Island Sinfonia resumes on Sept. 22

The following was submitted by Island Sinfonia.

Celebrating the start of its 34th season of making musical memories for all ages, the Island Sinfonia chamber orchestra extends an open invitation to new and returning musicians for the first rehearsal on Sept. 22 in the Orcas School band room.

“Sinfonia is a warm and welcoming group of people with a wide range of experience and skill level. It’s a fun way to meet new people and learn new music. You don’t have to be perfect, just come have fun learning with us,” said Noah Atchley, concertmaster, from San Juan Island.

The group performs a wide variety of music, ranging from classical favorites to tunes from musicals and operas.

Rehearsals are held from noon to 2:30 p.m. every Saturday. This allows musicians from San Juan, Shaw and Lopez islands time to arrive for most of the rehearsal. We take a break from mid-December for the holidays and resume in early January. The Sinfonia is under the direction of Jim Shaffer-Bauck. Noah Atchley will also conduct during the season.

Concerts are held in the spring on each of these islands — Shaw, Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas — as musicians come from each of these islands. Please let Karen Blinn, Sinfonia manger, know if you would like to carpool, and our musicians will gladly help bring you to rehearsals and concerts.

“The Island Sinfonia concert was a special addition to our trip to the islands,” said an out-of-town concertgoer. “The talent and passion for the arts are very evident, and I was delighted to experience what the Sinfonia added to what I’d already experienced during our visit.”

All musicians are encouraged to give Sinfonia a try. We especially need violins and violas. Student musicians are encouraged to join and can earn community service by participating.

“We look forward to bringing new musicians into the Island Sinfonia family. Even if it has been a while since you played, or you’re a student just getting started, there’s a place for you here with us. We learn and grow as a musical family, sharing our love of music with our community and its visitors,” said Shaffer-Bauck.

For more information, contact Karen Blinn via text at 360-298-2434 or email at gblinn@rockisland.com.