform on a beautiful fall day during the Park and Rec Craft Fair in 2007. |
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Starting off the season, the group will perform at the Arts Council Season Opener which will take place on Monday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ron Dalley Theatre at MVHS. The group will be working on a “perky piece” to play as the theme of the evening is “Can’t Stop The Beat”.
Last year the group played at a wide variety of venues which they hope to do again with the upcoming year. Venues played included the Pomegranate Festival, Lin’s Holiday Open House, Parks and Rec Holiday Craft Fair, Festival of Trees, Lost City Museum Christmas Open House, as well as their own winter and spring festivals. Members of the Orchestra include: on Violin; Walter White, Torann Bender, Trish Andersen, Viona Ekenstam, Emili Culp, Jessany Mortensen, Shelby Simper, Trenton Robison, and Jimmy Holland. On Viola; Marya Romero, Jacob Paul, and Erin Hills. On Cello; Maggie McMurray and Jessica Robison. Bryce Mortensen on Cello/Bass. Aurora Williams on the Flute; Mitzi Bender on Piano; and Jeff Andersen on Percussion. Rehearsals will continue to take place in the multi purpose room at Bowler Elementary School on Thursday nights with sectionals from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. and main rehearsal time from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. This group is non-profit and gladly accepts donations which are now tax deductible. If you have any questions about supporting this great Orchestra or joining you can contact Torann Bender at 398-8340 or 702-420-6663. |
