New conductors join Coastside Community Orchestra

Two conductors bring the Coastside Community Orchestra (CCO) back to its roots for the 2008-2009 season.  Robert Smith and Sara Lomax will share conducting duties.  Robert Smith was one of the original conductors and Sara Lomax founded the orchestra with two other musicians in 1983. 

The CCO board coaxed these retired music teachers into taking on the job together.  The job-share allows flexibility in rehearsing (each will fill in for the other during vacations) and each will conduct a concert. Robert Smith will lead the CCO for the February 7th concert and Sara Lomax will conduct in May.

The orchestra is currently recruiting string players, especially violinists.  Coastside Orchestra members come from Pacifica to Pescadero and some from over the hill in San Mateo, Redwood City and Palo Alto.  With no auditions and open to members of the broader community (it’s an on-going class set up through Half Moon Bay Parks and Recreation) the CCO has a wide range of players.  Some people pick up instruments again after a long hiatus, others switch to a new instrument and others play at a professional level.  Students are welcome. 

The program for Feburary 7 will include Slavonic Dances; 1,2,3, Dvorak; Piano Concerto in C Major #21, Mozart, with Michaele Benedict at the piano and Symphony #8, by Dvorak.

Rehearsals start Wednesday September 17th from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Ted Adcock Community Center in Half Moon Bay, 535 Kelly Avenue.  For additional information see www.coastsideorchestra.com or contact CCO president Anne Pearlman, (650) 245-9845, [email protected].