The Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra — which includes Texas County residents — will perform a Christmas concert, “All is Calm…Then the Bells Rings,” on Dec. 14 at the historic Star Theater in Willow Springs.
It is at 3 p.m. Tickets at the door are $10 each and children under 5 are free.
A handbell choir also will perform traditional pieces.
Many gifted musicians from surrounding cities, including several current and former music teachers from Ava, Cabool, Houston, Mountain Grove, Mountain View, Thayer and West Plains, bring their energy and musicianship to the group.
Houston’s Jodie Forbes, musical director and conductor since 2017, has lived in this area for over 40 years. She has been a music teacher in Cabool, Houston and Willow Springs, and is giving private lessons for the STARS Foundation and playing in several musical groups during her spare time.
The Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra is sponsored by the Willow Springs Arts Council and has served the area since 2009. For more information on SOCO and the arts council, visit the website at www.willowspringsartscouncil.org and Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra on Facebook.
The orchestra and small ensembles are available for performance. Anyone that is interested in joining the group, can call Brandy Taylor at 417-259-7634 or Jodie Forbes at 417-217-0542. The group is looking for more string players (violins, violas and cello).