Founded just two years ago, the Southern Delaware Orchestra has sold out concert venues across southern Delaware, providing a unique opportunity to bring orchestral music to our friends and neighbors.
But beyond the concerts lies a world of intricate preparation and dedication that often goes unnoticed. Let’s venture behind the scenes to uncover the hidden elements that bring a concert to the stage.
Volunteers: The backbone of the orchestra
Community orchestras are run by volunteers. We began with just two and grew to a group of over 50. Volunteers handle every element of the musical and business aspects of the orchestra’s operation.
Bringing the musicians together
We reached potential SODELO members through social media, advertising, contacts in the existing musical community, our networks and the press. Our August concerts marked our jump from a string ensemble to a full symphony orchestra, adding 30 musicians!
Finding a music director
A music director is the heart of any music group, and even more crucial as an orchestra is formed. When we approached him about introducing us to talented students, James Anderson, head of orchestral studies at UD, volunteered to lead us. He has been instrumental in improving the orchestra’s skills and helping us stretch to play a more challenging and broader repertoire.